The Raghunathan Scholarship at Girton College: A Gateway for International Women in Engineering
Girton College, part of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1869, it was the very first residential college for women in Cambridge. However over the time, it transformed into a diverse and inclusive institution welcoming students of all genders and backgrounds.
This tradition to support women in higher education continues even today through providing new scholarships specifically for women. One of the most recent examples is the Raghunathan Scholarship, a fully established award designed to support international female students in the field of Engineering. The scholarship, launching for the 2026–27 academic year, stands as a bold step toward expanding opportunities for women from around the world to study at Cambridge.
Girton College at the University of Cambridge: A Brief Background
History: Girton College was founded as the first residential college in Cambridge for women in 1869. At that time, women were excluded from most academic opportunities in the overall societies, making Girton’s creation a landmark in educational history.
Location: The college is situated slightly northwest of central Cambridge, UK on a beautiful campus with modern facilities, historic architecture, and green spaces.
Academic Focus: Girton admits students across all Cambridge courses, but it has always been a strong supporter of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Diversity: Today, the student body is an inclusive mix of home and international students. Women remain at the heart of its mission, but male students are equally welcome.
The establishment of the Raghunathan Scholarship adds a new layer to Girton’s long-standing legacy of inclusion.
What Is the Raghunathan Scholarship?
The Raghunathan Scholarship is a undergraduate scholarship for women(only) pursuing Engineering at Girton College. It initiated to support the college’s commitment to addressing gender gaps in science and engineering education worldwide.
Key Facts About the Raghunathan Scholarship:
Award Value: £7,000 per year
Renewal: Renewable annually, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress
Eligibility:
Must be female
Must be an international student (outside the UK)
Must hold an offer to study Engineering at Girton College
Must demonstrate financial need
Application: There is no separate scholarship application. All eligible students with an offer will be automatically considered.
Why the Raghunathan Scholarship Matters
Engineering has long been a male-dominated field. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in engineering programs worldwide. By creating a scholarship exclusively for international female engineering students, Girton College sends a strong message: barriers to access must be reduced, and excellence must be supported, no matter where students come from.
The scholarship has two powerful impacts:
Financial Relief: Studying at Cambridge comes with significant costs, especially for international students. The £7,000 per year contribution reduces the financial pressure.
Symbolic Representation: Being named a Raghunathan Scholar will highlight a student’s role in advancing diversity in engineering, helping build a professional identity.
The University of Cambridge and Scholarship Ecosystem
Girton College is part of the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Cambridge provides multiple levels of financial support, ranging from central university awards to college-specific scholarships.
For international students, these funding opportunities are crucial because tuition fees at Cambridge can be substantial. Scholarships like the Raghunathan Award make world-class education accessible to students who might otherwise be excluded due to financial limitations.
Other Scholarships at Girton College
While the Raghunathan Scholarship is new and specific, Girton College also offers other scholarships and bursaries. Mentioning them here provides international students with a fuller picture of potential funding options.
Examples include:
Girton College Bursaries: Need-based awards to support undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Subject Prizes: Awards for outstanding academic achievement in particular disciplines.
Cambridge Trust Scholarships: Available for many Girton students through the central university.
Graduate Funding: Some postgraduate scholarships are also available through Girton, often in collaboration with the wider university.
By combining scholarships, bursaries, and Cambridge-wide awards, students can often build a funding package that makes study in the UK manageable.
Living and Studying at Girton College as an International Student
Life at Girton is unique. Unlike some central colleges at Cambridge, Girton’s slightly suburban location gives students space, greenery, and a strong sense of community.
Facilities:
Spacious on-site accommodation for undergraduates and graduates
Extensive library collections
Sports facilities, including a swimming pool and gym
Music rooms and arts spaces
Student Experience:
International community with supportive networks
Societies, clubs, and student unions to join
Cultural activities and academic mentoring
Costs:
Living costs in Cambridge include accommodation, meals, travel, and personal expenses. While Girton is not the cheapest option, its scholarships and bursaries help offset financial challenges.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Raghunathan Scholarship
Since the Raghunathan Scholarship is tied to admission into Engineering at Girton College, your application pathway is slightly different from typical scholarship applications.
Apply to the University of Cambridge (UCAS route): Choose Girton College and the Engineering program.
Receive an Offer: Admissions decisions are competitive, but if you receive an offer, you are automatically eligible for Girton’s funding schemes.
Demonstrate Financial Need: During the admissions and funding application process, you may be asked to submit financial details.
Automatic Consideration: All eligible students are automatically considered for the Raghunathan Scholarship—no separate essay or form required.
Award Notification: If successful, you will be informed alongside your offer or funding package.
Tips for International Female Engineering Students Applying to Girton College
Strong Academic Preparation: Excel in mathematics and physics, as these are core to Engineering admissions.
Demonstrate Passion: Highlight your interest in engineering through projects, competitions, or internships.
Show Leadership: Scholarship committees value women who are leaders in their communities.
Prepare Financial Documentation: Have clear, accurate financial records to demonstrate need.
Stay Informed: Follow Girton’s website for any updates on scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible for the Raghunathan Scholarship?
Female international students who have an offer to study Engineering at Girton College and can demonstrate financial need.
Q2. Do I need to apply separately?
No. If you meet the eligibility criteria and receive an offer, you will automatically be considered.
Q3. How much is the scholarship worth?
£7,000 per year, renewable annually based on academic performance.
Q4. When will it be available?
The scholarship will be available starting in the academic year 2026–27.
Q5. Can I combine the Raghunathan Scholarship with other funding?
Yes. Students can receive multiple forms of financial aid from Girton, Cambridge Trust, or external organizations.
Conclusion: Girton College and the Future of Global Education
Girton College has a proud tradition of pioneering access for women in education. The Raghunathan Scholarship is the latest chapter in this story, providing financial support and encouragement for international women in Engineering.
For students dreaming of Cambridge, this scholarship represents both an opportunity and a statement: that talent, ambition, and determination deserve recognition, no matter where you come from.
If you are a young woman aspiring to study engineering, Girton College could be your gateway to a world-class education, lifelong networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the world.
Official Link
Please visit the official website for further details.
