At Cambridge, we're dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity. We strive to create equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
On this page, you can find out about the support we offer to underrepresented students applying to Cambridge. This might be relevant to you if you are from one of the groups that we are working with to widen participation.
Who we are working with
We are particularly aiming to increase applications from groups including:
- UK students from Black British, British Bangladeshi, and British Pakistani ethnic groups
- Students from low-income backgrounds
- Mature students
- Students with caring responsibilities
- First-generation students (whose parents or immediate caregivers did not go to university)
- Students who have experienced being in care as a young person
- Students who did their first degree at less research-intensive institutions
We understand that a range of factors can impact a student’s path to postgraduate study.
We're working hard to ensure we engage with every applicant sensitively and fairly. Our aim is to identify the most talented applicants from all backgrounds.
Why we are widening participation, diversity, and access
We want our student body to represent different lived experiences. This diversity helps to develop our open and discursive environment, making Cambridge a rewarding place to learn.
How we can support you
Funding
There are funds dedicated to widening participation and diversity. You can search for University funding on the Postgraduate Funding Search.
There is also a range of College and department funding available.
Make sure you research funding opportunities. Explore all of your options and check the application requirements and deadlines. Find out more about postgraduate funding.
Application fee waiver
When you apply for a Master’s programme you need to pay an application fee.
Applicants from certain backgrounds or countries don't have to pay the fee. Your fee may be waived automatically or you may need to submit a request.
Visit the application fee waiver page to see if you are eligible.
Helping you into postgraduate research
We run initiatives to support people from underrepresented groups to successfully apply for postgraduate research at Cambridge:
- Research internships for undergraduates from underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies, gaining research experience and developing their skills
- The AIM PhD programme offers participants help to prepare their PhD application through mentoring and group information sessions
Transitioning from other universities
Studying at Cambridge is different from other universities. We have some useful guides to help you with this transition:
These will tell you about:
- research practices at Cambridge
- how to prepare for your degree
- the academic software we use
- how to manage study resources
- settling in and who can help you on your journey
Student support services
We offer support services for all of our students. You can find out more about support services on the Student Support website.
Contact us
If you want to discuss postgraduate widening participation at the University, email us: pg-wp@admin.cam.ac.uk.