About the opportunity
The University of Central Asia (UCA), in partnership with the Cambridge Trust, offers prestigious scholarship opportunities for master’s and doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. This initiative is part of UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), which promotes postgraduate scholarship among the Central Asian community to equip regional talent for careers in academia, particularly at UCA. The scholarship supports eligible candidates in subjects aligned with UCA’s research and education interests across its School of Arts & Sciences and Graduate School of Development. While open to both master’s and doctoral applicants, priority is given to strong PhD candidates and applicants from founding states. Scholars are expected to remain engaged with UCA during their studies and contribute following completion through teaching, research, or other agreed activities.
Funding and benefits
- University tuition fee paid directly to Cambridge
- Annual stipend in accordance with applicable scholarship terms
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Visa costs subject to applicable scholarship terms and stated limits
- Annual research allowance for PhD candidates subject to UCA policies
- Travel expenses to and from the UK at the start and conclusion of studies
Who can apply?
- Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will also be considered, with priority given to founding states)
- Higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognised university
- Interest in a master's or PhD programme in departments reflecting UCA fields of interest
- Interest in a career within academia, including research and teaching
- Demonstrated competency in chosen discipline
- Demonstrated commitment to contributing to UCA following completion of the CAFDP programme
- Excellent English language skills: IELTS score of 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each individual component) or TOEFL score of 110 (25 in each element)
Required documents
- CAFDP Application form
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
- Personal statement covering career goals, field of study, research interests, and reasons for applying (maximum 3 pages)
- Short research proposal (maximum 3 pages) for research-based courses
- Copy of passport
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- CAFDP Applicant Privacy Notice
When to apply
- Online Information Session: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 4 pm (GMT+6)
- UCA application deadline: Thursday, 12 November 2026 at midnight (GMT+6)
- University of Cambridge application deadlines: 3 December 2026 or 5 January 2027 depending on the programme
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in English as a single PDF file.
- Name the file using the format: Surname_FirstName_Cambridge_2027.pdf.
- Send the application file to cafdp@ucentralasia.org by the UCA deadline.
- If shortlisted by UCA, submit a full online application to the University of Cambridge by their respective December or January deadline.
Additional information
- MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees are not covered by this scholarship.
- The scholarship does not provide any support or funding for dependents or family members.
- Scholarship recipients will be assigned a UCA mentor throughout their studies at Cambridge.
- Successful shortlisting by UCA does not guarantee admission to the University of Cambridge or a scholarship award.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Postgraduate researchers and prospective master's or PhD candidates from Central Asia aiming for an academic career.
- Scholars whose research aligns closely with UCA's strategic focus areas such as Earth, Climate and Environmental Sciences, Computer and Data Sciences, or Development Economics.
- Applicants who already meet the rigorous English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110.
- Candidates committed to returning or contributing to the academic community at the University of Central Asia upon graduation.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship does not fund family members or dependents, requiring independent arrangements if relocating with family.
- Post-graduation service or engagement agreements with UCA are subject to institutional needs and recruitment approval processes rather than guaranteed employment.
- Meeting the UCA internal deadline is only the first step; applicants must also navigate and secure admission separately through the competitive University of Cambridge admissions process.
- Doctoral candidates should expect to conduct fieldwork in Central Asia during the second or third year of their programme.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is exceptionally well-suited for scholars aiming to combine world-class doctoral or master's training at Cambridge with a purposeful, impactful academic career in Central Asia. It offers complete financial backing for tuition and living costs while embedding recipients within a regional institutional network.
Our take
Highly recommended for outstanding Central Asian postgraduate students seeking fully funded studies at Cambridge with a clear vision for contributing to regional higher education. It is less suitable for applicants seeking corporate degrees like MBAs or those unable to meet the stringent language and academic entry thresholds.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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