The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university. The first class of scholars came into residence in October 2001. Since then, the Trust has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to scholars from more than 100 countries.
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.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. The program aims to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. Each year, the scholarship supports outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge in any subject offered at the university. Scholars are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to making a positive social impact.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of study at Cambridge, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and additional funding for conferences, fieldwork, and other academic activities. This comprehensive financial support allows scholars to focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial stress. In addition to the financial benefits, scholars gain access to an enriching community of peers, faculty, and alumni who share a commitment to social change and global development.
A key aspect of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is its emphasis on leadership and service. Scholars are expected not only to excel academically but also to demonstrate a commitment to using their skills and knowledge to address global challenges. This focus on leadership means that Gates Cambridge Scholars are often involved in initiatives that have a far-reaching impact, from scientific research to policy advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and public health efforts.
The program’s diverse cohort includes scholars from various fields, such as science, engineering, the arts, social sciences, and humanities. This interdisciplinary environment fosters collaboration and cross-cultural understanding, helping scholars develop new perspectives on complex global issues. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program not only provides world-class education but also equips its scholars with the tools, networks, and opportunities to become leaders who can drive positive change on a global scale.
Requirements For The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program
You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you are:
- 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
* 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).
Funding
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.
Core components
- the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*
- a maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 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
Discretionary components
The Trust also considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:
- Academic development funding – from up to £500 to up to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance – up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2024-24 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
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria are:
- outstanding intellectual ability
- reasons for choice of course
- a commitment to improving the lives of others
- leadership potential
Application Timeline:
| Applications open* | Wednesday 4 September 2024 |
| Application deadline* | Dependent on your course – either 3 December 2024 or 7 January 2025 (see Course Directory) |
| Departmental ranking | December – February |
| All applicants notified of application outcome | by Wednesday 5 March 2025 |
| Review and selection by panels | Monday 24 March 2025 and Tuesday 25 March 2025 (TBC) |
| Scholarships offered | by Monday 7 April 2025 |
| Scholarships accepted | 72 hours after offer |
Application Deadline: 7 January 2025.
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