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Gates Cambridge Scholarship for International Students to Study in the UK (Fully-funded)

45 min

Last updated: September 15th, 2025 at 01:12 am

Overview

Each year Gates Cambridge offers c.80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.

Table of Contents

The selection criteria are:

  • outstanding intellectual ability

  • reasons for choice of course

  • a commitment to improving the lives of others

  • leadership potential

There are approximately 250 Scholars from c. 50 countries studying in Cambridge at any one time who pursue the full range of subjects available at the University and are spread across its departments and Colleges, as well as forming their own distinctive community.

There is also a community of more than 1,700 Gates Cambridge Scholar Alumni spread across the world.

The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. It aims to achieve this mission by selecting outstanding scholars, providing them with financial and non-financial support at one of the world’s leading universities and facilitating community building at and beyond Cambridge.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by an historic  donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. The first class of scholars came into residence in October 2001. Since then, the Trust has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to scholars from more than 100 countries.

 

Funding

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.

Core components

  • the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*

  • a maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months) – for PhD scholars the award is for up to 4 years

  • one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course

  • inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge

* The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students; applicants should see the Graduate Studies prospectus for full details about precise amounts. Where a student has been successful in gaining a fee award from public authorities (such as the UKRI) they should accept this award and the Trust will not pay their fee or may share their fee and maintenance costs.

Discretionary components

The Trust also considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:

  • Academic development funding – from up to £500 to up to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.

  • Dependent Children Allowance – up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2024-25 rate). No funding is provided for a partner.

  • Fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (the Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee).

  • Maternity/Paternity funding – should you require it, you may apply to intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time

  • Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar

Receiving a salary or substantial other scholarship?

If you are receiving a salary from an employer or have another substantial scholarship, the Trust reserves the right to reduce or not pay the standard maintenance allowance. You should let the Trust know ASAP if you are awarded any funding towards your degree at Cambridge.

What is not covered?

Most costs are covered by the Scholarship but Gates Cambridge does not cover bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources. The Trust expects such core course costs to be covered by the academic department at Cambridge.

 

The experience

A transformative opportunity

Being a Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge is a stimulating and engaging experience. Alongside your degree you will have numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth and the opportunity to develop an international and diverse network of friends and colleagues. Whether these opportunities present themselves through your department, your College or the Gates Cambridge community you can be sure of a truly vibrant Cambridge experience.  The following gives you a glimpse of what life is like as a Gates Cambridge Scholar.

Your course

Your primary purpose as a Gates  Scholar in Cambridge is to dedicate yourself to your course of study or research. Whether you are here for a masters or PhD, you will have access to exceptional academic opportunities and resources – and a responsibility to make the most of them. Your department will provide your main academic resources and will be one of the lively and engaged communities you will be part of during your time at Cambridge.

Scholar community

The Gates Cambridge community in Cambridge is vibrant, diverse and passionate. There are numerous community-building events throughout the year, including orientation for new Scholars, a welcome dinner, professional development events run by the Learning for Purpose programme, an annual lecture, the Weekend of Research, an annual Gala, Scholar symposia and a Graduation Dinner – in addition to many informal activities throughout the year. The Scholars’ Council hosts many of these events and facilitates Scholars in hosting their own events. Scholars have access to the well-resourced Scholars’ Room – a physical hub for many Gates Cambridge activities.

Your College

All graduate students become a member of one of Cambridge’s 31 Colleges, each with its own character and offerings. The College system is unique to Cambridge and Oxford and offers an enhanced experience where students and academics from across disciplines meet, discuss and form bonds. Watch our video about graduate applications and the College system and then go to www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges for more information.

Alumni network

As an alumnus/na of the programme you will be connected to the Gates Cambridge community in numerous ways – through on-line interactions, informal meet-ups and substantive alumni events across. The Trust and Alumni Association work together to offer a range of interesting ways to remain connected with the Gates Cambridge community beyond your time as a scholar at Cambridge.

Gates Cambridge impact: SimPrints

Learn about Gates Cambridge spin-out SimPrints, a digital non-profit founded by three Scholars during conversations in the Scholars’ Room.

A world leading graduate education

The University of Cambridge has attracted many of the very best minds since 1209.

Today the University has grown to around 20,000 students, 7,500 of whom are graduate students. Of those graduate students, 50% come from overseas, and over 40% are women. The University and its Colleges are spread throughout the city.

Consistently ranked among the top universities in both national and international league tables, the University of Cambridge offers a world leading graduate education. With a global outlook and reach, its mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

For more details see www.cam.ac.uk.

A guide to postgraduate study at Cambridge

Colleges

Throughout its history, Cambridge has had Colleges, which are intimate social and intellectual communities of scholars. They are educational charities, each with a particular mission and character, and they have evolved in response to different social pressures. They remain flexible, reacting to the changing needs of their members. But all are devoted to study and research across the range of disciplines and generations. Governed by Fellows, who are mostly academics employed in the University, they remain integral to the University’s educational and research environment today. They can offer you a home and other facilities that universities usually provide centrally. They also give you experiences and opportunities that are unique to Cambridge.

Further information about College is available from  www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges

 

Who can apply?

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you are:

  • a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
  • applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge:
    • PhD (full-time or part-time*)
    • MLitt (full-time)
    • One year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions – see below

* For October 2024 entry, Gates Cambridge is continuing to pilot a scheme which allows applicants to apply for funding for a part-time doctoral degree (PhD).

Current student at Cambridge?​

If you are currently studying at Cambridge and wish to apply for a new postgraduate course you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. For example, if you are currently studying for an MPhil you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a PhD. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars may also apply for a second scholarship if they are applying for a new degree. All current Cambridge students will be considered the second, international round. However, if you have already started a course (e.g. you are currently part way through a PhD) you cannot apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to fund the remainder of it.

General funding at Cambridge

Whether or not you are eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you may be eligible for other funding offered by the University of Cambridge. See www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk for more details.

Courses which Gates Cambridge does NOT consider:

  • Any Undergraduate degree, such as BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)
  • MASt courses
  • Master of Business (MBA)
  • Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and Global EMBA
  • Master of Finance (MFin)
  • Executive Master of Accounting
  • Business Doctorate (BusD)
  • PGCE
  • MBBChir Clinical Studies
  • MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time, Home students only)
  • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
  • Part-time degrees other than the PhD
  • Non-degree courses

Criteria

 

What we are looking for

Our Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and each brings something unique to the programme.  We employ a needs-blind admissions process, meaning that applicants are evaluated solely based on their academic qualifications, commitment and potential, without any consideration of their financial circumstances.  We use four key criteria to select.

Academic excellence

To be competitive for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship candidates must show evidence of academic excellence (through their transcripts, references, experience and the potential to succeed on the chosen course). Academic departments at the University of Cambridge nominate only the most academically outstanding applicants for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which ensures that those whom we select will thrive at Cambridge.

Reasons for choice of course

You should be able to make a strong case for a particular postgraduate degree at Cambridge. PhD applicants (and most research MPhil applicants) will need to make contact with a potential supervisor with whom they will develop a research project, a summary of which is part of the application. You will need to demonstrate that you have the academic background and the necessary skills and expertise to complete the course. Taught MPhil and other applicants need to make a strong case for how completing the proposed course will facilitate their career plans. Gates Cambridge seeks Scholars who will have an academically transformative experience at Cambridge, so it is important that you fully research and justify the course for which you are applying.

A commitment to improving the lives of others

A defining characteristic of the Gates Cambridge programme is the commitment of our Scholars to improving the lives of others. We interpret this criterion broadly and applicants define it themselves by providing evidence of their past, current and future commitment to the societies in which they will live and work.

A capacity for leadership

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity for leadership, which can be expressed in a multitude of ways. Applicants should provide evidence of their leadership experience to date and indicate the ways in which their leadership skills may have impact in the future careers.

Timeline

Applications for entry in the academic year 2026-27 open on 10 September 2025.  Unfortunately it is no longer possible to apply for funding for 2025-2026 entry.

Gates Cambridge manages two selection rounds each year; full details are below.

If after reading the details below you are not sure in which round you should apply please email info@gatescambridge.org with details.

Whether or not you are eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you may be eligible for other funding offered by the University of Cambridge. See www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk for more details.

  1. US citizens resident in the USA
  2. All other eligible applicants

US citizens resident in the USA

This is the earlier round for applicants who are both US citizens and currently resident in the United States; it is specific to Gates Cambridge.  Students meeting these criteria must apply by 15 October and submit all their documents by this date (including references), they are not eligible for the later round.  US citizens who are studying/working overseas at the time of application should apply in the later round (see below).

What stage? Date
Applications open* Wednesday 10 September 2025
Application deadline Wednesday 15 October 2025 (Full application must be submitted by 23:59 GMT)
Departmental ranking Monday 20 October 2025 to Thursday 20 November 2025
All applicants notified of application outcome by Wednesday 10 December 2025
Review and selection by panels Friday 23 January and Saturday 24 January 2026
Scholarships offered by Monday 2 February 2026
Scholarships accepted 72 hours after offer

All other eligible applicants

The large majority of applicants will apply in this round, which is aligned with the University’s postgraduate funding competition. There are two possible application deadlines and these are based on the course to which you are applying.  Please apply by the Course Funding Deadline referenced in the University Course Directory (found in the column on the right of the web page).  All application documents should be submitted by 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on the stated date.

What stage? Date
Applications open* Wednesday 10 September 2025
Application deadline* Dependent on your course – either 2 December 2025 or  7 January 2026 (see Course Directory Full application must be submitted by 23:59 GMT)
Departmental ranking December – February
All applicants notified of application outcome by Wednesday 4 March 2026
Review and selection by panels Monday 23 March 2026 and Tuesday 24 March 2026
Scholarships offered by Monday 6 April 2026
Scholarships accepted 72 hours after offer

*These dates are set by the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions office and may be subject to change.  Please refer to the postgraduate admissions web pages for up-to-date details.

How to apply

The application process

Watch the University’s short overview film about applying for postgraduate admission and funding and then read below about specific requirements for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Apply now

A combined application form

Applicants submit their application for admission and funding (Gates Cambridge and other funding) via the University’s Graduate Application Portal.

To be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you must complete the section to apply for admission to a course and a College place and the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section. Gates Cambridge has access to the full application for admission and funding when reviewing applications.

The admission section

In this section you are applying to a specific graduate course and a College place. You will provide all of the usual details about yourself, your academic background, plans and suitability for the proposed course.

The funding section

In this section you can apply for a range of funding offered by the University and associated bodies, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, which has it’s own sub-section. When applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will be asked to provide the following:

Gates Cambridge selection questions

For the 2025-6 application cycle, for entry in the 2026-7 academic year, the Trust has updated the format of this section of the funding application. This was previously known as the ‘Gates Cambridge statement’, but now has been separated out into individual questions.

In the application form, we ask four questions that each relate to a point on the Gates Cambridge Selection Criteria. Full details of the criteria can be found at: Criteria for Cambridge University Funding | Gates Cambridge. These four questions are:

  • Please describe how, through your education and past experiences, you have displayed academic excellence. (200 words)
  • Please explain why you want to study this specific course at the University of Cambridge, and how it will facilitate your future plans. (200 words)
  • Please provide an example, or examples, of how you have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. Please explain why this is important to you and how it is relevant to your future plans. (300 words)
  • Please provide an example, or examples, of how you have demonstrated a capacity for leadership. This could be by initiating a change or bringing others together to achieve a goal.  How will this help you make an impact in the future? (300 words)

These questions will be used by Gates Cambridge to help distinguish between candidates who have been nominated by their academic departments. It helps us identify how candidates fit into each of the four Gates Cambridge selection criteria and is the only part of the application form where applicants are specifically asked about their fit for the Gates Cambridge programme.

Applicants should use specific examples from their background, achievements, experiences, and future plans to demonstrate the answers to these questions. There is no right answer to these questions – they should be used as a starting point to reflect widely and deeply on the applicant’s values and experiences.

Research proposal (PhD applicants only)

Gates Cambridge requires PhD applicants only to submit a research proposal as part of their application for funding. Most PhD applicants will upload a research proposal as part of their application for admission, but where this is not the case a research proposal is required to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. If you are applying for a degree other than the PhD you do not need to submit a research proposal as part of your materials of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship .

Gates Cambridge reference

In addition to two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants must arrange for someone to submit a reference setting out how they meet the scholarship’s criteria.

In the application form we ask:

Please give your assessment of the applicant’s suitability for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. These are awarded on the following criteria: intellectual ability, justification for the choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership capacity.

We also ask:

  • How highly would you rank the applicant for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
  • On what overall group are you basing this ranking?
  • What is the size of this group?

The Gates Cambridge reference is used in the same way as the Gates Cambridge statement – to help distinguish between those candidates who have nominated by academic departments.

Referees are also asked how they rate the applicant for the scholarship: exceptional, strong, not strong, weak. They may paste/type up to 4,000 characters into the on-line reference or upload a separate letter.

Who should write the Gates Cambridge reference?

You should ask someone of appropriate standing who is able to answer the question with authority and who understands the criteria and highly competitive nature of the Gates Cambridge programme and academic standards at the University of Cambridge.

Many applicants ask a current or former academic advisor who is aware of their personal attributes, a current or former employer, or a senior member of an organisation with whom they have volunteered – although this is by no means an exhaustive list. Some applicants ask one of their two academic referees to write the Gates Cambridge reference: this is fine, as long as that person has a good understanding of your personal qualities and writes specifically about how you meet the Gates Cambridge criteria (and does not provide a third academic reference).

You should not ask a friend or a family member, or someone who is unable to comment on your suitability for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Some points to consider are:

  • It is essential that the Gates Cambridge referee is fully briefed about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, especially its selection criteria, so they can write the most appropriate reference for you;
  • It is useful when referees use specific examples of how you meet the Scholarship’s criteria;
  • You will need to ensure your Gates Cambridge referee understands the need to keep the reference focused on the Gates Cambridge criteria (and not, for example, rehash a standard or previous reference).
  • You must ensure both your academic and gates Cambridge referees submit their references by the specified deadline

 

How students are select

The process

Gates Cambridge uses a two-stage selection process to ensure our Scholars meet all of our criteria to the highest level.

1. Departmental nomination

Gates Cambridge asks academic departments in Cambridge to nominate a small number of eligible applicants who meet all four of the scholarship’s criteria to a very high level. This ensures that those nominated by departments are academically outstanding and are likely to succeed as a postgraduate student at Cambridge and also that they show evidence of meeting Gates Cambridge’s selection criteria.  A relatively small number of those who apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship are nominated by departments and then invited to interview.

2. Interview

All candidates nominated by academic departments are invited to a short interview to assess how they meet all four Gates Cambridge criteria.  Scholars are then selected after interview.

If you are called to interview

You will be sent full details about the format and arrangements on the timing set out on our Timeline page. If you are invited for interview you will have gone through an incredibly competitive process.

You will be invited for a 25-30 minute interview and, depending on where you are, you can interview either in person or virtually. Where you are able to attend the interview in person we encourage this.

There are four broadly subject-based interview panels:

  • Arts

  • Biological Sciences

  • Physical Sciences

  • Social Sciences

Each panel consists of appropriate and experienced  academics and practioners and may also include Gates Cambridge alumni and a representative of the Gates Cambridge Trust.

Each interview has four main sections:

1. Welcome and introduction

  • The Chair will introduce the panel, set out the format of the interview, and provide any other essential information to allow for a productive conversation.

2. Gates Cambridge

  • What you know about the Gates Cambridge Scholarships

  • Your motivation for applying

  • Why you think you could be a Gates Cambridge Scholar

  • Your thoughts on the opportunities and responsibilities that a prestigious, full-cost scholarship at one of the world’s leading universities brings

3. Academic and career plans

  • Your academic work to date – can you convincingly communicate your passion for, and the importance of, your chosen subject?

  • Your proposed degree at Cambridge – can you provide a convincing justification for your choice of course at Cambridge?

  • Your career plans – can you convincingly link your application for both a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and your proposed course at Cambridge to your future career plans?

  • You may also be asked probing intellectual or ethical questions, to which there are no ‘right’ answers

4. Final thoughts and questions

  • A chance to convey any additional information and/or ask any questions to the interview panel (optional)

If you are not called to interview

You will receive an email from Gates Cambridge confirming that your application has not been successful. You will find further information on our  Timeline page.

Apply now

Ready to Begin?

Visit the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship page (https://www.gatescambridge.org/) to start your journey towards becoming a global leader. Your future awaits.

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