Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is an international award that supports postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Recognized as one of the most prestigious and highly competitive scholarships worldwide, it stands as the university’s flagship scholarship program for postgraduate students.

Host Country	United Kingdom
Host Institute	University of Cambridge
Eligible Nationality	A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
No. of Scholarships	80 (25 for US, 55 for International)
Scholarship Value	The full cost of study + Maintenance allowance/ Child allowance +
Eligible Levels	PhD (full-time or part-time) MPhil, MLitt One-year postgraduate course
Opening Date	September 2025
Closing Date	16 October 2025

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The University of Cambridge, UK

The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is a world-renowned public collegiate research university. Established in 1209, it is the third-oldest university still in operation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, Cambridge currently holds fourth place in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, third in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and second in the QS World University Rankings.

The university’s legacy of excellence is reflected in its community, which includes 121 Nobel Prize winners, 194 Olympic medalists, and countless distinguished alumni who have shaped history and transformed their fields.

The Gates Cambridge Award

Established in 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—the largest gift ever made to a UK university—the Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding graduate students at the University of Cambridge. The award fully funds postgraduate study while also providing resources for academic and professional development. Since its inception, the program has supported over 2,000 scholars from more than 110 countries, with more than 200 Gates Cambridge Scholars currently pursuing their studies at Cambridge.

Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other necessary charges. In addition, scholars receive extra funding for optional costs such as conferences, fieldwork, and professional development.

Coverage includes:

Full university composition fee*
Annual maintenance allowance of £20,000 for a single student
One economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the program
Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge

Beyond financial support, Gates Cambridge Scholars become part of a vibrant, international community. The program offers numerous opportunities for academic and professional growth through events, seminars, and an extensive alumni network.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

Open to applicants from any country except the United Kingdom.
Candidates must apply to the University of Cambridge for one of the following full-time residential programs:
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Letters (MLitt), or Master of Science (MSc)
- Other one-year postgraduate programs such as LLM, MRes, or MASt
Applicants must apply simultaneously to a course, college, and department at Cambridge, securing full admission to each.
Recent graduates and senior-level applicants are eligible.
All subjects offered by the University of Cambridge are covered under the scholarship.
In addition to applying directly to the University of Cambridge, applicants must also submit a separate application to the Cambridge Trusts.

The Gates Cambridge Trustees evaluate applicants based on the following key factors:

Academic Excellence – Assessed through academic records, references, work experience, and the applicant’s potential to succeed in their chosen program. A nomination from the department is required as evidence of this standard.
Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others – Candidates must demonstrate a proven dedication to making a positive impact on society, reflected in their past achievements, current efforts, and future goals.
Leadership Potential – Applicants should display strong leadership qualities and a willingness to inspire, guide, and uplift others as future leaders in their fields and communities.
Course Choice – The program seeks students whose selected course at Cambridge will provide a transformative academic experience. Applicants must show intellectual ability, clarity of purpose, and the skills needed to excel in their studies.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive, focusing on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to improving the world. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the intellectual, social, and leadership impact of their chosen field of study.

Scholarship Duration

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full duration of a student’s degree program, which typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the chosen field of study.

Application Timeline

The application deadline for the 2024–25 academic year has closed. Applications for the 2025–26 academic year will open in September 2024.

Application Process

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not require a university endorsement; however, applicants are encouraged to submit pre-applications and work with OURSD on their materials before the campus deadline.

All applications for admission and funding (including Gates Cambridge and other scholarships) must be submitted through the University of Cambridge’s graduate application portal.

Application & Admission

In this section, you will apply for admission to a specific graduate program and a college placement. You’ll be asked to provide standard details about yourself, your academic background, your study plans, and your suitability for the chosen course.

Financial Support Section

In this section, you can apply for various financial aid opportunities offered by the university and its partner organizations, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which has a dedicated subsection. To be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you will need to provide the following information:

Personal Statement for Gates Cambridge

In no more than 3,000 characters (approximately 500 words), explain why you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and demonstrate how you meet the four key selection criteria.

PhD Research Proposal

PhD applicants are required to submit a research proposal as part of their funding application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. In most cases, this proposal is also included in the PhD admission application. Where applicable, the research proposal is essential for consideration for the scholarship.

Gates Cambridge Recommendation

In addition to providing two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants must arrange for a separate reference that explains how they meet the scholarship’s selection criteria.

Apply Now.