Application deadlines for the various scholarship schemes and funding opportunities available to support UK, EU and international students at the University of Cambridge run from October through to January each academic year. Full scholarships are highly competitive, and deadlines can be up to a year in advance of the proposed course start date, particularly for international students. Given the complexity of the various schemes on offer, it is best to visit the Fees and Funding homepage for more information about funding opportunities, eligibility criteria and how to apply. CamFunds is a useful database for searching the range of scholarships offered by the University of Cambridge (including by academic departments and colleges).

Applicants wishing to be considered for the main funding rounds, including Gates Cambridge, the Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme, the Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust and the Cambridge Home and European Scholarship Scheme should take note of the application deadlines, listed on the Graduate Admissions pages.

Each year, two Philomathia Scholarships for the MPhil in African Studies are awarded to students normally resident in an African country, with preference given to those whose first degree is from an African university. These full scholarships are based at Trinity Hall, so students are advised to select Trinity Hall as one of their preferred colleges if they wish to apply for these scholarships.

For applicants wishing to apply for admission without funding, the deadline is 28 June 2018. Nonetheless, it is advisable to apply as early as possible because places on the course are limited.