Financial Support from the University
Access to Learning Funds
Access to Learning Funds are government funds, distributed by the University, to help UK students from lower income households who may need extra financial support for their course and to stay in higher education. The grants are non-repayable, and the amount is assessed according to individual need. You apply for these funds while you are studying.
Cambridge Bursary Scheme (UK students only)
The University is committed to the principle that no eligible UK student should be deterred from applying for entry because of financial considerations, and that no eligible student should have to leave because of financial difficulties. The scheme is open to students who are eligible to receive the maintenance grant.
The value of each Bursary will be based on household income and calculated on a sliding scale up to a maximum of £3,400 per annum. A higher level of Bursary will be available for mature students who have to remain in Cambridge throughout the year and who were over 21 years of age when they started their first undergraduate degree. A UK student who meets this condition and who qualifies for a full maintenance grant will be entitled to a Cambridge Bursary at the higher level of £5,650 each year. If a student receives the full £2,906 maintenance grant as assessed by the Student Loans Company, they may qualify for the full bursary of £3,400 (£5,650 for mature students). Bursaries of smaller amounts will be awarded on a sliding scale to those students who qualify for a lower level of maintenance grant. Bursary amounts may be reduced in cases where a student has significant income from another source. Income from family sources or from vacation employment is no included in this assessment.
University of Cambridge European Bursary Scheme
A Bursary is available of up to £3,500 for EU undergraduates taking their first degree (i.e. as mature and not affiliated students). Students must have applied to the Student Finance Services European Team for a Tuition Fee Loan, and must be able to prove family income of less than £42,600. More information
Support from Wolfson College
Wolfson College / Cambridge Trusts Scholarships
Wolfson College, in partnership with the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust, provides funding for up to 12 studentships annually for overseas students. The selection of suitable CCT/COT funded students in residence will be undertaken by a College panel in the Lent Term, and the successful applicants will be known as 'Wolfson Cambridge Trust Scholars'.
Further information about the eligibility criteria is available from the Cambridge Trusts website, or by contacting info @ overseastrusts.cam.ac.uk
Donald & Beryl O‘May Studentship
The Studentship is offered commencing in October 2013 for study in the arts and social sciences (including law). The award may be held for one, two or three years (subject to satisfactory progress) and is worth £13,500 towards university/college fees and maintenance.
A successful applicant may be at undergraduate or postgraduate level and must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.
Preference will be given to candidates who have had a significant break in their studies at some stage since leaving school.
Applicants for postgraduate study should hold (or expect to achieve) a first-class or good upper-second honours degree or equivalent. The applicant must be resident or have accepted a place to study at Wolfson College. Please see the application form for details of how to apply. (Applications for 2013-14 are now closed.)
Wolfson College Studentships
Up to two Santander studentships will be available in 2013-14. The maximum value will be £2000 and are tenable for one year only.
A John Morrison Studentship of £5650 will be available to an undergraduate student from 2013-14 for each year of their undergraduate course (maximum three years). Preference will be given to Arts/Humanities subjects.
Application form for Wolfson College studentships
Wolfson College Hardship Fund
Hardship grants are available from Wolfson College for students who have unexpected financial difficulties.
Application form for Wolfson College Hardship Fund
Ujejski-Williams Childcare Fund
Bursaries are available to help with the cost of childcare. Information is available from the Student Finance Officer, Sue Sang (scs35 @ cam.ac.uk)
The Dato Ng Kong Yeam Prize
Visiting Fellow, Professor Irene Ng, has established an annual prize for Law in the name of her father, who is an eminent lawyer in Singapore and Malaysia. The Dato Ng Kong Yeam Prize will be awarded for the best performance by an undergraduate in Part I of the Law Tripos.
Other Support for Overseas Students
Cambridge Trusts Awards (Overseas students)
If you are offered a place on an undergraduate course as an Overseas student, we will send you an application form for the Cambridge Trusts. You should note that these awards cannot entirely fund your studies; you will be required to make up the shortfall from other sources.