Overview

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.

Who Can Apply?

• 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.

Application Procedure

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

What Financial Support is Available?

• 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

Other Details

For US Citizens Residing in the USA

This round is for US citizens who are currently residing in the United States. The application deadline is 16 October, and all required documents (including references) must be submitted by that date. US citizens who are studying or working abroad at the time of application should apply in the later round (details below).

Key Dates:

• Applications open: 4 September 2024
• Application deadline: 16 October 2024 (full application due by 23:59 GMT)
• Departmental ranking: 21 October – 21 November 2024
• Outcome notification: By 11 December 2024
• Panel review and selection: 24–25 January 2025
• Scholarships offered: By 3 February 2025
• Scholarships accepted: 72 hours after offer

For All Other Eligible Applicants

This round is for the majority of applicants and aligns with the University’s postgraduate funding competition. Application deadlines vary depending on the course you are applying for. Please refer to the Course Funding Deadline listed in the University Course Directory. All application documents must be submitted by 23:59 (midnight) UK time on the specified date.

Key Dates:

• Applications open: 4 September 2024
• Application deadline: Varies by course – either 3 December 2024 or 7 January 2025 (refer to the Course Directory; full application due by 23:59 GMT)
• Departmental ranking: December – February
• Outcome notification: By 5 March 2025
• Panel review and selection: 24–25 March 2025 (TBC)
• Scholarships offered: By 7 April 2025
• Scholarships accepted: 72 hours after offer

For More Information

For more information click here.