Blog Image

Gates Cambridge Scholarships: A Prestigious Pathway to Study at the University of Cambridge

Table of Content

  1. Overview of Gates Cambridge Scholarships
  2. Benefits
  3. Eligibility criteria
  4. Courses which are NOT eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarships
  5. Application Process and Deadline

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarships in the world. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the program was established in 2000 with a generous donation of $210 million to the University of Cambridge. The goal of the scholarship is to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. Each year Gates Cambridge offers c.80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.

Benefits

  • The University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
  • A maintenance allowance for a single student (£18,744 for 12 months at the 2022-23 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months) – for PhD scholars the award is for up to 4 years
  • One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
  • Inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Academic development funding – from up to £500 to up to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
  • Family allowance – up to £10,944 for one child and up to £15,612 for two or more children (2022-23 rate). No funding is provided for a partner.
  • Fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (the Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee).
  • Maternity/Paternity funding – should you require it, you may apply to intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time
  • Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar

Eligibility criteria

  • a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
  • applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge:
    • PhD (full-time or part-time*)
    • MLitt (full-time)
    • One year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions – see below
  • Academic excellence.
  • You should be able to make a strong case for a particular postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
  • A commitment to improving the lives of others.
  • A capacity for leadership.

* For October 2024 entry, Gates Cambridge is continuing to pilot a scheme which allows applicants to apply for funding for a part-time doctoral degree (PhD).

Courses which are NOT eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarships:

  • Any Undergraduate degree such as BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)
  • Business Doctorate (BusD)
  • Master of Business (MBA)
  • Master of Finance (MFin)
  • PGCE
  • MBBChir Clinical Studies
  • MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
  • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
  • Part-time degrees
  • Non-degree courses

Application Process

  1. Apply for admission to a course and a College place and the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section.
  2. Build up an account on the website.
  3. Fill in your personal information
  4. Submit these documents:
    • Gates Cambridge Statement: In no more than 3000 characters (approximately 500 words) please explain why you are applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and how you meet the four main criteria.
    • CV/Resume
    • Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
    • Gates reference: In addition to two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants submit a reference about their fit with the scholarship.
  5. Answer the application questions.
  6. Submit the application

Deadline

  • Deadline:
    • For US Citizens: Wednesday 11 October 2024 (Time 12:00, noon in local US time zone)
    • For International Students: Dependent on your course – either 5 December 2024 or 4 January 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

© 2024 Uniplus Global Education. All rights reserved.