The Cambridge-Africa Changemakers Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate opportunity offered by the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust. This scholarship is designed specifically for outstanding students from sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate exceptional academic potential, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to contributing to the development and transformation of their home countries and the African continent.
The Changemakers Scholarship is part of the wider Cambridge-Africa programme, which aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity for research and innovation by fostering long-term, equitable partnerships between Cambridge and African institutions. Under this scholarship scheme, selected scholars will receive support to pursue PhD degrees in any discipline offered at the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious and intellectually stimulating academic environments. Candidates are expected to show a clear vision of how their research aligns with the socio-economic development needs of Africa and how their leadership can inspire change. This includes contributing to key sectors such as education, public health, governance, technology, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development. The ideal Changemaker is someone deeply rooted in their community, who understands the challenges facing the continent and is ready to address them through innovative research and action.
This fully funded scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, university composition fees, maintenance allowance for the duration of the course (usually 3–4 years for PhDs), visa and travel costs, and additional support as needed for academic development, conference attendance, and networking opportunities. Scholars also become part of the Cambridge-Africa research community—a dynamic network of African scholars, researchers, mentors, and alumni dedicated to knowledge creation and real-world impact. The programme supports candidates who may face systemic or financial barriers to higher education and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the selection process. It is especially supportive of candidates with compelling personal stories of overcoming adversity, those from underrepresented regions or disciplines, and individuals who demonstrate community engagement, service, or advocacy work. In addition to academic performance, applicants are expected to have strong letters of recommendation, a robust and relevant research proposal, and a commitment to ethical research practices.
The Cambridge Trust has emphasized that the scholarship will not only empower African scholars with world-class education but will also help build sustainable capacity in African higher education institutions, public sector leadership, and civil society. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries or work on Africa-related challenges post-graduation, serving as catalysts of positive change. This opportunity is a gateway for students who not only dream of advanced study at Cambridge but who also envision transforming health, education, innovation, and governance systems in their nations. With dedicated mentorship, access to cutting-edge research facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global exposure, Changemakers are equipped to lead policy, research, and innovation agendas with far-reaching impact. The scholarship reaffirms Cambridge’s commitment to inclusive excellence and knowledge diplomacy between Africa and the global academic community.
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Requirement/Eligibility
To be eligible for the Cambridge-Africa Changemakers Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country. Preference is given to candidates who are ordinarily resident in Africa at the time of application.
2. Academic Admission Must apply and be accepted for a full-time PhD program at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship is not awarded independently of admission. Applicants must select a degree course and apply through the university’s postgraduate admissions portal.
3. Discipline Open to all academic disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate how their area of study contributes to sustainable development in Africa.
4. Academic Excellence Possess an outstanding academic record. A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree and an excellent Master’s qualification are typically expected.
5. Research Potential Submit a compelling and feasible research proposal that addresses development challenges or transformational issues relevant to Africa.
6. Leadership & Community Engagement Demonstrate evidence of leadership ability, civic responsibility, or prior engagement with social impact projects, community work, policy initiatives, or innovation.
7. Commitment to Africa Show a strong motivation to return to the continent and contribute to its development, through academia, policymaking, entrepreneurship, or social service.
8. Financial Need Applicants must require financial assistance to undertake studies at Cambridge. Those with full alternative funding are not eligible.
9. Language Proficiency Must meet the English language requirements of the University of Cambridge.
10. Timely Application Applicants must submit both their course and funding applications by the University’s published deadline (typically early December for funding consideration).
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