Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge aims to provide outstanding PhD students with life‑changing opportunities to research and study at the University. You are welcome to apply no matter which discipline or country you are coming from. Up to 25 PhD students receive a scholarship annually, with St Catharine’s College hosting a number of students under the scholarship (25‑33% each year). The remainder will be distributed to other colleges, including Christ’s College, Churchill College, Clare College, Clare Hall, Darwin College, Downing College, Emmanuel College, Fitzwilliam College, Girton College, Homerton College, Hughes Hall, Jesus College, Lucy Cavendish College, Magdalene College, Murray Edwards College, Newnham College, Queens’ College, Robinson College, Selwyn College, Sidney Sussex College, St Edmund’s College, Trinity Hall, and Wolfson College.

Once selected, the scholarship will cover the following costs for your studies:

• Coverage for your University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate for the duration of your course.
• A maintenance allowance covering living costs of up to £21,360 per year for the duration of your course.
• Maintenance funding during the 12 month writing‑up period, if required.
• Costs involved with acquiring your Visa and the immigration surcharge.
• A personal research allowance for research expenses and activities, including books and conference attendance of up to £6,000 over the duration of your course.

A calendar of activities and academic events will also be available to scholars throughout each academic year.

In order to apply, you must fulfil the following conditions:

• The scholarship is open to students pursuing a full‑time or part‑time PhD at Cambridge.
• Applicants may come from any country (home, EU, overseas).
• Candidates must apply for admission to a postgraduate or PhD course of study that is eligible.
• Applicants must secure admission at one of the participating colleges to be considered.

Application:

• You will apply for the scholarship at the same time you submit your admission application for your preferred course.
• The University will begin accepting applications from September 1, 2025.
• Application deadlines vary by course; check your course details for the exact deadline.
• Begin an application for admission to a PhD or postgraduate course at your chosen college.
• Provide a bespoke statement specifically for the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme.
• When applying for admission, indicate that you wish to be considered for funding by answering ‘yes’ to the question: ‘Do you wish to apply for funding?’ in the Funding section of the online Graduate Application form.