You should begin looking for funding at least a year before your course starts.
How you apply for funding - and by which deadline - depends on both your course and the funding opportunity.
External funders will have their own arrangements and you should contact them directly for guidance.
Funding deadlines
Your funding deadline depends on the course you're applying to. Check your course page in the Course Directory to find out which deadline applies to you.
For 2026/27 entry, the main University funding deadlines are:
- 5 December 2025
- 12 January 2026
If you're a US citizen applying for a Gates Cambridge scholarship, the deadline is 17 October 2025.
Some funders may have different deadlines. These can be found using the Funding Search.
To be considered for funding, you must submit your full application (including references) by 23:59 GMT on the relevant deadline.
How to apply
Applying via the Applicant Portal
Most University funding is applied for through your course application in the Applicant Portal. You just need to tick the box: 'Yes - I wish to apply for funding' in the funding section of the portal.
- If you're eligible, you'll be considered for a range of funds based on the information you have entered in your application. You’ll see a list of these funds in the Applicant Portal.
- For some funds, we'll need more information from you. You can choose the additional funds you'd like to be considered for in the portal. You’ll then be prompted to answer further questions or given more information on how to apply for the fund.
- To be considered for these funds, you will need to apply by your course funding deadline.
Applying via a separate form
Some University funds require a separate application form (because they're administered separately). Many of these are listed in the Postgraduate Funding Search with details on how and when to apply.
- Check individual funding websites, including College and department websites, for additional opportunities.
- Deadlines for these separate funding applications may differ from your course funding deadline. Check the Funding Search for details.
- Some studentship vacancies are advertised on the University's Job site. Each advert will provide details of how to apply, including specific application deadlines.
Note about College funding
Colleges at Cambridge offer some financial support to students, but the majority of funding is not provided by them.
Many College funds will require you to select their College as a first or second preference in your application. Some Colleges may still consider you for funding regardless of your preference, if you are eligible.
If you receive funding from a College, you will need to transfer to that College to accept the funding.
College preference criteria can be found in the Funding search. You can also find College funding information on College websites.
After you apply
After applying for University funding:
- Departments will assess your application for your course.
- Departments will then consider your application for funding.
- Your application will be passed to fund providers to be considered for all the funding opportunities that you're eligible for.
Funding decisions
Offers of funding and offers of admission are usually made separately.
Most funding bodies start making offers from March. If you do not get a funding offer by July, you should assume your University funding application has not been successful. It’s unlikely that you will be given confirmation that your funding application was unsuccessful.
To check the status of your funding application, contact the individual funding body. You can also check the Funding Search to find out when offers are made for University funds.