AlThuraya Scholarships at the University of Cambridge
Since 2017, AlThuraya Foundation has partnered with the Cambridge Trust to offer the opportunity for MENA students to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge. Get in touch today to enquire about the AlThuraya Cambridge Scholarship.
How to Apply
- Find the right course for you! First log in to the University of Cambridge course directory. Then, use the filters to limit the courses displayed to a certain domain or degree. Click on the course you are interested in to read the course overview and check the entry requirements. If you are still interested, click on “Apply Now”.
- Create an account on the applicant portal. After clicking Apply Now, you will be transferred to the applicant portal. Register yourself and create an account.
- Login to the applicant portal and start filling out your application. Choose a course start date and click on “Apply for this course”. Note that to be considered for funding you should apply for courses starting in the Michaelmas Term (1 OCT to 19 DEC).
Applying for a Master’s Programme
In order to apply, you must submit the following:
- Academic Transcript – A document certified by your undergraduate university providing a complete list of all subjects you have completed and the marks you received in each one of them.
- Two Academic References – You need to provide details of two referees who can provide academic references in English. They will be contacted by the university and asked to submit a reference on the online referee portal. Make sure your referees provide the references before the application deadline or otherwise your application will not be considered.
- CV – A chance to demonstrate your educational background, certifications, skills, work experience, volunteering experience, and research experience.
- IELTS/TOEFL – This is evidence of your competence in English. More details of approved language test providers can be found here. Make sure the version of the test you take is compatible with visa requirements, so you do not need to sit the exam twice.
- Personal Statement – Depending on the course, a personal statement usually ranges between 3000 to 5000 characters. You have to highlight why you are applying for this course, talking about relevant experiences and your short-term and long-term plans. Try to demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and avoid clichés like “I want to make the world a better place”.
- Research Summary – When applying for a Master’s degree, you do not necessarily have to write a research summary (unless otherwise specified in the course you are applying for). However, it would be better if you could use the research summary section in your application to mention your research interests. This will demonstrate your motivation and will help the university choose a suitable supervisor for you.
- Colleges – The University of Cambridge is a collegiate system comprised of 31 colleges. As a Cambridge student, you will also be a member of a college where you may dine, socialise, or seek pastoral support. Make sure to make some time to pick a college that suits you. Don't worry too much; there can't be a wrong choice. You also have the option of making an open application. For advice on how to choose, visit this page.
Applying for AlThuraya Cambridge Scholarship
No separate application is required for our scholarship, only the application to the University of Cambridge. Just make sure you fill in the Cambridge Trust section in your application. Choose that you wish to be considered for funding then write why you believe you should be considered for Cambridge Trust awards.
Please list all awards for which you consider yourself eligible including the AlThuraya Foundation scholarship. For more details, visit the Cambridge Trust site links below.
Deadlines
Applications for the Michaelmas term generally open 13 months before the course start date and the funding deadlines are around December and January. Note there is a difference between a Course Deadline and a Funding Deadline. To be considered for funding make sure you submit your application by the funding deadline.
What’s Next
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmatory email from the graduate admission office (GAO). You can track the progress of your application through your applicant portal account. Applications are reviewed in sequence by the department, degree committee, and then the GAO. The department invites promising candidates for an interview to discuss their application further. Interviews can be done via phone or video conferencing.
Successful candidates are then recommended to the degree committee which has to approve the department’s decision and recommend the candidate to the GAO. Then the GAO checks the candidate meets the University of Cambridge entrance requirements.
The University of Cambridge accepts only students who achieved a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent. The decisions are usually made in February and March after which a successful candidate receives a conditional offer of study.
Successful candidates are then recommended to the degree committee which has to approve the department’s decision and recommend the candidate to the GAO. Then the GAO checks the candidate meets the University of Cambridge entrance requirements.
The University of Cambridge accepts only students who achieved a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent. The decisions are usually made in February and March after which a successful candidate receives a conditional offer of study.
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Decision
We came up with a list of candidates who received a conditional offer and are eligible to receive our award by late March or early April. The Selection Committee then contacts the students asking them to provide additional details including a CV, cover letter, and a completed financial form. Students should provide the details within ten days from the date they were contacted.
An interview date is scheduled for the same week following the submission. AlThuraya Foundation then decides with Cambridge Trust, but the final word comes from Cambridge Trust.
An interview date is scheduled for the same week following the submission. AlThuraya Foundation then decides with Cambridge Trust, but the final word comes from Cambridge Trust.
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Applying for a Scholarship?
Partnered with the Cambridge Trust, our scholarship charity provides financial support and advice.