Are you a student from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, or  Pakistan and willing to pursue your master’s or PhD degree at one of the most recognized Universities in the United Kingdom, you can apply to the UCA—Cambridge Trust Scholarship to study at Cambridge University and have the opportunity to work at University of Central Asia. This scholarship, offered by the University of Central Asia and Cambridge Trust, provides funding to cover university tuition and living expenses.

UCA Cambridge Trust Scholarship details:

Deadline: November 16, 2025         Level of Study: Master’s and PhD

Location: United Kingdom           Institution: University of Cambridge

Cambridge application deadline: December 2, 2025/January 7, 2026

Scholarship awarding Organizations: University of Central Asia and Cambridge Trust

Fields of Study:

Eligible fields include the following:

• Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences,
• Computer and Data Sciences,
• Media and Communications,
• Development Economics,
• Climate Economics and Public Policy,
• Cultural Heritage and Society.
• Other fields may be considered based on UCA’s needs. Where appropriate, preference will be given to research topics that engage with theoretical or applied work, especially those pertinent to the Central Asian region.

The research undertaken will also be expected to have direct relevance to Central Asia, and fieldwork would, therefore, normally be undertaken in Central Asia during the second or third year of the doctoral program.

Note: this scholarship does not cover MBA and MFin degrees.

Scholarship benefits:

• Full Tuition fees
• Annual stipend for a single person (not dependents )
• immigration health surcharge (IHS)
• Visa costs

Additional support from UCA:

• Annual research allowance (PhD only)
• Travel expenses to and from the UK at the start and conclusion of studies

Note: the scholarship will not provide any financial support for the family member.

Related: Apply to 100 Fully Funded Scholarship at Stanford University

What is the eligibility requirement for the UCA Cambridge Trust Scholarship?

• Be nationals of one of the following countries: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan. Preference will be given to nationals of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
• Obtained a higher education degree from an accredited university with high academic performance
• Be interested in pursuing His/her master’s or PhD in the fields mentioned above.
• interested in working within academia, including research and teaching
• Ability to demonstrate the competencies required for his/her chosen field of study
• Meet English language requirement: IELTS 7.5/ TOEFL 110 (25 in each section)
• Economics students are required to have a GRE general test score; however, UK university graduates are not required to have a GRE.
• demonstrated commitment to undertaking employment with UCA in teaching and/or research following the completion of the CAFDP program;
• 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);
• GRE General Test scores for Economics programmes (not required if the applicant has a degree from a UK institution). GMAT tests are not accepted.

Required documents

• CV – not more than 3 pages
• Copy of passport
• Educational Transcripts and Diplomas
• Personal Statement – not be more than three pages and include:
  • Why are you a good qualified candidate for this scholarship?
  • What are your short-term and long-term career goals
  • What field of study and research are you interested in?
  • Your reasons for applying to the CAFDP
•  Research proposal – not more than 3 pages (if the course is research-based).
• CAFdp application form 

Conditions

Scholarship recipients will be required to work at UCA in an agreed-upon teaching and/or research role for a period corresponding to the length of their studies at the University of Cambridge.

Scholarship recipients will be assigned to a UCA mentor throughout their studies at Cambridge, in addition and supplement to their Cambridge mentor/supervisor. This will support their reintegration into UCA following the completion of their studies.

How to apply?

Eligible and interested candidates need to apply via email no later than November 16, 2025

The final date for admission to the University of Cambridge for UCA shortlisted students is December 2, 2025 – January 7, 2026, depending on the field of study.

Therefore, all candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the online admission application form in parallel to submitting their application to UCA.

Submission Email: cafdp@ucentralasia.org

Successful applicants will be required to work at the University of Central Asia for a period of three years following the completion of their studies.

You may also apply: 

• DAAD Scholarship for Master’s Program Infrastructure Planning (MIP) in Germany
• The Peter Salama MPH Tuition Scholarship for Refugees in the U.S.
• MA Degree Scholarships of OSCE Academy in Kyrgyzstan 2026-2028 (Fully Funded)
• Russian Government Scholarships for Bachelor, Master and PhD in 500 Russian Universities
• NOHA-EMJMD Erasmus+ Scholarship in International Humanitarian Action 2024-2026
• The Emile Boutmy Undergraduate and Master Scholarship 2025-26 in France
• MA Degree Scholarships of OSCE Academy in Kyrgyzstan 2025-2027 (Fully Funded)

For more information, please contact UCA via email at cafdp@ucentralasia.org or visit the University of Central Asia Website.