The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral award created for students from across Africa who want to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge. It is offered by the Cambridge Trust in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
What makes this scholarship stand out is its focus: it backs researchers whose work contributes to African development and to climate-resilient, sustainable futures. If your research has real-world relevance to the continent, this award is built with you in mind.
For African applicants, the appeal is simple. You can study at one of the world’s leading universities without worrying about tuition, living costs, visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge and there is no separate scholarship form to complete. Eligible PhD applicants are considered automatically.
Scholarship benefits
- Full University tuition fees
- An annual stipend sufficient for a single person
- Immigration Health Surcharge covered
- Visa costs covered
- Travel and research allowances
- Funding for the entire duration of the PhD, typically 3–4 years, depending on the course
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a citizen of any African country.
✔ You are applying for a PhD programme at the University of Cambridge.
✔ You can demonstrate financial need.
✔ Your research supports African development and climate-resilient, sustainable futures.
✔ Your chosen field is among the academic disciplines offered for PhD study at Cambridge. All fields are eligible.
Application tips for African students
- Anchor your research to the mission. Selection weighs how relevant your work is to African development and climate-resilient futures, so make this connection explicit in your research proposal.
- Track the funding deadline, not just the admission deadline. Deadlines vary by course. Please check the funding deadline for your specific programme in the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory and submit well before it.
- Line up strong academic referees early. A competitive PhD application rests on excellent references; ask potential recommenders months in advance and brief them on your research focus.
- Get transcripts and certificates ready. Have official academic documents certified and, where needed, translated into English so your application package is complete on time.
- Confirm any English-language requirement with your department. Cambridge typically expects proof of English proficiency for international applicants. Please plan your IELTS or TOEFL test early so scores are ready when you apply.
- Make the case for financial need clearly. Since financial need is one of the selection criteria, present your circumstances honestly and concretely.
- Apply early. A strong proposal often needs several drafts; starting early gives you time to refine it with your prospective supervisor.
How to apply
There is no separate application for this scholarship. You apply for a PhD programme at the University of Cambridge through the standard admission process and ensure your application is submitted by the course-specific funding deadline. Eligible candidates are automatically considered, with selection based on academic excellence, financial need and the relevance of your research to African development. For full details, visit the official page: Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Citizens of any African country who are applying for a PhD programme at the University of Cambridge, can demonstrate financial need, and whose research supports African development and climate-resilient futures.
What does the award cover?
It is fully funded. It covers full tuition fees, an annual stipend for a single person, the Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, and travel and research allowances.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. You simply apply for your PhD programme through Cambridge’s standard admission process, and eligible applicants are considered automatically.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline varies by course. You must apply by the funding deadline listed for your chosen programme in the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory.
Which fields of study are eligible?
All academic fields offered for PhD study at the University of Cambridge are eligible.
How long does the funding last?
The award covers the entire duration of the PhD programme, typically 3–4 years depending on the course.