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Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program

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Scholarship Overview

  • The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program was established in October 2000 following a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.
  • Every year this program offers full-cost scholarships to deserving postgraduate applicants from countries outside the UK who want to pursue full-time studies at the University.

Host School(s)

  • University of Cambridge

Fields of Study

  • Any postgraduate subject at the University of Cambridge

How many scholarships are given?

  • Around 80 every year

What does the scholarship cover?

  • University Composition Fee at the rate that applies to the different student categories
  • A maintenance allowance for a single student. This comes to £17,500 for 12 months at the 2020-21 rate (prorated for courses shorter than 12 months.) For PhD scholars, the award lasts for up to 4 years
  • One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
  • Inbound visa costs
  • Cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge

Which countries are targeted?

  • Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this scholarship, you must be:

  • Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
  • Be applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
    • PhD
    • MSc/MLitt
    • One year postgraduate course

NOTE

  • If you are a current student at Cambridge and you wish to apply for a new postgraduate course, you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
  • If you are already a Gates Cambridge Scholar, you can apply for a second scholarship when applying for a new degree.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

  • Applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are done via the Graduate Application Portal.
  • On the admission form, make sure you complete the section to apply for admission and a college place, as well as the Gates Cambridge section.
  • Applications are then reviewed by the department, the degree committee, and the graduate admissions office.
  • Once you apply, trace the progress through the application portal.
  • After you have received a conditional offer from the university, your papers are passed on to the colleges, starting with the ones you chose. You will then be notified by the college that accepts you.

Required documents

  • Gates Cambridge Statement – a 500-word statement where you explain why you are applying for the Graduate Scholarships and how you meet the four main criteria
  • Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
  • 2 academic references
  • Gates Cambridge Reference – a reference indicating the referee’s  assessment of the applicant’s suitability for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Selection Criteria

  • Academic excellence
  • Reasons for choice of course
  • A commitment to improving the lives of others
  • Capacity for leadership

Closing Date

  • December 3, 2020

How do I get more information?

We advise against ever posting personal information (email or phone number) in a public place on the internet - Scammers can obtain your information and use it to send you false solicitations.