UCA-Cambridge Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD
Job Description
UCA-Cambridge Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD
Do you dream of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The University of Central Asia (UCA), in partnership with the Cambridge Trust, is offering fully funded scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, UK.
This prestigious initiative is part of UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), designed to promote scholarship among Central Asian postgraduate students and equip regional talent for academic careers. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the UCA-Cambridge Scholarship 2027-2028, including eligibility, funding, fields of study, and the application process.
About the UCA-Cambridge Scholarship
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is Central Asia’s sole regional university, with fully residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan. The partnership between UCA and the Cambridge Trust builds on the quality and standing of both institutions to enhance the academic quality of UCA’s and Central Asia’s future faculty and research community.
While the scholarship is open to both Master’s and Doctoral applicants, priority will be given to strong PhD candidates, reflecting UCA’s current focus on doctoral development.
To date, the scholarship has supported 1 Postdoctoral, 8 PhD, and 5 Master’s researchers, each making significant contributions to their fields.
Scholarship Benefits
The UCA-Cambridge Scholarship covers:
- ✅ University tuition fee (paid directly to Cambridge)
- ✅ Annual stipend in accordance with the applicable scholarship terms
- ✅ Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- ✅ Visa costs, subject to applicable terms and limits
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 does not provide any support or funding for dependents or family members.
Fields of Study
The scholarship is available for graduate and postgraduate studies in subjects aligned with UCA’s research interests:
- Earth, Climate and Environmental Sciences
- Computer and Data Sciences
- Media and Communications
- Development Economics
- Climate Economics and Public Policy
- Public Health and Health Economics
- Cultural Heritage and Society
Other fields may be considered based on UCA’s needs. Preference will be given to research topics especially pertinent to the Central Asian region.
⚠️ Note: MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees are not covered by this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UCA-Cambridge Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan (applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will also be considered, but priority is given to founding states)
- Hold a higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognised university
- Show interest in a Master’s or PhD programme in UCA’s fields of interest
- Demonstrate interest in an academic career (research and teaching)
- Demonstrate competency in your chosen discipline
- Show commitment to contributing to UCA after completing the programme
- Have excellent English language skills:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each component) |
| TOEFL | 110 (minimum 25 in each element) |
Key Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Information session (Online) | Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 4 pm (GMT+6) |
| UCA application deadline | Thursday, 12 November 2026 (midnight, GMT+6) |
| University of Cambridge application deadline | 3 December 2026 / 5 January 2027 (depending on programme) |
How to Apply
To submit your application, send all required documents in English as a single PDF file to cafdp@ucentralasia.org. Name the file
Required Documents
- CAFDP Application form
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume (3 pages maximum)
- Personal statement (3 pages maximum) — career goals, field of study, reasons for applying
- Short research proposal (3 pages maximum) — if the course is research-based
- Copy of your passport
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- CAFDP Applicant Privacy Notice
After shortlisting: Selected candidates will be invited to submit a full online application to the University of Cambridge by December 3, 2026 / January 5, 2027.
- Email: cafdp@ucentralasia.org
- Official Announcement: UCA-Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2027-2028
Important: Shortlisting by UCA does not guarantee admission to Cambridge or the award of a scholarship.
Conditions of the Scholarship
- Scholars are expected to remain engaged with UCA during their studies.
- Scholars are expected to contribute to UCA after graduation through teaching, research, or other agreed activities (subject to UCA’s needs and does not guarantee employment).
- Each scholar is assigned a UCA mentor throughout their studies at Cambridge.
- PhD scholars are expected to conduct fieldwork in Central Asia during the 2nd or 3rd year, if relevant.
Final Thoughts
The UCA-Cambridge Scholarship 2027-2028 is an exceptional opportunity for Central Asian students to pursue a fully funded Master’s or PhD at the University of Cambridge. With comprehensive funding, a focus on academic careers, and a commitment to developing Central Asia’s future faculty, this scholarship is one of the most prestigious available in the region.
Don’t miss the deadline: November 12, 2026.
