The Cambridge Trust Scholarship for Refugees offers a fully funded PhD in Environmental Science to Syrian refugees, providing up to £30,000 per year for tuition and living expenses.
Who Qualifies
| Visa Category | Eligibility Criteria | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 4 (Student) Visa | Must be accepted to a PhD program at a UK university and have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). | Full scholarship covers visa costs. |
| Tier 2 (General) Visa | Suitable if you have a job offer related to your PhD research or a sponsorship from a university. | Scholarships may include a salary stipend. |
| EU Settlement Scheme (EU/EEA nationals) | If you were living in the UK before 31 December 2020. | Not applicable to Syrians, but important for other refugees. |
| Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection | Must hold a valid refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. | Full tuition and living stipend are included. |
| International Student Status (non-UK) | You must be a citizen of a non-UK country and be accepted into a UK PhD program. | Scholarships often cover the entire duration. |
Key Eligibility Checks
* Proof of Syrian refugee status (e.g., UNHCR certificate, UK Home Office documentation).
* Acceptance letter from the Department of Environmental Science at Cambridge.
* Demonstrated proficiency in English (IELTS ≥ 7.5 or equivalent).
* Academic transcripts and a research proposal that aligns with Cambridge’s environmental research priorities.
---
Five Real Scholarships for Syrian Refugees
1. Cambridge Trust Scholarship for Refugees
- Amount: Up to £30,000 per year (tuition + living stipend).
- Eligibility: Syrian refugees with a confirmed PhD offer at the University of Cambridge.
- Deadline: 31 May each year.
- Official URL: https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/
2. Cambridge Global Scholarship
- Amount: £25,000 per year (covers tuition and a generous living stipend).
- Eligibility: International students from developing or transitional economies, including refugees.
- Deadline: 15 August annually.
- Official URL: https://www.cambridge.org/uk/global-scholarships
3. UNHCR Scholarship Programme
- Amount: Full tuition plus a £18,000 per year living stipend for PhD studies in the UK.
- Eligibility: Syrian refugees holding UNHCR-issued certificates.
- Deadline: 30 June for 2026 intake.
- Official URL: https://www.unhcr.org/scholarship-programme/
4. British Council International Awards
- Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance for PhD in Environmental Science.
- Eligibility: Syrian refugees with an admission offer from a UK university.
- Deadline: 1 July each year.
- Official URL: https://www.britishcouncil.org/scholarships
5. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
- Amount: Full funding for PhD studies (tuition, stipend, travel).
- Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries who have refugee status in the UK.
- Deadline: 15 October for 2027 intake.
- Official URL: https://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/scholarships
---
Eight Steps to Apply
- Secure an Offer – Apply to the PhD programme in Environmental Science at Cambridge and secure an official acceptance letter.
- Gather Refugee Documentation – Obtain your UNHCR certificate, UK visa status letter, and proof of residence.
- Prepare Academic Records – Transcripts, CV, research proposal, and two academic references.
- Compose an Impact Statement – Explain how your research will benefit Syrian communities and the global environment.
- Complete Scholarship Applications – Use the official forms for each scholarship; pay attention to specific questions on displacement and resilience.