The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program, launched in October 2000, was created through an unprecedented donation of $210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. This historic contribution remains the largest single donation ever received by a UK university and demonstrates a commitment to fostering global academic excellence.
For the 2024 academic year, the Gates Cambridge Program will award 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any discipline offered at the University of Cambridge. These scholarships cover the complete cost of study, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and additional support for academic development. The program places a strong emphasis on supporting those committed to making a positive impact in their fields and communities.
The 2024 awards are notably focused on PhD candidates, with approximately two-thirds of the scholarships designated for doctoral students. Selection occurs in two rounds: the U.S. round, offering around 25 awards specifically to applicants from the United States, and the International round, which offers approximately 55 awards to candidates from other countries. Through this program, Gates Cambridge continues to attract and empower a diverse cohort of future leaders dedicated to improving lives worldwide.
Scholarship Overview
- Study in: UK
- Study Institution(s): University of Cambridge
- Level: Masters, PhD
- Focus Areas: All the available courses at University of Cambridge except the courses listed below
- Program Period: Two years for masters and three years for PhD
Scholarship Benefits
- £21,000 stipend per annum
- Health insurance
- Academic development funding up to £2,000
- Family allowance up to £16,548.
Ineligible Courses
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not cover the following programs:
- Undergraduate degrees, including BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (second BA)
- Business Doctorate (BusD)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine (6 years, part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees
- Non-degree courses
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive coverage, which includes:
- University Composition Fee: Fully paid at the appropriate rate for the chosen program.
- Maintenance Allowance: £21,000 per year (2024-25 rate) for living expenses, with up to four years of support for PhD scholars.
- Travel Costs: One economy-class round-trip airfare at the start and end of the course.
- Visa and Health Costs: Covers inbound visa fees and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Academic Development Funding: Ranges from £500 to £2,000 depending on the course length, to attend conferences and other academic activities.
- Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child and £16,548 for two or more children (2023-24 rate); no funding is provided for a partner.
- Fieldwork Allowance: Maintenance allowance continues during PhD-related fieldwork (excluding other fieldwork costs).
- Maternity/Paternity Funding: Up to six months of intermission with continued maintenance support if required.
- Hardship Funding: Available for unexpected financial difficulties.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English.
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries outside the UK.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated strong academic background.
- Program Fit: Applicants must provide a compelling case for their chosen postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
- Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership capacity.
- Commitment to Bettering Lives: A demonstrated commitment to using knowledge to improve the lives of others.
Application Process
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Course and College Application: Apply for admission to your chosen course and college at Cambridge and complete the Gates Cambridge section in the funding application.
- Account Registration: Create an account on the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship website.
- Personal Information: Provide your personal and academic details.
- Submit Documents:
- Gates Cambridge Statement: A personal statement of up to 3,000 characters (approximately 500 words) explaining your interest in the scholarship and how you meet the criteria.
- CV/Resume
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants only)
- Gates Reference: In addition to the two academic references required for admission, provide a reference specific to your suitability for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- Answer Application Questions and Submit the Application.
Application Deadlines
- US Applicants: Deadline is Wednesday, 16 October 2024 (12:00 noon, local US time).
- International Applicants: The deadline depends on the course applied for, either 3 December 2024 or 7 January 2025 (check the Cambridge Course Directory for details).