UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Programme for Young Scholars (2026-2027)
- Omran Aburayya
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
If you are a promising graduate student from Central Asia or surrounding countries aiming to pursue world-class postgraduate study, the UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship Programme for Young Scholars (2026-2027) may be your gateway. This prestigious scholarship, a partnership between the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Cambridge Trust, supports exceptional candidates to undertake master’s or doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. It is embedded in UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), with the aim of nurturing academic talent, strengthening regional research capacity, and eventually integrating scholars into UCA’s faculty and research ecosystem.
Here is a detailed and updated guide to the 2026-2027 cycle of this scholarship to help you prepare for a strong application!
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Funding Institutions: University of Central Asia (UCA) & Cambridge Trust
Level of Study: Master’s / PhD / Integrated MPhil-PhD
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of Central Asian and neighboring countries (priority to UCA founding states)
Fields of Study: Disciplines aligned with UCA’s strategic research and education priorities (See below)
Value & Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, visa & health surcharge, UCA support (for PhD: research allowance, travel)
Duration: Standard duration of the Cambridge programme (typically 1 year for master’s, 3–4 years for PhD)
Application Deadline (UCA stage): Sunday, 16 November 2025 (midnight, GMT+6)
Cambridge application deadlines: 2 December 2025 / 7 January 2026 (depending on department)
Start Date: Typically October 2026 (aligned with Cambridge’s academic year)
🧭 Scholarship Overview
The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship is part of UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), designed to bolster the research and teaching capacity of Central Asian scholars and eventually integrate them into UCA’s faculty ranks.
Scale & Legacy: In prior rounds, the programme has funded 1 postdoctoral, 8 PhD, and 4 master’s scholars, each contributing back via teaching, research, or institutional development in the Central Asia region.
Mentorship & Dual Support: Scholars receive mentors both from Cambridge (supervisors) and from UCA. This helps guide the academic trajectory and ensures smoother reintegration to UCA after completion.
Teaching / Research obligations: Recipients are expected to carry out some teaching or research functions (as agreed) during or following their period of study. They commit to returning to UCA or an affiliated institution to contribute academically.
Fieldwork / regional relevance: Especially for doctoral research, there is an expectation that fieldwork or empirical work takes place in Central Asia, often in years 2 or 3.
Commitment period: After graduation, scholars typically commit to working in UCA or AKDN (Aga Khan Development Network) for a certain period (often matching the duration of funding).
📚 Eligible Study Programs / Fields of Specialization
The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship targets disciplines closely aligned with UCA’s mission and regional development priorities. Below is a non-exhaustive list of eligible and preferred fields:
Earth, Climate & Environmental Sciences
Computer Science & Data Sciences
Media and Communications
Development Economics
Climate Economics & Public Policy
Public Health & Health Economics
Cultural Heritage & Society
Engineering (in certain cases)
Public Policy & Governance
ℹ️ Important Notes
MBA, EMBA, MFin, or business-administration programs are not eligible.
Preference is given to research proposals with theoretical or applied work particularly relevant to Central Asia.
For doctoral candidates, empirical or field-based work ideally takes place within the Central Asian region during years 2–3.
💲 Scholarship Benefits
The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship is fully funded. Key benefits include:
Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the entire University of Cambridge tuition, paid directly to the institution.
Living Stipend: A stipend sufficient to cover living expenses in Cambridge, UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The health surcharge for access to UK health services is covered.
Visa Costs: The required visa fees are part of the funding.
Additional UCA Support (mainly for PhD scholars)
Annual Research Allowance (for PhD) to support fieldwork, lab costs, etc.
Travel expenses to/from the UK at the beginning and end of the program.
No Dependent Support: The scholarship does not cover spouses, children, or dependents.
Post-study employment incentive: Scholars receive an employment offer (or contract) at UCA (or AKDN) aligned with their expertise, facilitating reintegration.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026-2027 round, you must satisfy the following:
Nationality / region: Applicants must be citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan. Applications from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will also be considered, though priority is given to the three founding states.
Academic credentials: A strong academic record (bachelor’s degree or master’s, depending on what you are applying for) from a recognized university.
Field alignment: Proposed postgraduate studies should align with UCA’s priority fields (see section below).
Career commitment: Must demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing an academic or research career, especially involving teaching or research roles with UCA.
English language proficiency
IELTS: minimum score of 7.5 (with at least 7.0 in each component)
TOEFL: minimum of 110 (with at least 25 in each element)
Standardized test (for Economics programmes): GRE General Test is required for Economics applicants (unless the applicant already holds a UK degree). GMAT is not accepted.
Commitment to return: Agreement to accept a teaching/research role at UCA (or affiliated institution) after completing studies, for a period corresponding to the length of the funded study.
Other: Some flexibility is allowed, e.g., those who already hold a postgraduate degree may still apply if their proposed study is aligned and justifiable.
📝 Application Procedure
Here’s how to apply for the UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship (2026–2027):
Expression of Interest to UCA: Submit your initial application to UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) by the deadline (16 November 2025, midnight GMT+6).
Shortlisting & Cambridge Application: If shortlisted by UCA, you will be invited to apply formally to the University of Cambridge by their departmental deadlines (2 December 2025 / 7 January 2026).
Document submission (to UCA): All documents must be in English to cafdp@ucentralasia.org. The typical required set includes:
Curriculum Vitae / Resume (maximum 3 pages)
Personal Statement (up to 3 pages) — include academic background, career goals, research interests, reasons for applying
Short Research Proposal (3 pages) — for programmes that are research-based or hybrid
Copy of passport
Official academic transcripts and diplomas
Certified English language test results (IELTS / TOEFL)
GRE score (for Economics) if needed
Parallel preparation for Cambridge application: Since shortlisted applicants will need to apply on Cambridge’s online portal, begin gathering necessary Cambridge-specific materials (references, departmental forms, supervisor identification) early.
Selection & Offer: Evaluation is done jointly by UCA and Cambridge panels. Offers typically emerge in the first half of the year (often by spring).
Contract & Post-study obligation: Scholarship recipients will sign agreement(s) including obligations to UCA or AKDN post-study (teaching / research).
🌏 Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is primarily aimed at applicants from Central Asia and its neighboring countries. Specifically:
Strong priority: Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan (the founding states of UCA)
Also eligible / under consideration: Citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
While applications from non-core states are welcome, the selection process gives preference to candidates from the founding three states.
✏️ Tips & Additional Notes
Start early: The dual application (UCA + Cambridge) requires careful coordination.
Identify supervisors: Especially for PhD or research-based programmes, begin contacting potential Cambridge supervisors early.
Strong research proposal matters: The clarity, relevance, and feasibility of your research topic—especially in relation to Central Asia—will weigh heavily.
Demonstrate commitment to region: Your statement should convincingly show how your work will contribute to Central Asia and to UCA.
English scores & tests: Ensure that IELTS / TOEFL / GRE scores are valid and meet the thresholds well before deadlines.
Be thorough with deadlines: Missing any of the UCA or Cambridge deadlines typically leads to disqualification.
