UCA-Cambridge Scholarship for Master’s and Doctoral Studies (2026-2027)

Applications are now open for the prestigious UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Programme for the 2026-2027 academic year. This fully funded scholarship supports outstanding candidates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (with consideration for Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to pursue master’s or PhD studies at the University of Cambridge, UK. Aligned with the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), it covers fields such as Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Development Economics, and more, focusing on Central Asia’s development needs.

The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, living stipend, visa, and travel costs, with no application fee. The UCA application deadline is November 16, 2025, with Cambridge applications due by December 2, 2025, or January 7, 2026, depending on the program. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Eligible Countries: Priority for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan; Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan also considered
• Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, or integrated MPhil-to-PhD
• Fields of Study: Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences; Computer and Data Sciences; Media and Communications; Development Economics; Climate Economics; Public Health; Cultural Heritage, and related fields
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition, annual stipend, Immigration Health Surcharge, visa, PhD research allowance, UK travel)
• Application Fee: None
• Key Deadlines:
  • UCA Application: November 16, 2025 (midnight, GMT+6)
  • Cambridge Application: December 2, 2025, or January 7, 2026 (program-dependent)
  • Information Session: October 13, 2025, 16:00 (GMT+6, online)

Programme Overview

The UCA-Cambridge Scholarship supports exceptional candidates from UCA’s founding states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—with consideration also given to applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (priority given to founding states). The scholarship funds studies in fields aligned with UCA’s strategic goals, preparing scholars for teaching and research roles, particularly at UCA.

UCA operates residential campuses in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog (Tajikistan), with a planned campus in Tekeli (Kazakhstan). The Graduate School of Development, primarily based in Bishkek, drives UCA’s research initiatives. To date, the scholarship has supported 1 postdoctoral, 8 PhD, and 4 master’s researchers, fostering academic excellence in Central Asia.

Also check: Erasmus Mundus MESPOM Scholarship 2026-2028

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship covers graduate and postgraduate studies in areas relevant to UCA’s focus, including:

• Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences
• Computer and Data Sciences
• Media and Communications
• Development Economics
• Climate Economics and Public Policy
• Public Health and Health Economics
• Cultural Heritage and Society

Other fields may be considered if aligned with UCA’s needs. Research should ideally focus on Central Asia, with fieldwork typically conducted in the region during the 2nd or 3rd year of doctoral studies.

Note: MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees are not eligible.

Also check: Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

• Full university tuition (paid directly to Cambridge)
• Annual stipend for living expenses
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Visa costs
• Annual research allowance (PhD only)
• Travel expenses to/from the UK at the start and end of studies

Important: The scholarship does not cover dependents or family members.

Post-Study Opportunities

Recipients are offered an employment contract with UCA, committing to a teaching or research role after completing their studies. Scholars are assigned a UCA mentor (in addition to a Cambridge supervisor) to support their academic journey and reintegration into UCA.

Check also: Qatar University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan (priority); Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (considered)
• Higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognized university
• Interest in master’s or PhD programs aligned with UCA’s fields of interest
• Commitment to an academic career in research and teaching
• Demonstrated competency in the chosen discipline
• Commitment to work with UCA post-graduation
• English proficiency: IELTS 7.5 (minimum 7.0 per component) or TOEFL 110 (minimum 25 per element)
• GRE General Test scores for Economics programs (not required for UK degree holders; GMAT not accepted)

Best opportunity: CERN Administrative Student Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Application Process

1. Submit to UCA: By November 16, 2025 (midnight, GMT+6), send the following to [email protected]:
   • CAFDP Application Form
   • CV/Resume (max 3 pages)
   • Personal statement (max 3 pages) outlining career goals, field of study, research interests, and why you’re a strong candidate
   • Research proposal (max 3 pages) for research-based or mixed taught/research programs
   • Passport copy
   • Academic transcripts and diplomas
2. Cambridge Application: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply to the University of Cambridge by December 2, 2025, or January 7, 2026, depending on the program. Check the Postgraduate Course Directory for details.
3. Parallel Preparation: Familiarize yourself with Cambridge’s online application portal while applying to UCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

• Is there an age limit? No, both recent graduates and mid-career professionals can apply if they meet the criteria.
• Can I apply if I already have a master’s or PhD? Yes, if the proposed study aligns with UCA’s priorities.
• Master’s or PhD? Both are eligible, including integrated MPhil-to-PhD programs. Focus on one strong application.

Also check: ESRC PhD Studentships at Middlesex University (Apply Now)

Priority Areas

• What programs are prioritized? Fields aligned with UCA’s teaching and research focus (see above). Check UCA’s website for details.
• Can I apply for non-priority fields? Yes, if relevant to UCA’s mission or regional development needs.
• Are business programs covered? No, MBA and similar programs are not supported.

Language and Tests

• Is IELTS/TOEFL required? Yes, all applicants must meet Cambridge’s English proficiency requirements.
• Where do I submit test scores? Submit to Cambridge if you receive a conditional offer. UCA does not require them initially.
• How long are test scores valid? Until the start of the academic year.

Application Process

• What are the steps? Apply to UCA first for shortlisting, then to Cambridge if selected.
• Can I apply directly to Cambridge? Yes, but you won’t be eligible for UCA-Cambridge Trust funding.
• Do I need a supervisor? PhD applicants should identify potential supervisors early; not required for master’s.
• Can I reapply? Yes, strengthen your application for future rounds.

Also check: CCP Fellowships 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)

Financial Coverage

• What’s covered? Tuition, stipend, IHS, visa, PhD research allowance, and UK travel.
• Dependents supported? No, the scholarship is for individual scholars only.
• Duration? One year for master’s, three to four years for PhDs.

Post-Study Commitment

• What’s required after graduation? Contribute to UCA or AKDN in teaching, research, or other roles based on your field and opportunities.
• Where will I work? Primarily UCA, but AKDN roles are possible. Details will be discussed during interviews.