Cambridge Home Scholarship Scheme (CHSS) — PhD component

Cambridge Home Scholarship Scheme (PhD)

You get a full scholarship for a PhD (or an equivalent research degree) at the University of Cambridge. It covers your University Composition Fee, your College fees and a yearly living allowance (a maintenance stipend, meaning money for your day-to-day costs). In 2014-15 this allowance was about 15,000 EUR per year (£13,363). The University sets the current figure, so confirm it with them directly. The University of Cambridge funds and runs the scholarship.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting or continuing a PhD or an equivalent research degree at the University of Cambridge.
• Fee status: You count as a 'Home' student, so you pay the lower Home fee rate rather than the international rate.
• Nationality and residence: You are a UK citizen living in the UK.
• Field of study: Any subject is eligible.
• Research Council rule: If you qualify for UK Research Council funding, you must apply for it too, or explain why you did not (for example, your department has no places). If you are later offered Research Council funding, you must take it.

How to apply

There is no separate form. You are considered automatically through your general admission application to the University of Cambridge, as long as you meet the criteria.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility is narrow: only UK citizens living in the UK who pay Home fees for a Cambridge research degree qualify. This keeps the pool smaller than for open international awards. But a Cambridge PhD place is hard to win in the first place, so your real hurdle is getting admitted. If you secure a place and clearly meet the Home criteria, your prospects for this funding are solid.