Graduate Funding FAQs
I am an overseas student – am I eligible for funding from a King’s studentship?
Yes, the studentship competition is open to all individuals applying for a new graduate degree at the University of Cambridge and King’s College, regardless of nationality, subject, gender, religion, etc.
Should an offer be made for a full studentship, the University Composition Fee will be covered for the overseas rate. However, in some cases, depending on how much funding is available to offer, a set figure may be offered towards the University Composition Fee which may not cover the overseas rate in full.
Do I need to choose King’s as my first choice College in order to receive funding?
We strongly advise potential applicants to choose King's as their first choice College. By doing so, it offers you a better chance of being offered membership here, without which you would not be eligible for funding from King’s.
How many applicants apply to King’s for studentships?
This number varies from year to year. Competition for studentships is strong and the majority of students who apply to King's also apply to be considered for funding. With an annual intake of around 120 new graduate students, most of these will then be eligible for consideration.
How many studentships does King’s offer per year?
The number of studentships that we are able to award varies from year to year, depending upon the amount of funding that we have available. We hope to be able to make around 10-20 new awards annually, some of which will be for full funding, others for partial funding.
In most cases, no subject is given priority for funding over any other subject and the majority of studentships will be open to all graduate students. Applications are primarily assessed on academic achievement and potential, regardless of the subject. We have a few subject-specific studentships, and these are shown in the details on our Funding page
How will my application for funding be assessed?
Applicants are assessed in competition with all other applicants who have applied for funding. Academic achievements to date and potential for academic excellence in future research, will play a key part in any decisions. For some King's studentships, we will also take into account other factors, such as applicants who have been disadvantaged in their studies, or other background information. You will not need to attend an interview as part of this process.
When will I know if I have been successful with my funding application?
Most offers are made in the period between early April and late June. Competition for studentships is strong, so if you haven't been notified that you have been awarded a studentship by the end of July, then, unfortunately, you should assume that your application for funding has been unsuccessful. Due to the number of applications received, we will be unable to provide any specific feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
If I have been accepted by another College, can I change to King’s if I am offered funding from King’s?
In a few instances, our studentships can be applied for by students who are applying to, or have been offered admission by, another College. Specifically, these are the King's-Yale Fellowship, The Quantedge-Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship, The Fielder Studentship and The Douton Studentship. Potential recipients of these studentships can usually transfer to King's, provided that the other College is in agreement. Colleges understand that sometimes students will be in this position and we endeavour to work together to allow students to switch Colleges when funding is a factor.
Are there any other funds I can apply to from King's if my application for a King’s studentship is not successful?
When you apply for funding, you are considered for all eligible funding that King’s has available. Therefore, if your application is not successful, there is no other funding that you can apply to directly from King’s, in order to fund your course.
If you become a member of King’s, however, you may apply for funding for conferences, travel, research expenses and, in certain circumstances, other ad hoc expenses. You will be notified about this, and the application procedures, once you have started at King's.
I don’t have enough money and won’t be able to come to Cambridge unless I receive funding, will I be given priority for funding at King's?
At King's, we do everything possible to contextualise all applications, including for financial circumstances. Therefore, we ask you to let us know your situation as part of the application process, for this to be considered. Unfortunately, every year, many students need to withdraw from their offer of a place due to not securing funding.
If I am admitted to King's, but my application for funding was not successful, can I be re-considered for funding next year?
You cannot be considered again for the same course. However, if you are applying to start a new course, e.g. a PhD after completing an MPhil, you can apply again for a King’s studentship.