POSTGRADUATES AT CHURCHILL COLLEGE
The first 25 students at Churchill College, who arrived in 1960, were all postgraduates, reflecting from the outset the centrality of research and higher study at the College – and postgraduates now make up almost half the student community. Today's 350 postgraduates are tomorrow's innovators and leaders, conducting ground-breaking research to address global social and scientific challenges.
At Churchill, our aim has always been to seek out the most talented students from around the world. Funding for postgraduates has the power to unlock careers in vital research and diversify academic cohorts to ensure that financial backgrounds are not a barrier for further study. The Postgraduate Studentship Endowment is critical for the College to be able to provide this funding for future generations of postgraduate students.
Supporting our postgraduate students
16
postgraduate students are receiving Studentships this year (2024-25) that include funding from the College
20
postgraduate students were awarded a Hardship Grant from the College in 2023-24
56
postgraduate students have been helped by a Hardship Grant since 1 July 2021
79
received funding from the Postgraduate Academic Travel Fund last academic year (2023-24)
In the words of our postgraduate students...
Mineli Cooray (G24)
"Churchill awarded me a Studentship that covers 90% of my MPhil tuition fees. I would not have been able to complete this MPhil in Population Health Sciences without it. It has allowed me to defer my place at medical school to pursue a deeper academic journey, focusing on public health modelling and its potential within addressing healthcare disparities."
Robert (U&G14)
"I was awarded a Cambridge Masters and Churchill College Studentship, covering my MPhil fees and some modest research expenses. As a doctor training in Paediatrics, this has allowed me to reduce my clinical commitments and dedicate time to my research in Stickler syndrome. This research will have a direct impact on patients by developing a tool to achieve early diagnosis and prevent associated blindness."
Peter (U&G20)
"Without my Cambridge Trust and College funding I would not be able to study at a postgraduate level. This funding has opened a new level of engagement for me with both the educational and research cultures at Cambridge University as I study for my MPhil."
Ana (G23)
"It’s hard to put into words how thankful I am. I feel extremely fortunate to be a recipient of a Studentship, it has been a life changing experience. Without the Sir Robert (Bob) Edwards Studentship, I would not have been able to pursue a PhD degree in Cambridge."
Luisa (G21)
"Funding can really make a whole lot of difference. Especially for early career researchers like me that are just beginning their academic career, having the adequate support is really crucial. First of all, it helps conducting research that is ethical and robust because with funding you can pay research participants, and access equipment and data. This, in turn, increases your confidence in the work that you are doing. Secondly, funding helps you lay the first step for the later stages of your career, by allowing you to travel, attend conferences and establishing a network."
Choonzo (G22)
"The Studentship awarded me an opportunity to pursue the career of my dreams: a career rooted in groundbreaking chemistry research that aims at improving the quality of human life. It has brought my unspoken dream to study at Cambridge to life, something I could never have afforded on my own. Words cannot describe how grateful I am."
