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 UK student should be deterred from applying for entry because of financial considerations, and that no 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
Bursary of up to £3,400 (maximum value in 2011-12) 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 £50,020 in 2010.
Closing date: 5 March 2011
Support from the 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
A Donald and Beryl O'May Studentship of £8,000 is offered every two or three years 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 covers University and College fees. An additional sum of £5000 per annum is provided towards maintenance. A successful applicant may be a student at undergraduate (either mature or affiliated) 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. The studentship will next be available for the academic year starting in October 2012.
Wolfson College Wilkinson Fund
Bursaries are available to help medical and veterinary students with costs incurred in elective studies.
Wolfson College Hardship Fund
Small emergency grants are available up to approximately £300 across the whole of a student's course. Applications must be supported by your Tutor.
Lady 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)
EU & Overseas Students
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
EU and Overseas affiliated students may be eligible to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Eligible applicants will be sent an application form which must be returned to the College by the date shown on the form. Applicants who are not successful in applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship will automatically be considered for a part-cost award from the other Cambridge Trusts.
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.