The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. The scholarship aims to support outstanding applicants from outside the UK who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Deadlines For US citizens: In October of the preceding year.
- Deadlines For all other applicants: In December or January, depending on the chosen course.
Scholarship Details
The scholarship funds postgraduate study (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge for students from countries outside the United Kingdom. It selects scholars based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to societal betterment.
Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The scholarship provides a fully funded experience, covering:
- Full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge.
- Maintenance allowance (£20,000 per year for PhD students in 2023-24).
- One economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa and immigration health surcharge costs.
- Additional funding for:
- Academic development grants (up to £2,500 for attending conferences or courses).
- Family allowance (up to £11,604 for one child and £16,548 for two or more children in 2023-24).
- Fieldwork costs for PhD students.
- Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
- Apply for a full-time residential postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (usually First-Class Honours or equivalent).
- Show strong leadership abilities.
- Have a clear commitment to making a positive impact on society.
INELIGIBLE COURSES:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not fund;
- Undergraduate degrees.
- Business programs like the MBA or Master of Finance (MFin).
- Certain professional degrees like PGCE, MD, MBBChir Clinical Studies, or Part-time courses.
Application Process
- Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at Cambridge via the university’s online portal (www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk).
- Complete the Gates Cambridge section of the funding application.
- Submit supporting documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
- Personal statement on leadership and social impact.
- Two academic references.