UKThe University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme supports outstanding Master’s and PhD candidates to study at the University of Cambridge, UK under the Central Asian Faculty Development Programme; the scholarship covers tuition, an annual stipend, visa and IHS and gives priority to strong PhD candidates.
The scholarship is offered by the University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Cambridge Trust as part of UCA’s CAFDP to develop Central Asian academic capacity and prepare scholars for academic careers and engagement with UCA.
The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme Benefits
- University tuition fee (paid directly to Cambridge).
- Annual stipend in accordance with the applicable scholarship terms and funding arrangements.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Visa costs, subject to the applicable scholarship terms and any stated limits.
- Annual research allowance (PhD only) subject to applicable UCA policies and funding availability.
- Travel expenses to and from the UK at the start and conclusion of the studies in accordance with UCA’s applicable travel and reimbursement policies.
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The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (Applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will also be considered however priority will be given to applicants from the founding states).
- Higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognised university.
- Interest in master’s or PhD programme in departments reflecting UCA fields of interest, outlined above.
- Interest in a career within academia, including research and teaching.
- Demonstrated competency in chosen discipline.
- Demonstrated commitment to contributing to UCA following the completion of the CAFDP programme.
- Excellent English language skills: IELTS score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component) or TOEFL score of 110 (with 25 in each element).
How to Apply for The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme?
- Send all required documents in English as a single PDF file to cafdp@ucentralasia.org. Please name the file: Surname_FirstName_Cambridge_2027.pdf.
- CAFDP Application form
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (3 pages maximum).
- Personal statement outlining your short and long-term career goals, field of study and research interests, reasons for applying to CAFDP, and what makes you a good candidate for CAFDP at Cambridge (3 pages maximum).
- A short research proposal (3 pages maximum) if the course chosen is entirely or predominantly research-based or equal taught/research based.
- A copy of your passport.
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas.
- CAFDP Applicant Privacy Notice.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Thursday, 12 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme. These answers cover eligibility, programme priorities, application process, funding coverage, and post-study expectations to help applicants prepare their submissions.
Is there an age limit for applicants to apply for The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme?
No. There is no specific age restriction for the UCA-Cambridge Scholarship. Both recent graduates and mid-career professionals are welcome to apply provided they meet the programme’s requirements, including academic qualifications, alignment with UCA’s priority fields, and other eligibility criteria set out by UCA for the CAFDP scholarship.
Can I apply if I have already completed a master’s or PhD?
Yes. Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree may apply if their proposed study area is relevant to UCA’s priorities. The programme allows applicants with prior postgraduate qualifications to apply, provided their proposed Cambridge study aligns with the scholarship’s focus and UCA’s institutional needs.
Is the The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme open for both master’s and PhD studies?
Yes. The scholarship supports both master’s and PhD studies, including integrated MPhil-to-PhD programmes. However, priority will be given to strong PhD applicants. Applicants are encouraged to focus on one programme when preparing their application to present a strong and well-defined case.
What programmes are prioritised for The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme?
Priority is given to fields identified in the announcement that align with UCA’s academic and research priorities, 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, and Cultural Heritage and Society. Other relevant fields may be considered based on UCA needs.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL results when applying to UCA?
IELTS or TOEFL results are not required at the initial UCA application stage. Applicants must ultimately meet the English-language requirements of their chosen Cambridge programme. A Medium of Instruction letter may be included with the UCA application, and Cambridge will determine if a formal test is required.
What is the application process for The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme?
The process has two stages: first, submit a complete application to UCA (CAFDP) for review and shortlisting by the UCA selection committee; second, shortlisted applicants will be invited to apply formally to the University of Cambridge under the scholarship, completing Cambridge’s online admission process and meeting its deadlines and requirements.
Can I apply directly to Cambridge without going through UCA?
You may apply independently to Cambridge, but an independent Cambridge application does not qualify you for funding through the UCA–Cambridge Scholarship Programme. Applicants seeking this scholarship must first go through UCA’s selection and shortlisting process to be considered for CAFDP funding.
What does the The University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme cover?
The scholarship covers full University of Cambridge tuition fees (paid directly to Cambridge), an annual living stipend, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and visa costs. UCA additionally provides a research allowance for PhD students and covers travel expenses to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the study period, subject to policies and availability.
What are the post-graduation expectations for recipients?
Scholarship recipients are expected to remain engaged with UCA during their studies and to contribute to the University after completion through teaching, research, or other agreed activities. Any post-graduation engagement or employment will depend on UCA’s needs, available opportunities, and standard recruitment and approval processes, without guaranteeing employment.
How will I know if my application has been received and who can I contact?
UCA will acknowledge receipt of applications by email. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documents are submitted by the deadline. For further information or follow-up questions, applicants can email cafdp@ucentralasia.org and are encouraged to review UCA’s website and privacy notice for applicants.
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