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United Kingdom · University of Cambridge

Cambridge Trust Scholarships

IELTS Requirement & Application Guide

Use this listing to plan your research, not as confirmation of eligibility. Requirements, funding and deadlines can change. Confirm your course and current application cycle with the official provider. An unknown requirement is not a waiver.

IELTS
7.5
Components
L 7 / R 7 / W 7 / S 7
Study level
Postgraduate, PhD
Deadline
October–December

Last verified: 2026-03

About Cambridge Trust Scholarships

Cambridge Trust Scholarships are the University of Cambridge's primary funding scheme for international graduate students. Over 250 awards are made each year, and candidates are automatically assessed when they submit their graduate application to Cambridge. Scholarships cover full tuition fees at the international rate and a maintenance stipend.

Official Website

Listed IELTS requirement

OverallLRWS
7.57777

Accepts: Academic / General

Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 110, Cambridge C2 Proficiency Grade A

Tips for Meeting the Requirement

  1. 1Cambridge Trust requires IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in every component. This is among the highest IELTS requirements for any scholarship — plan for at least 4–6 months of focused preparation.
  2. 2Cambridge accepts IELTS scores taken within 2 years of your application. Time your test strategically — an early attempt gives you room for one or two retakes if needed.
  3. 3For the 7.0 Writing minimum, practice both Task 1 (data interpretation) and Task 2 (essay) regularly. Academic writing skills are essential for Cambridge graduate study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IELTS score do I need for Cambridge Trust Scholarship?
Cambridge Trust Scholarships require IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each component. This is the standard University of Cambridge requirement for most graduate programmes.
Is there a separate application for Cambridge Trust Scholarships?
No, you are automatically considered for Cambridge Trust funding when you apply to a Cambridge graduate programme. Simply indicate on your application that you wish to be considered for funding.
Can I use IELTS One Skill Retake for Cambridge Trust?
Cambridge typically requires all four IELTS components to be from the same test sitting. Check directly with the Cambridge Admissions Office about their current policy on IELTS One Skill Retake, as policies may vary by department.

Prepare for your English requirement

A practice Writing estimate can help identify what to work on. It does not establish scholarship eligibility.

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