Fees and Funding for PhDs

As a doctoral student at the University of Cambridge, you are responsible for covering two primary costs: the University Composition Fee (UCF) and your personal maintenance (living) costs. If you are made a conditional offer of admission to Cambridge, you will need to obtain sufficient funding for the full duration of your course. Evidence of funding is required before your admission to the University can be confirmed.  

Understanding Costs

  • University Composition Fee (UCF): This fee covers your tuition, supervision, and access to University and College facilities. The specific rate is determined by your "fee status," which is based on your nationality and residency. 
  • Maintenance Funds: You are expected to have sufficient funds to support your living expenses while studying in Cambridge.
  • More information: You can find full information about course fees on the Postgraduate Admissions website.

Funding Opportunities

Securing funding is a separate procedure from your academic application. Within the application portal, you will be invited to select the funding sources and specific scholarships for which you wish to be considered.

Key funding bodies include:

  • Gates Cambridge: Gates Cambridge offers funding in two rounds. The deadline for US citizens living in the USA is in October; all other eligible international applicants are evaluated after the Departmental deadline.
  • Cambridge Trusts: Provides a wide range of scholarships for both domestic and international students.
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): POLIS participates in the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (ESRC DTP). This is organised into inter-disciplinary clusters; we recommend aligning your research proposal with these themes if applying via this route.
  • Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Please note that applying for AHRC funding typically requires a separate application form. You can find more information on the AHRC funding pages.

How Applications are Evaluated for Funding

Your application materials will be assessed against specific funding criteria. All  of these evaluations focus on:

  • The quality and viability of your research proposal.
  • Your methodology and engagement with relevant literature.
  • Your academic background and fit within the Department.
  • Strength of your letters of recommendation.
  • Note: Some funders also consider your record of public service and future professional objectives.

Important Advice for Applicants

  • Check Eligibility: Many funding routes have strict restrictions based on subject area or nationality. It is essential to verify your eligibility before selecting them on your application.
  • Be Explicit: Clearly state in your application which funding opportunities you are applying for. Use your proposal and background statement to demonstrate how you qualify for these specific awards.
  • Deadlines: To be considered for funding opportunities, you must submit your application by the deadline. Any application received after the stated funding deadline will not be eligible for consideration for an award.

The University coordinates the majority of student funding from a wide range of sources. This centralised approach ensures that students of all nationalities and circumstances are eligible for funding, and we strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

 Further details about these funding sources and further possible sources are available on the Postgraduate Admissions funding webpages, including a search for funding page, which is available here Cambridge Funding search

Key Dates for 2026-27 

  • Applications for the 2026-27 academic year opened in September 2025.
  • General Funding and Application Deadline: 2 December 2025.
  • Gates Cambridge (US Round) Deadline: 15 October 2025.

Admissions and funding decisions are, except in exceptional circumstances, announced separately. Please consult the Postgraduate Admissions website