The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 is a remarkable chance for students with strong intellectual abilities and a passion for improving the lives of others. This prestigious scholarship is associated with one of the world’s top universities, aiming to create a community of future leaders who can drive positive change globally. Gates Scholars at Cambridge University work on diverse topics such as innovations, challenges, and solutions. By being part of the Gates Cambridge Trust scholarship, students contribute to the university’s mission of promoting the welfare of society.
This scholarship, designed for international students, is an initiative by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Established in 2000, the program has produced influential individuals worldwide. Gates postgraduates have made significant impacts in fields such as science, technology, arts, music, and human rights. The success of these scholars is due to the outstanding academic support and opportunities provided through this scholarship at Cambridge University.
Each year, Cambridge University offers 80 scholarships to international postgraduate students pursuing a master’s or PhD. Around one-third of these scholars are PhD students. The program brings together highly skilled students, forming a long-lasting network that fosters both personal and professional relationships.
The Gates Scholarship is the largest donation ever made to a single UK university. The Gates Foundation, committed to fighting poverty, disease, and inequality globally, has contributed $120 million to fund this scholarship. This fully-funded international scholarship allows exceptional students to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities without financial worry.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country:United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Cambridge
- Degree Levels Available: PhD, MSc/MLitt & One-year postgraduate courses
- N0 of Scholarships: 80 fully-funded scholarships
Scholarship Benefits
- Full coverage of study costs
- Annual maintenance allowance of £21,000
- Visa costs covered
- One-time airfare in economy class
- Immigration Health Surcharge costs covered
- Academic development funding between £500 and £2000 for conferences and other courses, depending on course length
- Family allowance up to £11,604 for one child and £16,548 for two or more children
- Coverage for hardship or unforeseen costs
- Fieldwork allowance
- Maternity/Paternity funding
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Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be citizens of countries outside the UK
- Must be applying for full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge, including PhD and MSc/MLitt
- Must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving lives, and a strong fit with the Gates Cambridge program
- Applicants already admitted to a Cambridge college are also eligible
How to Apply
- Apply online through the University’s Graduate Application Portal
- Choose a specific course and a college placement
- Provide all required details including personal information, academic background, and plans for the chosen course
- Apply for funding through the funding section, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and other available opportunities
- You may apply for multiple courses, but each must have a separate application
- Apply early as courses may close before the deadline if they are full
Required Documents
- Personal statement (no more than 3,000 characters)
- PhD candidates must submit a research proposal, even if the course does not require it
- Three reference letters (one may be from a current employer if needed)
Deadlines
- For international students, the deadline is either December 3, 2025, or January 7, 2025, depending on the course
- For US citizens, the deadline is October 16, 2024