How to apply for funding Cambridge?

To apply for funding at Cambridge, submit your main course application via the Applicant Portal, ticking 'Yes' to apply for funding, which covers many university scholarships like Gates Cambridge; apply early for funding deadlines (often Dec/Jan) for automatic consideration, and provide extra info for specific funds; or, apply separately for external scholarships, ensuring you meet deadlines and secure required references, using the University's Funding Search tool.

How to get funding for Cambridge?

Applying for undergraduate funding

1. Step 1: Find your course and College. Applicants may study any subject currently available at the University of Cambridge. ...
2. Step 2: Find your scholarships. ...
3. Step 3: Submit your UCAS application. ...
4. Step 4: Apply for Cambridge Trust funding. ...
5. Step 5: The awards process.

How to apply for funding?

Writing a funding application

1. Always keep your project plan in mind. ...
2. Write in plain English. ...
3. Be specific about what you plan to do. ...
4. Focus your application on the funder's priorities. ...
5. Provide evidence that your work is needed.

What is the funding deadline in Cambridge?

The funding deadlines for the 2026/7 (Michaelmas 26, Lent 27, Easter 27) academic year are 2 December 2025 and 7 January 2026 at 23:59 GMT. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship (US round) deadline is 15 October 2025 at 23:59 GMT. Your funding deadline, depends on the course you apply for.

How do you apply for the Cambridge bursary?

There's no application process for the Cambridge Bursary, or the related awards and scholarships. You're considered automatically if you apply to Student Finance for a loan, as your eligibility is based on household income. You do not need to take up the loan.

Postgraduate funding at Cambridge | #GoingToCambridge

Does Cambridge university give 100% scholarships?

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding. * The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students; applicants should see the Graduate Studies prospectus for full details about precise amounts.

What are the requirements to qualify for a bursary?

Who can qualify?

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have achieved an average of 65% and above in the latest examinations (mid-year / June)
• Be registered for full time undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
• Meet the admission requirements of your university if applying for a post-graduate bursary.

What is the lowest GPA to get into Cambridge?

University of Cambridge GPA requirements

University of Cambridge in United Kingdom requires students to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.7 in order to stand a good chance to get admission into University of Cambridge.

Is it harder to get into Oxford or Cambridge?

Oxford and Cambridge are highly competitive, and unfortunately, you can only apply to one per year. According to these acceptance numbers, Cambridge appears to be the easier to get accepted.

How late is too late to apply for scholarships?

It's generally never too late to apply for scholarships, as deadlines vary year-round, but many fall between September and May, with large awards often having earlier deadlines (Fall/Winter). You can apply while in high school, college (sophomore, junior, senior), or even for graduate studies, but consistently searching and applying throughout the year, especially during breaks, maximizes opportunities, as some scholarships are rolling. 

How to successfully apply for funding?

The funding application needs to be realistic rather than unique. Remember that the application will likely be viewed by someone who doesn't know you, so it is important that you describe what you are planning clearly and concisely. Don't overcomplicate sentences and don't use jargon.

How do I ask for funding?

Application for funding should be in writing and should include an executive summary and a business plan.

1. BUSINESS PLAN. Draw up a well-researched business plan, stating a compelling case for funding.
2. REGISTER ONLINE. ...
3. UPLOAD APPLICATION. ...
4. PROCESS APPLICATION. ...
5. APPROVAL STATUS. ...
6. LOAN CONTRACT. ...
7. BEGIN FUNDING.

How to get free money if you're struggling?

If you're struggling financially, seek "free money" through government assistance (SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, Unemployment), grants from charities (United Way, Modest Needs), or local programs (council/county aid for rent/utilities). You can also generate quick cash by selling unneeded items (Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark) or doing gig work (UberEats, Grubhub) while applying for benefits and grants for long-term help like housing or utility assistance. 

Can you get a full ride to Cambridge?

Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Study at the University of Cambridge on a Fully Funded Award. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world's most prestigious international scholarships, offering full funding for exceptional students from outside the UK to pursue graduate study at the University of Cambridge.

How many Gates Scholars per year?

The Gates Scholarship is one of the most generous minority scholarships and merit-based scholarships out there. Each year, the 300 Gates Scholarship winners receive an award to cover the total cost of college, minus financial aid, other scholarships for college, and the expected family contribution.

Can I get a 100% scholarship?

Yes, 100% scholarships (full-ride or full-tuition) are possible but extremely rare and highly competitive, awarded to only a tiny percentage of students, often requiring exceptional academics, athletics, leadership, or significant financial need, sometimes a combination, and usually involve applying to prestigious universities or specific programs like ROTC or certain international awards. While difficult, securing one involves outstanding grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and proactive searching for specific, prestigious opportunities, with many students stacking smaller awards to cover costs. 

Do you need all 9s to get into Cambridge?

Yes, your grades will need to really dazzle. GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What is the easiest degree to get at Cambridge?

Once again, the top ten courses for offer rate and acceptance rate are relatively consistent; Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) is by far and away the 'easiest' course to get into at the University of Cambridge, with a whopping 61% of applicants receiving an offer, and 50.4% eventually being accepted onto the course.

How hard is it for Americans to get into Cambridge?

Getting into Cambridge as an American is extremely difficult, requiring near-perfect scores (5s in 5+ APs, SAT 1450-1500+ or ACT 32-35+) for its highly competitive ~21-22% overall acceptance rate, plus mandatory subject-specific tests and intense interviews, often seeing success rates below 10% for US applicants in some years. Success hinges on exceptional grades, top standardized test scores, relevant AP/IB scores, subject-specific tests (like the STEP for Maths or BMAT/UCAT for Medicine), and demonstrating deep subject passion in interviews, as they seek top global talent, not just typical US applicants. 

Do you need all 9s for Oxbridge?

You DO NOT need all 9s to Oxbridge. Not even close… -> Unversities look at GCSEs in content of your school's average GCSE grade. They're comparing you against your GCSE cohort, not the other Oxford applicants.

Is 3 A levels enough for Cambridge?

The reality is that three A-levels are enough for nearly all university applications, including to top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics. These universities base their offers on three subjects.

Do you pay back bursary money?

No, you generally do not have to pay back a bursary because it's a form of financial aid or grant, not a loan, given based on need, merit, or other criteria. However, exceptions exist, such as if you withdraw early from a course (like with US Pell Grants) or fail to meet specific conditions (like teaching requirements for some TEACH Grants), which might trigger repayment of unearned funds. 

Can everyone get a bursary?

Scholarships and bursaries may be offered on the basis of a student's academic abilities, household income, or a combination of both. The money could be used to help pay towards tuition fees, books, equipment, childcare and travel.

Do bursaries cover full tuition fees?

The eligibility criteria is often based on academic merit or financial need. If you receive a bursary, then it can cover partial or full tuition fees. Furthermore, some institutions partner with international organizations to provide additional funding.