Scholarship Overview
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity for international students aiming to pursue master's and PhD studies at the University of Cambridge. Established in October 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it represents the largest single donation to a UK university. The program aims to foster an international community of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. For the academic year 2024-2025, Gates Cambridge will award 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants outside the UK, with a significant focus on PhD students.
Host Institution(s)
The University of Cambridge, a globally renowned institution, is the host for this prestigious scholarship. It offers a wide range of postgraduate courses, excluding certain professional and part-time programs.
Level(s)/Field(s)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is available for full-time postgraduate degree programs, including master's and PhD studies across all available courses at the University of Cambridge. However, courses such as undergraduate degrees, Business Doctorate (BusD), Master of Business (MBA), Master of Finance (MFin), PGCE, MBBChir Clinical Studies, MD Doctor of Medicine degree, part-time degrees, and non-degree courses are not eligible.
Scholarship Value
Recipients of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship enjoy comprehensive financial support, including the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance (£18,744 for 12 months as of the 2022-23 rate), one economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course, visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, academic development funding (up to £2,000), and a family allowance (up to £15,612 for two or more children). Additionally, funding for fieldwork, maternity/paternity support, and hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties are provided.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship must demonstrate academic excellence, a strong case for their chosen postgraduate degree at Cambridge, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. Applicants must hail from countries outside the UK and apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
Application Instructions
Prospective scholars must apply for admission to a course and a College place at the University of Cambridge, including the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section, via the university's website. The application requires a personal statement (no more than 500 words) explaining the applicant's motivation for applying and how they meet the scholarship's criteria, a CV/resume, a research proposal for PhD applicants, and a Gates Cambridge reference alongside two academic references for admission. The deadline for US citizens is October 11, 2023, while international students face deadlines on December 5, 2023, or January 4, 2024, depending on the course.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for international students to engage in postgraduate studies at one of the world's leading universities. With its comprehensive financial support, commitment to leadership and social betterment, and access to the diverse academic community of the University of Cambridge, the scholarship opens doors to exceptional educational and personal development experiences for its recipients.