UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship for Young Scholars 2026
The University of Central Asia (UCA), in collaboration with the Cambridge Trust, has officially launched the application process for the UCA-Cambridge Scholarship Programme for Young Scholars for the academic year 2026-2027. This esteemed opportunity enables exceptional students from Central Asia and adjacent nations to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the University of Cambridge, a globally renowned institution.
This project is a component of UCA’s Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP), aimed at fostering a robust academic and research community within the region and training future faculty for the University of Central Asia.
Programme Summary
The UCA-Cambridge Scholarship seeks to support the upcoming generation of scholars and researchers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — the founding nations of UCA. Candidates from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan can also apply, although priority is given to those from the founding nations.
UCA is the sole regional university in Central Asia with fully residential campuses located in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog (Tajikistan), and it has expansion plans in Tekeli (Kazakhstan). This collaboration between UCA and the University of Cambridge utilizes top-tier academic standards to equip Central Asian scholars with international exposure and academic distinction.
Since its launch, this programme has aided 1 postdoctoral, 8 PhD, and 4 Master’s scholars, all greatly enhancing education and research in Central Asia. Recipients acquire important instruction, research, and teaching preparation, equipping them for academic roles at UCA and elsewhere.
Value and Benefits of the UCA Scholarship
The UCA-Cambridge Scholarship offers extensive financial support, enabling scholars to concentrate entirely on their academic aspirations.
Inclusions consist of:
- Complete university tuition costs (paid directly to Cambridge)
- Yearly allowance adequate for living costs in the UK
- Immigration Health Charge (IHC)
- Charges for student visas
- Yearly Research Grant (PhD exclusive)
- Travel costs to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the programme.
Note: The scholarship does not include coverage for dependents or family members.
Eligible Areas of Study
The scholarship encompasses a wide range of fields that align with UCA’s academic focuses within its School of Arts & Sciences and Graduate School of Development.
Fields that qualify are:
- Planet, Weather, and Ecological Sciences
- Computing and Data Technologies
- Media and Communication
- Economic Development
- Climate Economics and Policy for the Public
- Public Health and Healthcare Economics
- Cultural Legacy and Community
Other relevant fields may also be taken into account if they correspond with UCA’s research goals. Priority is assigned to initiatives that are directly pertinent to Central Asia, specifically those involving fieldwork in the region during the second or third year of doctoral studies.
Please be aware that this scholarship does not apply to MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees.
Opportunities and Assistance After Studies
Scholarship recipients must enroll at UCA post-graduation, taking on teaching and/or research positions as part of an employment agreement.
Every scholar will be supported by a UCA mentor and a Cambridge supervisor, guaranteeing ongoing academic and professional growth. This twofold mentorship approach also aids in a seamless return to the UCA academic community following studies.
Additional relevant fields may also be taken into account if they correspond with UCA’s research goals. Priority is assigned to initiatives closely connected to Central Asia, encompassing fieldwork scheduled for the region in the 2nd or 3rd year of doctoral studies.
Please be aware that this scholarship does not apply to MBA, EMBA, MFin, and BusD degrees.
Opportunities and Assistance After Studies
Those awarded this scholarship must enroll at UCA post-graduation, participating in teaching and/or research positions under an employment agreement.
Every scholar will obtain support from a UCA mentor and a Cambridge supervisor, guaranteeing ongoing academic and professional growth. This dual-mentorship approach also aids a seamless reintegration into the UCA academic community post-studies.
Eligibility Criteria for UCA
To qualify for the UCA-Cambridge Trust Scholarship, applicants need to:
- Possess citizenship of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan (preferred countries). Individuals from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are also eligible to apply.
- Hold an impressive academic background from a reputable higher education institution.
- Show a strong enthusiasm for UCA’s focal points and a professional path in academia.
- Demonstrate dedication to research, education, and sustained employment with UCA.
- Possess great mastery of the English language:
- IELTS: Total 7.5 (at least 7.0 in every section)
- TOEFL: 110 (with at least 25 in every section)
- Send GRE General Test scores (applicable solely to Economics programs).
- GMAT scores are not recognized.
How to Apply
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