2025/2026 Fully Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme was launched in October 2000, following a historic donation of USD 210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. This remarkable gift is the largest single donation ever received by a UK university. The scholarship aims to empower outstanding postgraduate students from around the globe to pursue their studies at Cambridge. Since its inception, the program has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to scholars from more than 100 countries, establishing it as one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs worldwide.

About the Scholarship

Each year, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides around 80 fully-funded scholarships to exceptional candidates from outside the UK seeking to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge. The majority of these scholarships are awarded to PhD candidates, with approximately 25 scholarships available during the U.S. application round and 55 scholarships offered in the international round.

The program seeks to cultivate a network of global leaders committed to enhancing the lives of others. Scholars are chosen not only for their academic excellence but also for their leadership potential and dedication to making a positive difference in society.

Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a generous award that covers the entire cost of studying at Cambridge, which includes:

1. University Composition Fee: The scholarship covers the tuition fees for the selected course of study.
2. Living Expenses: A maintenance allowance is provided, amounting to £21,000 for 12 months (2024-25 rate). PhD scholars are funded for up to 4 years.
3. Travel Costs: The scholarship provides one economy-class airfare for travel to and from Cambridge at the beginning and end of the course.
4. Visa and Health Insurance: The scholarship covers the inbound visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Additional Funding for Academic Activities: Support for attending conferences, workshops, and other academic-related events.

Alongside these essential benefits, the Gates Cambridge Trust also provides discretionary funding for:

• Academic Development Funding: Ranges from £500 to £2,000, depending on the course length, to cover expenses for academic activities.
• Family Allowance: Up to £11,604 is provided for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2023-24 rate).
• Fieldwork Allowance: PhD students may receive their standard maintenance allowance while conducting research work outside of Cambridge.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Scholars can apply to take a break from their studies for up to 6 months while still receiving their maintenance allowance.
• Hardship Funding: For unexpected difficulties, the Trust provides financial support on a case-by-case basis.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following selection criteria:

1. Outstanding Academic Ability: Candidates must demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability, typically through academic achievements, research potential, and recommendations.
2. Strong Justification for Course Choice: Applicants must explain why their chosen course of study at Cambridge is the best fit for their academic and career aspirations.
3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: Successful candidates are expected to show a commitment to using their knowledge and skills to contribute to society in a meaningful way.
4. Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership potential, either through previous initiatives, leadership roles, or a vision for making a positive social impact.

Eligible Courses

Candidates may apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if they satisfy the following criteria:

• They are a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• They are applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge:
  • A full-time or part-time PhD program.
  • A full-time Master of Letters (MLitt).
  • A full-time one-year postgraduate course (with certain exceptions).

For the October 2024 intake, the Gates Cambridge Trust is continuing its pilot program, which provides funding for part-time doctoral degrees (PhD).

Application Timeline and Deadlines

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship features a well-defined application and selection process, following this timeline:

• Applications Open: 4th September 2024.
• Application Deadlines: Dependent on the applicant’s chosen course—either 3rd December 2024 or 7th January 2025.
• Departmental Ranking Period: December 2024 – February 2025.
• Notification of Application Outcome: By 5th March 2025.
• Review and Selection by Panels: 24th and 25th March 2025 (tentative).
• Scholarship Offers: By 7th April 2025.
• Acceptance of Scholarship: Successful candidates must accept the offer within 72 hours of receiving it.

Application Process

The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is incorporated into the standard postgraduate admission procedure of the University of Cambridge. Applicants must:

1. Apply for a course and a College place at the University of Cambridge through the University’s Graduate Application Portal.
2. Fill out the Gates Cambridge section in the funding application form.
3. Submit supporting documents, including academic transcripts, a research proposal (for PhD applicants), and a personal statement.
4. Obtain strong references from academic or professional referees.

Why Choose the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is more than a financial grant; it offers the chance to become part of a vibrant community of scholars committed to leveraging their skills for the greater good. Recipients receive a world-class education, along with valuable networking opportunities and resources that empower them to assume leadership positions across diverse fields, including science, engineering, social sciences, the arts, and public policy. This scholarship serves as a launchpad for the next generation of change-makers, equipping them with the expertise and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges.

Important Links and Additional Information

For detailed information about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and tips on submitting a successful application, visit the Official Gates Cambridge Scholarship Website.

Final Thoughts

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme offers a life-changing opportunity for exceptional individuals worldwide to receive a premier education while joining a supportive and diverse community. By fostering future leaders, the program significantly contributes to shaping the global landscape and tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. If you are a distinguished student passionate about making a social impact and eager to study at one of the world’s top universities, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship serves as an ideal platform to advance your academic and professional aspirations.