Gates Cambridge Scholarships, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provide scholarships for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The foundation seeks to support intellectually outstanding post-graduate students with capacity for leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. The scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to citizens of any country outside of the United Kingdom on the basis of the candidate's academic excellence, a good fit between the scholar and the university, evidence of leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Note: Timeline depends on what round you apply to.
Eligibility
- Any non-U.K. citizens
- Open to all academic fields
- Applying to pursue in one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge: PhD (three-year research-only degree); MSc or MLitt (two-year research-only degree); or a one-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA, etc.)
Award Highlights:
- Scholarship for one to four years of graduate study and research
- Awards covers full cost of study at Cambridge plus airfare to and from the U.K.
Application Components:
The large majority of applicants submit their application for admission and funding (Gates Cambridge and other funding) via the University’s Graduate Application Portal. There is a separate application route for MBA and MFin applicants. It is not possible to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship without applying to the University of Cambridge. Gates Cambridge has access to the full application for admission and funding when reviewing applications.
- Graduate Application Form (which includes a Gates Cambridge portion)
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Academic References (2)
- Gates Reference (1) - In addition to two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants submit a reference about their fit with the scholarship.
- Gates Cambridge Statement (500 words)
- Resume/CV
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Supplemental documents as required for admission to the course (e.g., research proposal, example of written work etc.) See the individual department/course website for details.)
U.S. Nationals & Residents: October 16, 2024 12:00 pm PST
All Other Eligible Applicants: December 5, 2023 or January 4, 2024 depending on Course Funding Deadline
Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship