The Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious universities. This life-changing scholarship supports outstanding doctoral students whose research addresses Africa’s development and promotes climate-resilient, sustainable futures.
The scholarship is open to students from any African country and welcomes applications in all academic fields—from science and engineering to law, health, economics, and the humanities. As long as your research is relevant to Africa’s growth and sustainability, you can apply. With no separate scholarship form required, all you need to do is submit your PhD application to Cambridge by the funding deadline.
Supported by the Cambridge Trust and affiliated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, this award goes beyond funding. It offers leadership development, mentorship, and access to a global network of changemakers. Whether your passion lies in solving public health issues, innovating in agriculture, or researching African history, this is your chance to study at Cambridge with every expense covered.
Quick Overview of Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Cambridge
- Program: Full-time PhD program (any discipline)
- Value: Fully funded (tuition fees, stipend, visa, health surcharge, travel, research costs)
- Age Limit: No age limit
- Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an African country and admitted to a Cambridge PhD program with research relevant to African development
Perks of the PhD Scholarships for African Students 2025
This scholarship offers unmatched advantages:
- Full tuition fees paid directly to the University of Cambridge
- Covers living costs for a single person in Cambridge
- UK visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are covered
- Flight to and from the UK is fully funded
- Funding for academic resources and travel for fieldwork or conferences
- Just apply for your PhD through Cambridge’s portal and you’ll be considered
Benefits of the Cambridge University Scholarships 2025
- Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the world
- Work with leading academics in your field
- Gain access to cutting-edge labs, libraries, and research resources
- Focus on topics that create impact in Africa and beyond
- Graduate with a globally respected PhD
- Build a strong network of global scholars, mentors, and African peers
- Launch a career in academia, public policy, global development, or innovation
- Connect with influential institutions, from the UN to tech startups
- Grow as a changemaker through leadership training and personal mentorship
- Build confidence, cultural awareness, and resilience
- Live in the historic, international city of Cambridge and broaden your horizons
- Join a legacy of African scholars contributing to the continent’s transformation
Exclusions of the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025
- Only for PhD programs (not for Master’s or undergraduate degrees)
- Open only to nationals of African countries
- Does not cover dependents’ expenses—stipend is for one person only
- Travel covered once at the start and end of the PhD; other travel must relate to research
- Admission to the PhD program is highly competitive—meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission or funding
Eligibility Criteria of Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2025
You are eligible if:
- You are a citizen of an African country (dual citizenship is allowed if one nationality is African)
- You apply to a PhD program at the University of Cambridge starting in October 2025
- Your research contributes to Africa’s sustainable development and climate-resilient futures
- You hold a strong academic background (usually a first-class or upper-second-class honors degree, with or without a Master’s)
- You demonstrate leadership potential and a clear commitment to impact on the continent
- You submit your complete Cambridge PhD application by the funding deadline for your course
How to Apply to the Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship 2025
Follow these steps:
- Choose your PhD program on the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory
- Contact a potential supervisor (optional but recommended)
- Prepare your research proposal, CV, and academic transcripts
- Apply online via the Cambridge Graduate Admissions Portal
- In the funding section, select Cambridge Trust Scholarships (no separate form needed for Changemakers)
- Submit your application by the funding deadline (usually December 5 or January 5, depending on the course)
- Await admission decision and scholarship nomination by the Cambridge Trust
Required Documents for Cambridge Trust Scholarships for African Students 2025
- Academic Transcripts (undergraduate and Master’s, if applicable)
- Degree Certificates
- CV or Résumé
- Research Proposal
- Personal Statement
- Two Academic Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL) if required
- Passport Copy (proof of African nationality)
- Writing Sample (if required by department)
Country-Specific Criteria for the Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships 2025
- Open to nationals of all 54 African countries
- You can apply from within or outside Africa
- No quotas by country—selection based on merit and potential
- Women and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
- Must demonstrate a clear intention to benefit African communities
