The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Each year, Gates Cambridge offers around 70 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately a third of awards available in the US round and the rest available in the International round.
Scholarship Summary
- Host University: University of Cambridge
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)
- Eligible Countries: International students from countries outside the UK
- Reward: Full-cost scholarship covering the University Composition Fee, maintenance allowance, airfare, inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge; additional discretionary funding available
- Number of Awards: Around 70 full-cost scholarships each year
- Award Split: Approximately two-thirds offered to PhD students; about one-third available in the US round and the rest in the International round
- Deadline: Varies by round (US and International); check the official Gates Cambridge website for current deadlines
The selection criteria are:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Reasons for choice of course
- A commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
There are approximately 250 Scholars studying in Cambridge at any one time who pursue the full range of subjects available at the University and are spread across its departments and Colleges, as well as forming their own distinctive community.
There is also a community of more than 1,700 Gates Cambridge Scholar Alumni from 116 countries.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a historic donation of US$210m from the Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.
The first class of scholars came into residence in October 2001. Bill Gates Sr., who served as a Trustee for 12 years, was a driving force in the process and a champion of the Scholars.
Asked in an interview about what makes him speechless, he replied: “My trips to Cambridge to meet Gates Cambridge Scholars.”
Funding
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional discretionary funding.
Core Components
- The University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*
- A maintenance allowance for a single student: £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026–27 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months. For PhD scholars, the award is for up to 4 years
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
*The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students. Applicants should see the Graduate Studies prospectus for full details about precise amounts.
Where a student has been successful in gaining a fee award from public authorities, such as UKRI, they should accept this award.
The Trust will not pay their fee or may share their fee and maintenance costs.
Discretionary Components
The Trust also considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:
- Academic development funding – from up to £750 to up to £4,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance – up to £12,793 per annum for one child and up to £18,244 per annum for two or more children. No funding is provided for a partner.
- Fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD. The Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs, as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee.
- Maternity/paternity funding – should you require it, you may apply to intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time.
- Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar.
Receiving a Salary or Substantial Other Scholarship?
If you are receiving a salary from an employer or have another substantial scholarship, the Trust reserves the right to reduce or not pay the standard maintenance allowance. You should let the Trust know as soon as possible if you are awarded any funding towards your degree at Cambridge.
What Is Not Covered?
Most costs are covered by the Scholarship, but Gates Cambridge does not cover bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources.
The Trust expects such core course costs to be covered by the academic department at Cambridge.
For full application details, eligibility and round-specific deadlines, visit the official Gates Cambridge website.
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