ASCU Cambridge University African Students Mentorship Programme (CAMP) for African Students 2022

The Cambridge University African Students Mentorship Programme (CAMP), formally known as the ASCU Mentorship Programme is an initiative owned and organised by the African Society of Cambridge University that aims to provide general guidance and support on the postgraduate application process for Africans applying to the University of Cambridge. CAMP is the first University of Cambridge African students-led institutionalized mentorship programme for Africans, that provides financial support for application fees as needed. The structured programme will be run from August 2022 to December 2022 and will include one-to-one mentorship support with a matched member of the university. Further support will be provided for mentees with successful Cambridge applications.

Why CAMP Exists

The main aim of CAMP is to increase the application and success rate of African postgraduate applicants coming to Cambridge. We found that African students only make up about 2% of the full-time new entrant international student population enrolled at Cambridge. African applicants face multiple barriers to entry such as:

• Knowledge gap about important aspects of the Cambridge application
• Difficulty in obtaining strong reference letters
• High cost of application fees and English language proficiency test fees

ASCU has proposed a structured mentorship programme to provide general guidance and support on the application process for applicants from Africa. CAMP would provide:

• General session webinars to discuss tips on how to identify and contact a supervisor, and how to write strong personal statements and research proposals
• One-to-one mentorship support with a matched Cambridge student, alum or staff member
• Financial support for application fees for mentees with demonstrated hardship

• Table of Content
• About African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU)
• CAMP
• Aim and Benefits of CAMP
• Requirements for CAMP Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About African Society of Cambridge University (ASCU)

ASCU is a student organization with a mission to be a focal point for people who share an interest in and commitment to Africa. Our platform is one for networking and discourse on issues of Pan-African importance. We are open to anyone interested in learning more about Africa, no matter their discipline, nationality, or student status.

CAMP

Aim and Benefits of CAMP

• Free resources for completing all steps of the application process – contacting supervisors, references, CVs, personal statements, project proposals and funding
• Weekly one-to-one support and feedback sessions on your application from people who have gone through the exact same process
• Mock interviews
• Limited need-based financial support covering the application fee
• Progress reports to keep you on track
• Information on Cambridge life
• A network of inspiring students from all over the continent

Requirements for CAMP Qualification

1. Must be from the African continent and/or the African diaspora.
2. Must exhibit academic excellence

Women, people living in conflict zones in Africa and persons living with disability are encouraged to apply

The application for the program is divided into four sections – personal details, academic background and research experience, financial information and other information. A copy of your resume/CV is required.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit ASCU website.