The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in 2000 when the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated $210 million to the University of Cambridge, making it the largest single grant to a UK university. This prestigious scholarship offers around 80 full-cost scholarships annually for outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK, with two-thirds of the awards allocated to PhD candidates.

Objective:

The primary goal of the Gates Cambridge Initiative is to develop a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. The program provides financial and non-financial support to scholars, encouraging their academic development and fostering community building both within and beyond the University of Cambridge.

Key Details:

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Eligible Nationalities: All countries except the UK
• Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, and one-year postgraduate courses
• Number of Scholarships: 80 per year
• Funding Type: Fully funded

Funding Benefits:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including:

• University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
• Maintenance Allowance: £21,000 per year (for 12 months, 2024-25 rates), for PhD students up to four years
• Travel Costs: One economy airfare at the start and end of the course
• Visa and Health Surcharge Costs

Discretionary Funding is also available for specific needs:

• Academic Development: Up to £2,000 for attending conferences and courses
• Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child, £16,548 for two or more
• Fieldwork: Continue receiving allowances while doing PhD fieldwork
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Up to 6 months of intermission with continued support
• Hardship Funding: Available for unforeseen difficulties

What’s Not Covered:

The scholarship does not cover bench fees, scientific equipment, or course-related costs that the academic department should fund.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
• Apply for one of the following courses at Cambridge:
  • PhD (full-time or part-time)
  • MLitt (full-time)
  • One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions.
• You can also apply if you’re already studying at Cambridge for a new postgraduate course or if you are pursuing a second degree.

Ineligible Courses:

• Undergraduate degrees (e.g., BA)
• MBA, EMBA, and MFin programs
• Business Doctorate (BusD)
• Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
• Part-time degrees (except for the PhD)
• Non-degree courses

Selection Criteria:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship focuses on the following:

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Commitment to improving the lives of others
• Leadership potential
• Clear reasons for choosing the course of study

Application Process:

The application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is combined with the University of Cambridge’s graduate application. To apply, you must:

1. Submit your application for admission to a graduate course via the University’s Graduate Application Portal.
2. Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section within the application to be considered for the scholarship.
3. Provide required details about your background, academic history, and suitability for the course.

Deadlines:

• US Citizens (Resident in the USA): October 16, 2024 (23:59 GMT)
• Other Eligible Applicants: Depends on your course – either December 3, 2024, or January 7, 2025 (23:59 GMT)

Final Thoughts:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive and designed for individuals who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to creating positive change in the world. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about your chosen field, this scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Apply Now

Read more about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.