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Applications are now open for the Fully funded CAM-DTP Studentship Program 2026 for Passionate PhD Candidates at the University of Cambridge in the UK
The University of Cambridge, one of the world’s top universities, is offering fully funded studentship opportunities for prospective PhD candidates. The program covers tuition fees, a generous maintenance stipend to cover living costs, and a fund for research training.
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This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in pursuing a fully sponsored doctoral degree at Cambridge. If you’re looking for tips on a successful application, you can read our guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully and how to write a scholarship essay that wins.
In this guide, you will find the details of the University of Cambridge Studentship, its requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to submit your application.
Studentship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in UK
- Category: PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £20,780 Stipend per year | £900 Research Support
- No IELTS Required: This is a crucial detail for some applicants, but candidates must meet the university’s English Language requirements.
- Application Deadline: Varies by Program
About the Studentship
The University of Cambridge Studentships are PhD opportunities funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC). An ESRC-funded PhD studentship through CAM-DTP supports 3.5 to 4.5 years of full-time study. Studentships begin on October 1 of each year for both full-time and part-time applicants. Successful candidates are required to submit their PhD within the duration of the studentship award. To help you manage the demands of a PhD program, check out these mind-blowing study tips that elite students use.
Benefits of the Studentship
The studentship provides a comprehensive package to support students throughout their studies. The key benefits include:
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees up to the value of the national UKRI rate for Home students. While international students are welcome to apply, they will need to secure additional scholarships from alternative sources to fund the remainder of their fees and any immigration costs. You can explore our ultimate guide to student loans for international students for potential options.
- Annual Stipend: An annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 in 25/26 for full-time students) to cover living costs.
- Research Support: Financial support for research training, with up to £900 available from your department.
- Personalized Training: A personalized training program to help you develop research, communication, employability, and personal skills.
- Innovation Fellowship: Support to carry out a required three-month placement, known as an Innovation Fellowship, with an academic or non-academic partner during the course of the studentship.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of Cambridge Studentship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution.
- Be a home or an international student.
- Meet the English Language requirements of Cambridge University.
- Students must have an offer of admission before they can be considered for funding by CAM-DTP.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
To apply for the University of Cambridge Studentship, interested and qualified candidates should follow one of the two application routes below:
Route 1 – Departmental Nomination
- Apply to your chosen CAM-DTP institution, following that institution’s specific admissions processes and deadlines. If you have concerns about your academic record, our guide on the best way to explain a low GPA may be helpful.
- If you receive an offer of admission, the admitting department will then decide whether to nominate you for CAM-DTP funding in February 2026.
Route 2 – Topic Supervisor Nomination
- Review the list of topics being advertised for 2026 on the studentship opportunities page.
- Contact the supervisory team for the topic you are interested in to discuss a project proposal. You should not apply without first speaking to the supervisory team.
- Apply to the lead supervisor’s CAM-DTP institution, following their admissions processes and deadlines.
- Supervisory teams will interview candidates and decide who to nominate for CAM-DTP funding in February 2026.
Application Deadline: Varies by Program
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS FUNDING
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration of the studentship? The studentship supports 3.5 to 4.5 years of full-time study.
Is this studentship open to international students? Yes, international students are eligible to apply, but they may need to secure additional funding to cover the full cost of their fees and immigration costs.
What does the studentship cover? It covers tuition fees up to the national UKRI rate, a tax-free annual stipend, and a research training fund.
Is the IELTS required? The document states that the IELTS is not required, but candidates must still meet the university’s English Language requirements.
When does the studentship start? Studentships begin on October 1 of each year.
What is the Innovation Fellowship? The Innovation Fellowship is a required three-month placement with an academic or non-academic partner during the course of the studentship.
What is CAM-DTP? CAM-DTP is the institutional partnership through which the ESRC-funded PhD studentship is provided.
What is the annual stipend amount? The annual stipend is £20,780 for the 25/26 academic year.
Are there different ways to apply? Yes, you can apply through a departmental nomination or a topic supervisor nomination.
Do I need to secure an offer of admission first? Yes, you must have an offer of admission from a CAM-DTP institution before you can be considered for funding.
