Are you looking for a prestigious and fully funded opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at one of the world’s top universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025–2026 is now open for applications, offering international students the chance to study at the University of Cambridge in the UK with full financial support.
Established in 2000 through a generous US$210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is one of the most competitive and well-regarded postgraduate awards globally. Each year, the program selects 80 outstanding scholars from outside the UK, covering full costs including tuition, living expenses, and additional allowances.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship—from its benefits and eligibility criteria to the step-by-step application process and important deadlines.
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Scholarship Overview
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge
- Location: United Kingdom
- Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries outside the UK
- Number of Scholarships: 80
- Program Duration:
- Master’s: Up to 2 years
- PhD: Up to 4 years
- Application Deadlines:
- US Applicants: October 16, 2024 (12:00 noon, US time zone)
- International Applicants: December 3, 2024, or January 7, 2025 (depending on your chosen course—refer to the Course Directory)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package that covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, along with additional support for academic and personal needs:
- University Composition Fee: Full tuition at the appropriate rate
- Maintenance Allowance:
- £21,000 per year (2024–25 rate)
- Prorated for shorter programs
- Airfare: One economy class ticket at the beginning and end of your course
- Visa and Health Costs:
- Inbound visa fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 for attending conferences, workshops, and other academic events
- Family Allowance:
- Up to £11,604 for one child
- Up to £16,548 for two or more children (No funding for partner)
- Fieldwork Support: Maintains allowance while conducting fieldwork (PhD only)
- Maternity/Paternity Leave: Up to 6 months of paid intermission during study
- Hardship Funding: For unexpected financial difficulties
Ineligible Courses for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025
The following courses are not eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Undergraduate degrees (BA, BA affiliated)
- Business Doctorate (BusD), MBA, MFin
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD (6-year part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees
- Non-degree courses
Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025
To be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of any country outside the UK
- Academic Excellence: A strong academic record and outstanding intellectual ability
- Program Admission: Must apply to a full-time residential postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge
- Commitment to Improving Lives: A clear intention to make a positive impact on society
- Leadership Capacity: Demonstrated leadership skills or potential
- English Language Proficiency: Meeting the university’s English requirement (usually demonstrated via IELTS, TOEFL, or similar)
Step-by-Step Application Process for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025
Follow these steps to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025:
Step 1: Choose a Course
Visit the University of Cambridge’s Course Directory and select an eligible postgraduate course.
Step 2: Create an Online Application
Register and begin your application through the university’s applicant portal.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Section
In the funding section of the application, indicate that you wish to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Ensure you upload the following:
- Gates Cambridge Statement (Max 3,000 characters) – Describe your motivation for applying and how you meet the four criteria
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Gates Reference—In addition to academic references, provide a third reference focusing on your leadership, commitment to others, and suitability for the scholarship
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Ensure all sections are completed before the relevant deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
For complete details and updates, visit the Gates Cambridge Official Website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and another scholarship at the same time?
Yes. However, if awarded more than one scholarship, you may have to choose between them depending on their terms and conditions.
2. Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory?
Yes. You must meet the University of Cambridge’s English language requirement through IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests.
3. Can I apply for part-time or online courses?
No. Only full-time, in-person postgraduate programs are eligible for this scholarship.
4. How many references do I need?
Three: Two academic references for your admission and one additional Gates Cambridge reference.
5. Do I need to apply separately for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
No. The scholarship application is part of the university’s general postgraduate application. You’ll complete the Gates section during your application process.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is a life-changing opportunity to join a vibrant, intellectual, and service-driven global community at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. If you are passionate about your academic field, committed to leadership, and determined to make a difference in the world, this is your chance to take your education to the next level.
Start your application early, gather all required documents, and craft a compelling personal statement that truly reflects your purpose and potential.
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