Are you dreaming of pursuing your master’s or PhD at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions without worrying about the heavy tuition and living costs? If you want to build a high-impact career around research and university teaching, UCA–Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2027–2028 offers a golden opportunity.
Jointly established with the Cambridge Trust through the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), this scholarship funds exceptional scholars across key academic disciplines.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the scholarship benefits, eligible fields, application deadlines, and step-by-step submission process.
UCA–Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028: Highlights
| Feature | Details / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Study Levels | Master’s and Ph.D. (Note: Strong doctoral candidates receive priority) |
| Target Countries | Priority Citizenships: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan Also Considered: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan |
| Financial Support | University tuition, annual stipend, visa costs, and Immigration Health Surcharge support |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS: Overall 7.5 (min. 7.0 per component) OR TOEFL: 110 (min. 25 per element) |
| Application Route | Apply to UCA first via email; shortlisted candidates then apply through the Cambridge Applicant Portal |
| UCA Submission Deadline | 12 November 2026 (Midnight GMT+6 / UTC+6) |
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship focuses on academic areas crucial to regional development and global research. Eligible disciplines include:
- 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
(Note: Other fields may be considered based on UCA’s institutional needs. Professional degrees like MBAs, EMBAs, MFin, and BusD are excluded.)
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Carrying out advanced studies abroad can be financially daunting. This award provides comprehensive backing under its terms:
- Full University and College tuition fees at Cambridge.
- An annual living-cost stipend.
- Support for the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fees.
- Travel assistance to and from the UK at the start and end of the program (per UCA travel policy).
- Ph.D. research allowances (subject to UCA policy and funding availability).
Important Note: Dependants are not funded under this scholarship scheme. Furthermore, successful scholars are expected to maintain an academic engagement with UCA during their studies and contribute afterwards through teaching, research, or agreed professional activities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application is structured in two main stages. Missing either stage or failing to follow instructions can affect your candidacy.
Stage 1: The UCA Dossier (Deadline: 12 November 2026)
You must first submit your complete dossier directly to UCA. Prepare the following documents in English and combine them into a single PDF file named Surname_FirstName_Cambridge_2027.pdf:
- CAFDP Application Form: State your intended Cambridge course, department, and academic qualifications.
- CV & Personal Statement: Maximum 3 pages each. Use your CV to highlight academic achievements and your statement to outline your research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying.
- Research Proposal: Maximum 3 pages (mandatory for research-based or mixed taught/research courses).
- Identity & Academic Records: Passport copy, official university transcripts, and degree diplomas.
- Signed Applicant Privacy Notice: Downloaded, completed, signed by hand, and dated.
Where to send: Email your compiled PDF dossier to cafdp@ucentralasia.org.
Stage 2: The Cambridge Portal (Shortlisted Candidates Only)
If UCA shortlists your application, you will be invited to officially apply through the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
- Indicate clearly on your Cambridge application that you wish to be considered for funding via the Cambridge Trust.
- Ensure your academic referees submit their recommendations before Cambridge’s designated funding deadlines.
- Note: Be prepared for Cambridge application fees (£20 for doctoral applicants or £85 for other postgraduate applicants, unless waived).
Important Dates to Remember
- UCA Submission Deadline: 12 November 2026 (23:59 GMT+6)
- Shortlisted Cambridge Portal Deadlines: 3 December 2026 or 5 January 2027 (depending on your specific department’s course deadline).
If you are aiming for this prestigious pathway, start early by finalizing your course selection on the Cambridge Course Directory and drafting a compelling statement of purpose!
