Do you want a career in research and teaching? Do you want to study at the University of Cambridge without paying the tuition fee yourself? The UCA Cambridge Scholarship 2027 may be your way in.
The University of Central Asia works with the Cambridge Trust to fund master’s and PhD study at Cambridge for the academic year 2027 to 2028. But this scholarship is small. UCA says it has supported only 14 scholars so far. That is one postdoctoral researcher and eight PhD scholars and five master’s scholars. So a clear and careful application matters a lot.
This guide shows you where to start and what you get. It also shows what can go wrong.
At a Glance
Last Information Verified: 14 October 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | UCA Cambridge Scholarship Programme |
| Partners | University of Central Asia and Cambridge Trust |
| Academic year | 2027-2028 |
| Levels | Master’s and PhD (strong PhD candidates preferred) |
| Priority countries | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan |
| Also considered | Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
| UCA deadline | 12 November 2026 midnight GMT+6 |
| Cambridge deadlines | 3 December 2026 or 5 January 2027 depending on course |
| English requirement | IELTS 7.5 (min 7.0 each) or TOEFL 110 (min 25 each) |
Could Your Interests Make a Strong Scholarship Case?
This scholarship is for people who want an academic career. UCA looks for a strong degree from a recognised university. It also wants skill in your subject and a real wish to teach and research. You must also show that you want to contribute to UCA after your studies.
Fields you can choose:
- 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 if they match UCA needs. MBA, EMBA, MFin and BusD degrees are not covered.
Research about Central Asia gets extra interest. If you apply for a PhD, your research must connect directly to Central Asia. You will usually do fieldwork in the region in your second or third year.
Use the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory to pick a real course. Ask yourself two questions. What do I want to understand better? Which course will teach me how? A past thesis or research project or teaching job can show that you are ready.
What the Scholarship Gives You and What It Does Not
This is a Cambridge scholarship offered through the Central Asian Faculty Development Programme CAFDP. Here is what the official call lists:
| What you get | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | Paid directly to Cambridge |
| Annual stipend | Based on the scholarship terms and funding |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Covered |
| Visa costs | Covered with limits in the terms |
| Research allowance | PhD students only and depends on UCA policy and funding |
| Travel to and from the UK | At the start and end of your studies under UCA rules |
| UCA mentor | Works with your Cambridge supervisor |
| Dependents or family | Not funded |
There is one more point to know. UCA expects you to stay in touch during your studies. After you finish, you are expected to contribute through teaching or research or other agreed work. But UCA clearly says this is not a job guarantee. Any work afterwards depends on UCA needs and its hiring steps.
How Do You Build and Send Your Application?
You apply in two stages. First you send your file to UCA. If UCA shortlists you, then you apply to Cambridge. The two stages must tell one clear story. Your course choice and your past work and your career plan should all match.
Your UCA file must include:
| Document | What to know |
|---|---|
| CAFDP application form | Download the official form and fill it in |
| CV or resume | Maximum 3 pages |
| Personal statement | Maximum 3 pages. Explain your career goals and your field and why you are applying to CAFDP |
| Research proposal | Maximum 3 pages. Needed if your course is mainly research or equal parts taught and research |
| Passport copy | Include a clear copy |
| Transcripts and diplomas | Include your academic records |
| CAFDP Applicant Privacy Notice | Include it with your file |
Steps to follow:
- Pick your course: Match your skills and research plan to UCA fields.
- Download the CAFDP form and the Applicant Privacy Notice from the UCA call page.
- Write your personal statement: Show what you have done and what you want to study and how you will contribute. Use one real project or experience as proof.
- Put everything in English in one PDF: Name the file Surname_FirstName_Cambridge_2027.pdf.
- Email the PDF to cafdp@ucentralasia.org before the deadline.
- If shortlisted then apply online to Cambridge through the Applicant Portal and ask to be considered for funding.
- Pay the Cambridge application fee: It is £20 for a doctoral course and £85 for other postgraduate courses unless you get a fee waiver.
UCA also advises you to learn the Cambridge online form while you prepare your UCA file. This saves time later.
What Can Trip You Up?
The English score is high. You need IELTS 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each part. Or you need TOEFL 110 with at least 25 in each part. Check your results early.
Shortlisting is not admission. UCA says its shortlisting does not promise a place at Cambridge or any funding. Cambridge and the Cambridge Trust decide separately.
The gap is short. UCA closes on 12 November. The first Cambridge deadline is 3 December. That is only three weeks. Ask your referees early and tell them your course choice.
PhD applicants get priority. Master’s applications are accepted. But if you apply for a master’s course explain clearly how it supports your research and teaching plans.
Two groups of costs remain. Dependents are not funded. The Cambridge application fee is paid by you unless it is waived.
Fees may be missing from the UCA page. The official UCA call does not mention a UCA application fee. Ask cafdp@ucentralasia.org if you are unsure. UCA says early questions are welcome.
Which Dates Should You Work Towards?
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Online information session | Thursday 15 October 2026 at 4 pm GMT+6 |
| UCA application deadline | Thursday 12 November 2026 at midnight GMT+6 |
| Cambridge application deadline | 3 December 2026 or 5 January 2027 depending on the course |
GMT+6 is one hour ahead of Pakistan time. So the info session is about 3 pm in Pakistan and the UCA deadline is about 11 pm on 12 November. Check the time in your own country.
The information session is held online on 15 October 2026. Join it if you can. You can ask questions about your field and your file.
For Cambridge, use the dates in your UCA shortlist email and the course page. Do not rely on a general Cambridge funding date.
The Bottom Line
The UCA Cambridge Scholarship 2027 to 2028 is a rare chance for future researchers and teachers from Central Asia and nearby countries. It pays your tuition and gives you a stipend and support for visa and health costs. But only a few scholars are chosen and the English score is high. Your time is short too.
Start with your course choice and your personal statement this week. Then prepare your Cambridge application at the same time as your UCA file.
