Stormzy Cambridge Scholarship 2026

Stormzy Scholarship has provided financial support to more than 40 UK Black students, helping to transform their university experience at the University of Cambridge. In partnership with HSBC UK, Stormzy's Merky Foundation will provide scholarships to at least 10 Black undergraduate students starting their studies in autumn 2026. Each scholarship is non‑repayable and covers the full cost of tuition fees plus a maintenance grant – significantly reducing the need for recipients to take out government or commercial loans.

If you are a UK Black student with a confirmed place at Cambridge for October 2026, this could be your opportunity to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities without financial burden. For students exploring other funded opportunities in the United Kingdom, you can browse fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom for international students to discover additional programs that support undergraduate and postgraduate study.

About the Stormzy Scholarship

The Stormzy Scholarship was launched by the award‑winning British musician Stormzy through his Merky Foundation. In 2023, five years after the launch, HSBC UK pledged a further £2 million in support of 30 new Stormzy Scholarships over three years (2024–2026). The #Merky Foundation continues to fund an additional two students per year. Over 500 UK Black students have arrived to take up their courses at Cambridge in the past three years, but there is still more work to be done. This scholarship aims to ensure that UK Black students not only apply to study at Cambridge but also feel at home here and achieve their full potential.

• Host University: University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

• Scholarship Value: £20,285 per year (for 2026‑27 academic year)

• Duration: Typically 3 years (4 years for longer undergraduate courses such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine)

• Number of Scholarships: At least 10 for 2026 entry

• Funding Type: Non‑repayable (no loans required)

For students who may also be considering study options at other UK universities, you can explore latest scholarships in England for all nationalities to compare opportunities across the country.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Stormzy Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:

• Full tuition fees covered for the entire undergraduate degree

• Maintenance grant to cover living costs (accommodation, food, books, etc.)

• Total award for 2026‑27: £20,285 per student

• Receipt of this award does not affect eligibility for a Cambridge Bursary (additional financial support)

For standard three‑year undergraduate degrees, the scholarship covers all three years. For four‑year courses such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, the scholarship covers the full four‑year undergraduate element.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Stormzy Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Ethnicity – Must have one of the following categories:

• Black African

• Black Caribbean

• Black Other

• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean

• Mixed – White and Black African

• Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean, or Black Other)

Academic Status – Must have a confirmed place for entry to the University of Cambridge for a first undergraduate degree, due to commence study in October 2026.

Fee Status – Must be a UK student assessed for fee status as 'home' (this is indicated in your offer letter from Cambridge).

Student Finance Application – Must have applied to Student Finance (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) for a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, and received confirmation of assessment. An income assessment must have been conducted, with consent given to share information with the University. Note: If awarded the Stormzy Scholarship, you can reduce the loan amount you take out to zero, but you still need an income assessment from Student Finance to receive the Cambridge Bursary.

For students interested in other scholarship opportunities across Europe, you can review financial aids for students in Europe to compare programs in other countries.

How to Apply

Applications for 2025 entry have now closed. Details about scholarships for 2026 entry will be available later in 2025/early 2026. The funding application deadline for 2026 entry is 31 August 2026.

To apply, you must submit your application on the scholarship provider's website by this date. For questions regarding the Stormzy Scholarship, email ugscholarships@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Application steps (for 2026 entry, when open):

Step 1: Secure a confirmed place to study at the University of Cambridge for an undergraduate degree starting October 2026. (You can check the status of your offer on UCAS Hub.)

Step 2: Apply to Student Finance for tuition fee and maintenance loans, complete the income assessment, and give consent to share information with the University.

Step 3: Once the Stormzy Scholarship application opens (details announced later in 2025/early 2026), complete and submit the online application form before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

Step 4: Await notification of the outcome.

Why Choose the Stormzy Scholarship

The Stormzy Scholarship offers several compelling advantages:

• Full financial freedom – tuition and living costs covered without loans

• Prestigious Cambridge education – study at one of the world's top universities

• Community and belonging – join a growing cohort of UK Black students at Cambridge

• Non‑repayable award – no debt burden after graduation

• Partnership with HSBC UK – backed by major corporate support

• Stormzy's #Merky Foundation – a scholarship with cultural significance and visibility

Final Thoughts

The Stormzy Scholarship at the University of Cambridge is a transformative opportunity for UK Black students who have earned a place at Cambridge for undergraduate study starting in October 2026. With full tuition coverage, a generous maintenance grant, and no requirement to repay the funds, this scholarship removes financial barriers and allows you to focus entirely on your academic and personal development.

Since 2018, more than 40 students have benefited from this programme, and with at least 10 new scholarships available for 2026 entry, this is your chance to be part of a growing community of Black scholars at Cambridge. If you have a confirmed offer from Cambridge, ensure you have completed your Student Finance application and watch for the scholarship application opening later this year.

Apply Now for Stormzy Scholarship