Applications are now open for the University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme, offering prestigious postgraduate opportunities for master’s and doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. This fully-funded scholarship is designed to support outstanding academics from Central Asia in fields including climate sciences, development economics, public health, media communications, and more. The scholarship is available to citizens of Central Asian countries with priority consideration (applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are also welcome).
There is no application fee. With a UCA application deadline of 12 November 2026, this is an exceptional opportunity to pursue advanced research at one of the world’s leading universities while maintaining strong connections to Central Asia and committing to future academic contributions in the region. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Ms & PhD
- Host Country: United Kingdom (University of Cambridge)
- Application Deadline: Thursday, 12 November 2026 (midnight, GMT+6)
- Information Session: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 4 pm GMT+6 (online)
- Nationality: Open to citizens of Central Asian countries
- Application Fee: None
- Funding Type: Fully funded scholarship
- Mentorship: Dual mentorship provided (Cambridge supervisor + UCA mentor)
What This Scholarship Offers:
- Full funding for your entire postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge
- Dual mentorship support throughout your studies from both Cambridge supervisors and dedicated UCA mentors, providing comprehensive guidance and career development
- Teaching experience and pedagogical training opportunities during your studies, preparing you for academic careers (especially for PhD scholars)
- Comprehensive reintegration support after graduation, helping you transition into academic or research roles
- Career advancement opportunities within academia, research institutions, and UCA itself
- Professional development through academic writing, publication, and presentation opportunities
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Who Can Apply?
Geographic Eligibility
Priority will be given to citizens from UCA’s founding states:
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
Applicants from the following countries will also be considered:
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
Academic Requirements
- Hold a higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognized university
- Be interested in pursuing a master’s or PhD programme in departments aligned with UCA’s fields of interest
- Demonstrate strong academic competency in your chosen discipline
- Have a genuine interest in an academic career, including research and teaching
- Show demonstrated commitment to contributing to UCA after completing the CAFDP programme
- Possess excellent English language skills with either:
- IELTS score of 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each component), OR
- TOEFL score of 110 (minimum 25 in each element)
Also Check: Maastricht University (UM) Scholarship programme for BS & MS
Fields of Study:
Scholarships are available for research aligned with UCA’s academic interests:
- 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 based on UCA’s specific needs. Research topics with theoretical or applied relevance to Central Asia are especially preferred. Doctoral scholars should expect to conduct fieldwork in Central Asia during the 2nd or 3rd year of their programme.
Also Check: Graduate Ellison Scholars programme at the University of Oxford, UK
What You Need to Submit:
Send all required documents in English as a single PDF file to [email protected]
File naming format: Surname_FirstName_Cambridge_2027.pdf
Required Documents
- Completed CAFDP Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
- Personal statement (maximum 3 pages) including:
- Your short and long-term career goals
- Field of study and research interests
- Reasons for applying to CAFDP
- What makes you a good candidate for this scholarship
- Short research proposal (maximum 3 pages) — required if your chosen course is entirely or predominantly research-based, or equally taught/research-based
- Copy of your passport
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Signed CAFDP Applicant Privacy Notice
Also Check: HBKU Scholarship for Master’s, PhD & Law 2027 in Qatar (Fully Funded)
Important Information About Selection:
- Your application will be reviewed by the UCA selection committee
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete the full University of Cambridge online application
- Shortlisting by UCA does not guarantee admission to Cambridge or any scholarship award—these are subject to separate University of Cambridge and Cambridge Trust assessment and requirements
- Familiarize yourself with the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory while preparing your UCA application
How to Apply:
- Step 1 (Optional): Attend the information session on 15 October 2026 at 4 pm GMT+6 to learn more about the scholarship
- Step 2 (Required): Submit your complete application to UCA by 12 November 2026 (midnight, GMT+6)
- Step 3 (If shortlisted): Invited candidates submit full application to University of Cambridge by 3 December 2026 or 5 January 2027 (depending on your chosen programme)
Also Check: National University of Singapore MBA Scholarship Programme
