For aspiring African scholars with a passion for driving positive change across the continent, the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025 offers a rare, fully funded opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at one of the world’s top universities.
This prestigious scholarship program enables talented individuals from African nations to undertake a PhD at the University of Cambridge, with all expenses covered from tuition and living costs to travel and health insurance.
Designed to support future leaders whose research addresses critical challenges and promotes climate-resilient and sustainable development in Africa, the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship serves as a platform for academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact.
What is the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship?
The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025 is a full-cost scholarship aimed at doctoral students from Africa. It applies to any field of study and open to applicants from any African country. Scholars can be admitted to any of Cambridge’s colleges, and their research should demonstrate a clear intention to support Africa’s long-term development.
The program is strongly connected to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which shares the vision of empowering young people who are committed to serving their communities and shaping the future of the continent.
This scholarship is more than just financial aid it’s an invitation to join a global academic community, participate in cutting-edge research, and contribute to transformative change back home.
Key Scholarship Information
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge
- Location: United Kingdom
- Level of Study: PhD (Postgraduate Research)
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of any African country
- Subject Areas: All disciplines are eligible
- Application Mode: Through the University of Cambridge’s PhD application portal
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline: Varies depending on the selected program (check the official course directory)
What the Scholarship Covers
The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship is comprehensive and removes all financial barriers for the recipients. Here’s what it includes:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers the entire cost of the PhD program at Cambridge.
- Living Stipend: A sufficient annual allowance to cover day-to-day expenses in the UK.
- Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK.
- Visa Fees: Includes the cost of student visa processing.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Covers access to the UK’s National Health Service.
- Research Expenses: Depending on the field, additional support may be offered for academic-related costs.
This full financial coverage ensures that students can focus entirely on their research and academic goals without financial stress.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a national of an African country.
- Academic Qualification: You must apply to a full-time PhD program at the University of Cambridge for the 2025 intake.
- Research Relevance: Your proposed doctoral research must aim to address pressing issues relevant to Africa’s development. Themes such as climate resilience, environmental sustainability, governance, innovation, and public health are highly encouraged.
- Application Deadline: Your application must be submitted before the funding deadline for your chosen course. These deadlines are program-specific and are listed in the Postgraduate Course Directory on Cambridge’s official site.
- Financial Need: Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate the need for financial support.
It’s also worth noting that no IELTS is required if your previous education was conducted in English and meets Cambridge’s language requirements.
Application link
https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/cambridge-africa-changemakers-scholarship
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application process for the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship is integrated into the University’s regular PhD admission process. Follow these steps to apply:
Choose Your Program
Explore Cambridge’s Postgraduate Course Directory and select the PhD program that aligns with your academic background and research goals.
Check the Funding Deadline
Each PhD program has a specific funding deadline, usually between early December and early January. You must submit your application before this deadline to be considered for the scholarship.
Prepare Your Application Materials
You’ll typically need:
- A detailed research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Two academic references
- A strong CV
- A personal statement that outlines your goals, background, and reasons for pursuing a PhD
Submit Your PhD Application
Complete and submit your application through the Cambridge Graduate Admissions portal. There is no separate application for the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship. Your PhD application automatically puts you in the running if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Monitor Your Email
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or further documentation. Final decisions are communicated by the University or the relevant college.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the world. For African students, studying there on a fully funded scholarship is not only life-changing it’s a unique chance to contribute to the continent’s future through high-level research and global collaboration.
The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship directly supports Africa’s next generation of policymakers, researchers, educators, and innovators. It invests in people who will return home not just with a degree but with the tools and mindset to make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a separate application for the scholarship?
No. Applying for a PhD program at the University of Cambridge before the funding deadline is sufficient to be considered for the scholarship.
Is the scholarship available for Master’s or undergraduate programs?
No. The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship is strictly for PhD programs.
Do I need to have an offer of admission before applying?
No. You must apply for admission to a PhD program, and your scholarship consideration will happen as part of that process.
Are there specific fields of study that are prioritized?
While all academic disciplines are eligible, priority is typically given to research that contributes to Africa’s development, especially in areas like sustainability, climate adaptation, innovation, and governance.
Can I choose any college at Cambridge?
Yes. The scholarship applies across all colleges at the University of Cambridge.
What if I miss the funding deadline?
If you submit your application after the program-specific funding deadline, you will not be considered for the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship. It’s crucial to check and meet this deadline.
Is proof of English proficiency mandatory?
If your previous academic instruction was not in English or does not meet Cambridge’s English requirements, you may need to submit proof, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
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