The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarship programs in the world. Established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship provides full funding for outstanding students from around the globe to pursue graduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Award Overview
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Award Amount: Fully funded
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Covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other discretionary costs
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Eligibility: Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom
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Programs Covered: Any full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, including:
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PhD
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MLitt
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One-year postgraduate courses (e.g., MPhil, MASt, LLM)
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If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
What the Scholarship Covers
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed to remove all financial barriers to studying at Cambridge. It includes:
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University composition fee (tuition)
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Maintenance allowance: Approx. £20,000 per year for living expenses
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Round-trip airfare to and from the UK
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Visa and immigration health surcharge costs
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Additional discretionary funding may be provided for:
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Academic development and conference attendance
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Fieldwork (as part of the course)
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Family allowance for scholars with children
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Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
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Be applying to pursue one of the eligible full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge
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Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and strong leadership potential
Current students already at Cambridge can also apply for a new postgraduate degree.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on four main factors:
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Academic Excellence: Strong academic record and potential for research or leadership in their field.
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Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership through work, extracurricular activities, or community engagement.
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Commitment to Improving Lives: A strong ethos of service, innovation, and dedication to positive social impact.
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Fit with Cambridge: Clear reasons for choosing Cambridge and how the program fits into the applicant’s long-term goals.
Application Process
Applicants must first apply for admission to the University of Cambridge via the Graduate Application Portal, where they indicate their interest in being considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
The process includes:
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University of Cambridge graduate course application
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Submission of Gates-specific essays:
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Personal statement (up to 500 words)
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Letters of recommendation, with one referee specifically addressing the applicant’s suitability for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview, either in-person or online, which focuses on the applicant’s motivations, goals, and academic pursuits.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Deadline and Timeline
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U.S. Citizens: Application deadline is usually in early October
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All other applicants: Apply in tandem with their graduate program by early December or January, depending on the course
Decisions are typically made by late March for all finalists.
