Ladoscholar: The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship is one of the most generous awards for African doctoral students: You don’t apply for it separately. You apply to Cambridge, and the university considers you for funding automatically.
It’s a programme of full-cost scholarships for PhD students in any subject, excluding premium rate courses, open to applicants from any country in Africa, and tenable at any Cambridge college. It aims to support talented students who need financial assistance and whose research contributes to the development of the continent and to climate-resilient and sustainable futures. It’s closely affiliated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
What it covers:
- The University tuition fee at the international rate.
- An annual maintenance allowance sufficient for a single person.
- Student visa costs and the immigration health surcharge
Good to know: Wolfson College partners with the Cambridge Trust to fund one Changemakers award each year, and that award is tenable only at Wolfson. The wider programme isn’t limited to one college.
Eligibility
- Nationality: You must be an applicant from any country in Africa.
- Level: PhD only. The scholarship isn’t available for the Doctor of Business course.
- Financial need: It’s meant for students who require financial assistance.
- Research focus: Your research must contribute to Africa’s development and to climate-resilient and sustainable futures.
- Admission to Cambridge: You must secure a place. Academic requirements vary by department, so check yours.
How to Apply
- Pick your PhD course and read its page.
- Apply to Cambridge by the funding deadline. No separate application is required, only the application for admission, submitted by the funding deadline for your course.
- Show your Africa connection clearly. Your research proposal, personal statement and references should make the development link obvious.
- Document your financial need honestly. Follow your application’s instructions on funding.
- Reach out to potential supervisors early. This isn’t always required
- Submit early.
How to stand out:
- Frame your research around a specific African problem, not a general “Africa” theme.
- Show why Cambridge and a particular department or supervisor are the right place.
- Describe how your findings will be used back home: policy, practice, teaching or community impact.
- Show leadership and a track record of making change, since the programme is named for changemakers.
Key Dates
- December 2, 2026: Funding deadlines
- April to July 2027: Scholarship results period
- October 2027: Studies begin.
Documents Needed
Cambridge lists exact requirements on each course page. Expect to prepare:
- Online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal
- Personal statement
- Academic references
- Evidence of English proficiency, if required
- Passport or ID
- Any course-specific items, such as a writing sample
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking for a separate application form. There isn’t one. Your Cambridge application is the scholarship application.
- Weak development link. “My research will help Africa” is vague. Name the problem, place and users.
- Applying to an ineligible course. Premium rate courses and the Doctor of Business are excluded.
- Ignoring financial need. Treat the funding questions seriously.
- Choosing the wrong level. The scholarship funds PhDs only, not master’s study.
Application Link
Who This Is Best For: African citizens aiming for a PhD at the University of Cambridge, whose research will contribute to Africa’s development or to climate-resilient and sustainable futures, and who need financial support to take up their place. Not for master’s applicants, and not for anyone who isn’t applying to Cambridge.
