The University of Cambridge Studentship Program 2027 offers fully funded PhD opportunities for talented researchers in the UK. Eligible students can receive a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, along with tuition fee support and additional research and training funding. The CAM-DTP, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), supports doctoral research across a range of social science disciplines. ESRC-funded studentships are usually 3.5 years, including a three-month Innovation Fellowship, although longer awards may be available where additional training is required.
University of Cambridge Studentship 2027 – Key Details
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- University: University of Cambridge
- Study Level: Postgraduate | PhD
- Study Mode: Full-time or part-time, depending on the studentship
- Eligible Applicants: Home and international students
- Funding Type: Fully Funded / Funded PhD
- Annual Stipend: £21,805 for 2026/27
- Tuition Fees: Cambridge postgraduate fees at the applicable funding rate
- Research Support: Additional funding may be available for research and training
- Program Duration: Usually 3.5 years for CAM-DTP studentships
- Application Deadline: Varies by course; some Cambridge funding deadlines fall on 6 January 2027
About the Cambridge Studentship Program
The CAM Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and supports talented doctoral researchers across a range of social science disciplines.
CAM-DTP students receive doctoral training, research support, and professional development opportunities. Students are also required to complete a three-month research-in-practice placement, known as an Innovation Fellowship, with an academic or non-academic partner.
Approximately 30 CAM-DTP studentships are available for the 2027/28 award year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:1 or higher. In some circumstances, applicants with a lower undergraduate classification and a strong Master’s degree may be considered.
- Have no previous PhD study at any university.
- Meet the academic and research requirements of the relevant Cambridge PhD programme.
- Submit a strong research proposal aligned with an eligible ESRC social science discipline.
- Demonstrate appropriate research-methods preparation through the Development Needs Analysis.
- Meet the University of Cambridge English-language requirements, where applicable.
- International students are eligible for CAM-DTP consideration.
Scholarship Benefits
Tuition Fee Support
CAM-DTP studentships provide University of Cambridge postgraduate fees at the Home rate. International applicants may need additional funding to cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees unless their particular studentship provides enhanced international funding.
Annual Maintenance Stipend
Full-time students receive a tax-free maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, aligned with the UKRI rate.
Research and Training Support
Students can access grants for additional research and training costs and may apply for further funding for activities such as fieldwork, academic exchange, and collaboration with non-academic organisations.
Professional Development
Students participate in a personalized Development Needs Analysis and training programme designed to strengthen research, communication, employability, and career-related skills.
Innovation Fellowship
The studentship includes a required three-month placement outside the university, known as an Innovation Fellowship, providing practical experience with an academic or non-academic partner.
Program Duration
CAM-DTP ESRC-funded PhD studentships are normally 3.5 years, including the three-month Innovation Fellowship. Longer awards may be available for students who require additional or extensive training.
Students are expected to complete and submit their PhD thesis by the end of their studentship funding period.
How to Apply for the Cambridge Studentship 2027
Follow these steps to apply:
- Search for an eligible PhD programme at the University of Cambridge.
- Review the academic and English-language requirements for your chosen course.
- Prepare your academic transcripts, research proposal, references, CV, and other required documents.
- Submit your Cambridge postgraduate admission application before the relevant funding deadline.
- Indicate that you wish to be considered for available funding through the application process.
- If your department nominates you for CAM-DTP funding, complete any additional CAM-DTP requirements.
- Complete the Development Needs Analysis and provide information about your research-methods preparation if requested.
- Monitor your Cambridge application and funding outcome.
CAM-DTP does not accept direct funding applications independently of the academic department; eligible applicants must be nominated by their Faculty or Department.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the University of Cambridge Studentship 2027 is not universal. CAM-DTP states that the funding deadline is the same as the deadline for the specific Cambridge PhD course. Applicants should therefore check the Postgraduate Prospectus for their chosen programme.
Some Cambridge PhD programmes have a 6 January 2027 funding deadline, while others may have different deadlines.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the University of Cambridge Studentship Program 2027?
It is a collection of funded PhD opportunities at Cambridge, including studentships supported through the ESRC-funded CAM-DTP.
2. Is the Cambridge Studentship fully funded?
Funding varies by studentship. CAM-DTP provides a maintenance stipend and Cambridge postgraduate fees at the Home rate. International students may require additional funding for Overseas fee differences unless their specific award provides enhanced funding.
3. How much is the Cambridge PhD stipend?
The maintenance stipend is £21,805 per year for 2026/27 for eligible full-time students.
4. Can international students apply?
Yes. CAM-DTP studentships welcome eligible international candidates, although the funding arrangements for Overseas tuition fees can vary.
5. What degree do I need to apply?
Applicants generally need an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:1, although exceptions may apply for candidates with strong Master’s-level qualifications.
6. Do I need a Master’s degree?
Not necessarily. The specific Cambridge PhD programme determines its admission requirements, while CAM-DTP eligibility recognizes applicants with an appropriate undergraduate degree and research preparation.
7. How long is the CAM-DTP studentship?
Most ESRC-funded CAM-DTP PhD studentships last 3.5 years, including the three-month Innovation Fellowship. Longer awards may be considered where additional training is required.
8. What is the Innovation Fellowship?
It is a required three-month research-in-practice placement outside the university with an academic or non-academic partner.
9. Is IELTS required?
Applicants must meet the University of Cambridge’s applicable English-language requirements. The exact requirement depends on the programme and applicant’s circumstances.
10. What research areas are supported?
CAM-DTP supports PhD research across a broad range of social science disciplines, subject to ESRC eligibility and the requirements of the selected Cambridge department.
11. Can I apply directly for CAM-DTP funding?
No. Applicants must first apply for an eligible Cambridge PhD programme, and the relevant Faculty or Department must nominate them for CAM-DTP funding.
12. What is the application deadline?
There is no single deadline for every Cambridge studentship. The CAM-DTP deadline follows the funding deadline of the selected PhD course. Some programmes use 6 January 2027, while others have different deadlines.
13. When do Cambridge PhD studentships start?
The relevant PhD programme determines the start date. Many Cambridge doctoral programmes begin in October.
