The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship is a joint initiative between the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Cambridge Trust (University of Cambridge, UK).
It offers fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships for outstanding candidates from Central and South Asia, especially those interested in academic and research careers at UCA.
It’s part of UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), meant to prepare future university faculty members.
Table of Contents
UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host University | University of Cambridge |
| Eligible Nationalities | Mentioned in the Eligibility |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Scholarship Duration | 1 to 4 Years |
| Deadline | November 16, 2025 |
Eligible Fields of Study in UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Program
You can apply in areas aligned with UCA’s academic and research goals:
- Earth, Climate & Environmental Sciences
- Computer & Data Sciences
- Media & Communications
- Development or Climate Economics & Public Policy
- Public Health & Health Economics
- Cultural Heritage & Society
- Other fields may be considered if they relate to Central Asia.
Note: MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees are not covered.
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Benefits of the UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship
Fully funded support including:
- Cambridge tuition fees (paid directly)
- Annual stipend for living expenses
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- UK visa costs
- For PhD students:
- Annual research allowance
- Travel expenses to/from the UK at the start and end of the programme
No financial support for dependents or family members.
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Eligibility Requirements of the UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Program
- Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (founding states) are prioritized.
- Applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are also eligible and will be considered.
- Must hold an excellent academic record from a recognized university.
- Must show a clear interest in academic research and/or teaching.
- Must commit to working with UCA in a teaching or research position after finishing studies.
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Required Documents for UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship 2026
- CAFDP Application Form
- CV / Resume (max 3 pages)
- Personal Statement (max 3 pages) including:
- Short & long-term career goals
- Field of study & research interests
- Why you’re applying
- What makes you a good candidate for CAFDP
- Short Research Proposal (max 3 pages) only if your course is research-based or mixed taught/research.
- Copy of passport
- Academic transcripts & diplomas
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English & Test Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each band)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 110 (minimum 25 ein ach component)
- GRE General Test: Required only for Economics programmes
(GMAT not accepted)
How to Apply UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship
- Check eligibility
- Citizen of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
- Excellent academic record + strong English (IELTS 7.5 / TOEFL 110).
- Committed to working with UCA after studies.
- Prepare documents (in English)
- CAFDP Application Form
- CV (≤ 3 pages)
- Personal Statement (≤ 3 pages)
- Research Proposal (≤ 3 pages, if research-based)
- Passport copy
- Academic Transcripts & Diplomas
- IELTS/TOEFL (+ GRE for Economics)
- Submit to UCA
- Email all files to cafdp@ucentralasia.org
- Deadline: 16 Nov 2025 (midnight GMT+6)
- If shortlisted → apply formally to the University of Cambridge
- Via the Cambridge online portal
- Deadlines: 2 Dec 2025 / 7 Jan 2026 (depends on programme)
- Selection & Award
- Jointly chosen by UCA + Cambridge Trust.
- Scholarship covers tuition, stipend, visa & health fees (PhD also gets research/travel support).
- After graduation
- Work with UCA in a teaching or research role.
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Commitment After Graduation
- You’ll sign an employment contract with UCA, agreeing to teach or research after graduation.
- Each scholar gets a UCA mentor in addition to their Cambridge supervisor to guide them and help with reintegration after returning.
Important Dates
- Online info session: 13 Oct 2025 (16:00 GMT+6)
- UCA application deadline: 16 Nov 2025
- Cambridge application deadline:
- 2 Dec 2025 or 7 Jan 2026 (depending on programme)
