Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive full-cost scholarships awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the U.K. to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. To date, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship has supported over 1,000 scholars from 90 countries.
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including a maintenance allowance and round-trip airfare to and from the U.K.
Applicants can pursue a residential Ph.D., Masters, or M.Litt at the University of Cambridge. Part-time PhD courses are also eligible. Currently enrolled students at Cambridge can apply for a new postgraduate course. Certain courses are ineligible for scholarship support: B.A. (undergraduate), B.A. affiliated (second or honors B.A.), MASt, MBA, EMBA, M.B.B.Chir. Clinical Studies, part-time degrees, non-degree courses, and courses at other universities.
The Gates Cambridge has two application timelines. The early deadline (October) is for US citizen applicants who are currently residents of the United States. The later deadline (December/January) is for all other citizens, and for US citizens who are currently residing outside of the United States. If a US citizen is in doubt as to the correct application deadline, they should apply in round one. If needed the application can be pushed to round two. However, US citizen applicants who are based in the US and miss the round one deadline cannot be considered.
Selection Criteria
Gates-Cambridge seeks students who show:
- academic excellence;
- a commitment to improving the lives of others;
- leadership potential, and
- reason(s) for choice of course at Cambridge (in order to create and sustain a viable Scholar community in Cambridge University and for Scholars to take full advantage of their time in Cambridge, Gates will aim to select approximately 2/3 PhD scholars each year. Those applying for taught Masters should pay special attention to explaining why this is the optimal course for them and how it is critical to their future academic or professional training plans.)
University nomination
No university nomination is required for this program. The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship application is included as part of your application to your department at Cambridge. Admissions deadlines vary between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. Check the Gates-Cambridge website for details. You should also arrange for your letters of recommendation to be submitted by your recommender no later than the deadline corresponding to your citizenship/residence.