The Gates Cambridge Scholarship represents one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this highly competitive scholarship offers comprehensive financial support for exceptional candidates enrolling at the University of Cambridge. Established in 2000, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship aims to cultivate a global network of future leaders dedicated to improving lives and addressing pressing global challenges.
This scholarship provides full coverage of all academic and living expenses, including tuition fees, an annual maintenance allowance of £20,000, and additional benefits such as airfare, visa costs, and family allowances. The scholarship supports students for up to four years, depending on the duration of their program. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to social betterment. Interested candidates must first secure an offer for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge before applying for the scholarship.
Details of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge
- Program Level: Master’s, PhD, MSc, MLitt
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the program
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Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers comprehensive coverage of all study-related expenses, including:
- Full coverage of university fees
- An annual maintenance allowance of £20,000 for a single student
- One round-trip economy class airfare
- Visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Additional funding for academic development (up to £2,000)
- Family allowance (up to £11,604 for one child, £16,548 for two or more children)
- Fieldwork allowance for PhD students
- Maternity/Paternity funding
- Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties
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Eligibility Criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
- Apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge (Master’s, PhD, MSc, MLitt)
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to improving the lives of others
- Show leadership potential
- Must have already applied and received an offer for a postgraduate course at Cambridge
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship involves the following steps:
- Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge through the Graduate Application Portal.
- During the application, select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the funding section.
- Provide a personal statement explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and how you meet the criteria (no more than 500 words).
- Submit a research proposal (for PhD applicants) and a CV/Resume.
- Provide two academic references and one additional reference specific to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
For detailed guidance, visit the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship application page.
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Documents Required
- Personal statement (up to 500 words)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- CV/Resume
- Three reference letters (two academic and one scholarship-specific)
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Application Deadline
- For US citizens: October 11, 2024
- For international students: Either December 5, 2024, or January 4, 2025, depending on the course
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Applicants from any country outside the UK who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge are eligible.
What expenses does this scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers university fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa costs, academic development funding, family allowance, and more.
Can I apply for this scholarship if I am already studying at Cambridge?
No, the scholarship is only available to new students applying for a postgraduate degree.
How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded each year?
The program awards 80 full-cost scholarships annually.
Do I need to apply separately for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
No, you apply for the scholarship through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal when applying for your course.
What is the deadline this Scholarship?
The deadline is October 11, 2023, for US citizens, and either December 5, 2023, or January 4, 2024, for international students, depending on the course.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am pursuing an undergraduate degree?
No, the scholarship is only available for postgraduate studies.
What academic fields are eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Most postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge are eligible, except for certain fields like MBA, MFin, and a few others.
How competitive is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
It is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants from around the world vying for 80 spots each year.
What should I include in my Gates Cambridge Scholarship statement?
Your statement should explain why you are applying for the scholarship, how you meet the criteria, and how you plan to contribute to society after your study.
