The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. These scholarships are awarded to exceptional applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom, giving them the opportunity to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are offered by the Gates Cambridge Trust, which was established in 2000 through a generous donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The aim of these scholarships is to create a network of future leaders who will make a positive impact on society. Each year, approximately 80 scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from all over the world.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the United Kingdom.
- Course of Study: Applicants must be applying for a full-time residential course of study at the University of Cambridge. Eligible courses include PhD (full-time or part-time*), MSc or MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) with some exceptions.
- Exclusions: Certain courses, such as undergraduate degrees, business doctorates, and part-time degrees, are not eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support to successful candidates. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition fees and a maintenance allowance. For PhD scholars, the award is for up to four years, while for other scholars, it covers the duration of their course. Additionally, the scholarship includes one economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course, inbound visa costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Furthermore, Gates Cambridge Scholars have access to additional funding opportunities, such as academic development funding, family allowance, and funding for fieldwork. The exact amount of these discretionary funds may vary depending on the needs and circumstances of each scholar.
Selection Process
The selection of Gates Cambridge Scholars is highly competitive and rigorous. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s intellectual ability, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others. The selection process includes the assessment of the candidate’s academic achievements, the quality of their research proposal (for research-based courses), and their personal qualities.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview, either in person or via video conference. The interview panel consists of experts from various fields, including academics, professionals, and representatives from the Gates Cambridge Trust. The final selection is based on the candidate’s overall academic excellence, potential for leadership, and alignment with the Gates Cambridge values.
Application Process
The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships involves two stages: admission and funding. Applicants must apply for admission to their chosen course at the University of Cambridge through the Graduate Application Portal. Additionally, they need to complete the funding section of the application to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
There are two application deadlines for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. The first deadline is 11 October 2023, specifically for US citizens resident in the USA. For all other eligible applicants, the deadlines are either 5 December 2023 or 4 January 2024, depending on the course. It is crucial to carefully read the instructions on how to apply on the official website of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
