Obtaining a Cambridge scholarship is exceptionally rare due to intense global competition and the limited number of awards available compared to the high demand from academically outstanding candidates.
The Rarity of Cambridge Scholarships
Securing any form of financial aid, particularly a full scholarship, at the University of Cambridge is highly competitive. The university attracts top students from around the world, making both admission and scholarship awards incredibly selective.
Competition for International Scholarships
For international students, one of the most significant sources of funding is the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust. This Trust stands as the largest provider of funding for international students at Cambridge. Each year, the Trust awards approximately 500 new scholarships. While it supports between 1,100 and 1,400 students in residence annually (which includes multi-year awards and students receiving supplementary funding), the number of new scholarships available each year remains very limited when considering the vast number of international applicants.
Practical Insight: Given that the University of Cambridge is home to over 9,000 international students and receives tens of thousands of applications from prospective international students annually, the success rate for obtaining one of these 500 scholarships is extremely low, highlighting the intense level of competition.
Factors Contributing to Scholarship Rarity
Beyond the sheer numbers, several factors contribute to the rarity of Cambridge scholarships:
- Exceptional Academic Merit: Scholarships are typically awarded only to students who have demonstrated an outstanding academic record, often at the very top of their cohort.
- Intense Global Pool: Applicants come from all corners of the globe, many of whom are already highly accomplished in their respective fields or educational systems.
- Limited Funding: While Cambridge is well-endowed, the demand for financial assistance far outstrips the available funding, even from major trusts like the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust.
- Demonstrated Need: For many scholarships, particularly those aimed at supporting international students, applicants must demonstrate significant financial need alongside their academic excellence.
Types of Cambridge Scholarships
Cambridge offers various types of scholarships, though all are highly competitive:
- University-Wide Scholarships: These are often the most prestigious and are open to students across all colleges and departments, based on academic merit and/or financial need.
- College Scholarships: Individual Cambridge colleges may offer their own scholarships to their admitted students. These can be for academic achievement, specific subjects, or general support.
- Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments may have specific funding opportunities tied to particular courses or research areas.
- External Scholarships: Many students also secure funding from external organizations, governments, or charities in their home countries.
For more information on financial support for international students at Cambridge, you can visit the official Cambridge International Students website.
