The University of Central Asia (UCA), in partnership with the Cambridge Trust, is offering prestigious scholarships for the class of 2025 for master’s and doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. This initiative supports the Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), which aims to build academic leaders and enhance regional expertise.
The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship provides a transformative opportunity for scholars from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to engage in rigorous academic training at one of the world’s most respected institutions.
Overview of UCA 2025 Scholarship for Transfers
This scholarship programme is specifically tailored for candidates from UCA’s founding states and supports studies in areas relevant to UCA’s strategic goals. With fully residential campuses in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and a planned campus in Kazakhstan, UCA is committed to strengthening the academic and research capacities of the Central Asian region. Scholarship recipients will undertake their studies at the University of Cambridge and gain valuable teaching and research experience, preparing them for careers in academia, particularly at UCA.
Funding Package
The UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship covers:
- University Tuition Fees: Paid directly to Cambridge.
- Annual Stipend: Covers living expenses.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Ensures access to the UK’s National Health Service.
- Additional UCA Support:
- Annual Research Allowance (for PhD students only)
- Visa costs
- Travel expenses to and from the UK at the start and end of studies
Note: The scholarship does not provide financial support for dependents or family members.
Fields of Study
Scholarships are available for graduate and postgraduate studies in disciplines that align with UCA’s interests, including:
- Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences
- Computer and Data Sciences
- Media and Communications
- Development Economics
- Climate Economics and Public Policy
- Cultural Heritage and Society
Preference is given to research topics that are relevant to the Central Asian region. Fieldwork in Central Asia is typically required for doctoral students during their second or third year.
Note: MBA and MFin degrees are not eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan.
- Hold an excellent academic record and a degree from a recognised institution.
- Demonstrate interest in pursuing a master’s or PhD in a field relevant to UCA’s needs.
- Be committed to an academic career, including research and teaching.
- Have strong English skills, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 (7.0 in each component) or a TOEFL score of 110 (25 in each element).
- Submit GRE scores for Economics programmes (if applicable; not required for UK degree holders).
- Commit to working at UCA in a teaching or research capacity after completing the programme.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit the following documents in English to [email protected].
- CAFDP Application Form: https://ucentralasia.org/news/2024/october/uca-cambridge-trust-scholarship-programme-for-young-scholars-2025-2026.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
- Personal Statement (maximum 3 pages) outlining career goals, research interests, and motivation for applying
- Short Research Proposal (if applicable, maximum 3 pages)
- Copy of passport
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
Selected candidates will then be invited to submit a full online application to the University of Cambridge by December 3, 2024, or January 7, 2025, depending on their chosen programme. Candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Cambridge’s online application system in parallel with their UCA application.
Application Deadlines
- UCA Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 (midnight, GMT+6)
- University of Cambridge Application Deadlines: December 3, 2024, or January 7, 2025, depending on the programme.