If you’re looking to study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, scholarship schemes can help make that possible. Here’s a guide to several of their major undergraduate scholarships, who they’re for, how to apply, and what they offer.

What are outreach scholarships

Outreach scholarships are financial awards aimed at students from backgrounds or communities that are under-represented in higher education. They are non-repayable and help offset tuition, living costs or both. The University of Cambridge offers several such scholarships under its “Outreach Scholarships” programme.

Key scholarship programmes

1. The Stormzy Scholarship

1. This scholarship is funded by the artist Stormzy’s #Merky Foundation in partnership with HSBC UK.
2. It is open to Black UK students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds who have been offered an undergraduate place at Cambridge.
3. What it covers: full tuition fees plus a significant maintenance grant for up to four years of study.
4. Since its launch in 2018, the number of awards has increased and the scheme aims to remove financial barriers and increase diversity.
5. If you’re eligible, you should apply when the relevant application window opens and ensure you meet any criteria about fee status, background and the course.

2. The Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship

1. This scholarship is sponsored by Formula 1 and is aimed at students from under-represented backgrounds who plan to study Engineering at Cambridge.
2. It covers tuition and provides a maintenance grant for the duration of the engineering degree.
3. Eligibility includes being a UK student assessed as “home” fee status, identifying as female or as male from specific under-represented ethnic groups.
4. This scholarship also links to opportunities beyond financial support — for example, work experience with F1 teams.

3. The Geography Scholarship

1. This is a subject-specific outreach award aimed at Black UK students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to study Geography at Cambridge.
2. It should cover costs that might otherwise act as a barrier and encourage applications in that subject area.
3. As with the other scholarships, make sure you check the criteria early, meet any course-specific requirements, and apply by the deadline.

4. Other outreach scholarships (including the Clare College Link Areas Scholarships)

1. Cambridge also lists additional outreach scholarships under the general heading “Outreach Scholarships”. These include scholarships tied to certain colleges, areas, or demographic groups.
2. For example, Clare College offers “Link Areas” scholarships which are designed to support students from specific geographic or educational contexts.
3. These awards vary in their eligibility, so check each one individually for full details.

How to choose which scholarship to apply for

1. Match your background: Many of these awards are targeted at students from under-represented groups, specific ethnic backgrounds, or low-income households.
2. Match your subject: Some scholarships are subject-specific (e.g., Geography, Engineering).
3. Check fee status: Many require UK “home” fee status to qualify.
4. Understand what is covered: Tuition only? Tuition + maintenance? Work experience?
5. Act early: Deadlines can be tight and you’ll need your offer from Cambridge, evidence of your fee status, and perhaps financial assessments before applying.
6. Consider your fit: The selection often looks at your academic potential and your background or context (for example overcoming barriers, or coming from under-represented community).

Benefits of these scholarships

1. They reduce or remove the burden of tuition fees and sometimes living costs.
2. They increase accessibility for talented students who might otherwise be deterred by financial or social barriers.
3. They send a strong signal of support and inclusion by Cambridge and its partners.
4. They often come with additional support resources (mentoring, experience, network) beyond money.

Final summary

If you are considering applying to the University of Cambridge for an undergraduate course and believe you may meet the eligibility for an outreach scholarship, this is a significant opportunity. The Stormzy Scholarship, the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship, and other outreach awards provide a meaningful way to level the playing field for students from under-represented backgrounds. Start your research early, check your subject, background, and fee status, and be sure to submit all materials by the stated deadline.

References

1. University of Cambridge – Stormzy Scholarship
2. University of Cambridge – Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship
3. University of Cambridge – Geography Scholarship
4. University of Cambridge – Outreach Scholarships general page
5. University of Cambridge – Clare College Link Areas Scholarships