Offered by:
Gates Cambridge Trust in partnership with the University of Cambridge
Overview:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded program that supports outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK. It enables scholars to pursue full-time Master’s, MLitt, or PhD degrees in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Established in 2000 with a gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Benefits:
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including:
- University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- A maintenance allowance of £21,000 for 12 months (pro-rata for courses shorter than 12 months)
- 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 £500 to £2,000, depending 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 (2024-25 rate)
- No funding is provided for a partner
Eligibility:
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
Please note that Gates Cambridge does not consider applications for:
- Any undergraduate degree, such as a BA (undergraduate) or a BA affiliated (a second BA)
- Master of Business (MBA)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees
- Non-degree courses
Application Process:
To be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:
- Apply for admission to a specific graduate course and a College place at the University of Cambridge.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section in the application.
- Provide all required documents, including transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
Timeline:
- Applications for 2026 entry open: 10 September 2025
- Application deadlines: Varies by course (typically December 5 or January 5)
Contact Information:
For more details, visit the official website: gatescambridge.org
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to ensure all deadlines are met.
- Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific requirements and expectations of the chosen graduate course.
- Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your academic interests, career goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
- Obtain Strong References: Secure letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
- Demonstrate Commitment to Leadership: Show evidence of your dedication to improving the lives of others through leadership and community involvement.