Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2024-25

Gates Cambridge Scholarship for Postgraduate Courses: 80 full-cost Gates Cambridge Scholarships are provided to highly meritorious students every year. Students from outside of the UK, willing to pursue their postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge can apply to avail of this scholarship. This highly-coveted scholarship can be sought for any subject with 25 of these to be awarded to candidates in the USA and 55 in the remaining international round.

Established in 2000, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program is one of the most prestigious scholarships programs awarded to international students. Started with the largest-ever donation by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship program is specifically awarded to international applicants who are applying for full-time residential post-graduate degrees, mainly PhD or one or two-year master's in any subject at the University of Cambridge. Considered one of the most generous scholarships, this scholarship is awarded to outstanding candidates who have not only shown excellence in academic and leadership endeavours but also displayed zeal in working for the greater good and bringing change in the lives of others.

The mission of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program is to develop a community of future leaders committed to improving others' lives. As a result, at any given time, there are at least 250 Gates Cambridge scholars from over 50 countries studying at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship awardees enjoy being part of its exclusive community of 1700 scholars spread around the world and over the years, over 2000 Gates Cambridge scholarships have been awarded to recipients from over 100 countries. 

Applicants must note that whether or not they get awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, they may still be eligible for the funding provided by the University of Cambridge. For more details, check the official website. 

What is Covered in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Not just the idea of being selected among the outstanding 55 international students, but also the highly generous cost coverage (funding) provided by the scholarship makes it one of the most valuable scholarships. A comprehensive list of all the core benefits provided by the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is given below.

Below are some points related to the core benefits of this scholarship:

• The maintenance allowance is pro-rated for courses shorter than 12 months.
• If a student receives a fee award from public authorities (e.g., UKRI), they should accept it. In such cases:
  • The Trust will not pay their fee, or
  • The Trust may share their fee and maintenance costs.
• Applicants should consult the Graduate Studies prospectus for precise amounts of the University Composition Fee, as it varies for different types of students.

Apart from its above-mentioned core benefits, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship also provides the following discretionary benefits:

What is Not Covered in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for eligible students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Cambridge. However, additional costs like bench fees and scientific equipment are not covered. These expenses are typically expected to be covered by the student's academic department or research group. The Trust works with the university to ensure students have access to the necessary resources. It is important for students to be aware of these costs and plan accordingly to maximise their educational experience and achieve their academic goals.

Know everything about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for MBA and MPhil:

• Gates Cambridge Scholarship - MBA
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship - MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development
• Scholarships that will help you study abroad for free

What Makes You a Deserving Candidate for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The eligibility criteria of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship determines which all students are eligible to apply. Check the main points of eligibility below. 

• Nationality: Any student from outside the UK and Ireland is eligible to apply. 
• Courses: Students applying for the following courses at the University of Cambridge are eligible. 
  
  • A full-time or part-time PhD*
  • A full-time MLitt
  • A one-year full-time postgraduate course (with some exceptions)**

*For the October 2024 cycle, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship will continue a pilot scheme that allows candidates to request funding for a part-time PhD program. 

**The postgraduate courses which are not considered by the Gates Cambridge selection committee are:

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Selection Criteria

Below are the selection criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

• Exceptional academic performance and intellectual ability 
• Reason for choosing the course
• Commitment to improving society and the lives of others
• Outstanding leadership abilities
• Alignment of aspirations with Cambridge's programs
• The scholarship aims to create a network of future leaders.
• Candidates must have exceptional credentials to progress to the next round.
• Evidence of societal contributions and being a good fit for the university improve chances of selection.

Apart from this, international students applying for PhD, MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge are automatically eligible.

What Do You Need to Do to Receive the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Apart from submitting a timely application, you need to make sure that your application draws the attention of the selection committee to get an edge over the other candidates. Below are a few points on what you can do to improve your chances of winning a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

1. Application Form: Create a standout application that draws attention.
2. Personal Statement: Draft your personal statement carefully (in not more than 500 words), it must clearly indicate your reason for applying for the scholarship and why you deserve this scholarship.
3. CV/Resume: Your application must be attached with a crisp, updated and nicely formatted CV/resume. Mention all the relevant details about your qualifications and try not to exceed your content beyond 1 page. 
4. PhD Research Proposal: Two-thirds of the total Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to PhD students. So, you are required to write a strong research proposal that clearly demonstrates your enthusiasm for the program and that you are a good fit for Cambridge University. 
5. Gates Cambridge Reference: A well-written recommendation can significantly impact your application, hence, the choice of referee is critical. Your chosen referee should be able to testify to your personal traits, credibility, and experiences

Below are the points on how the above-mentioned points to strengthen your application can influence the selection committee. 

• An impressive statement can win over the selection committee.
• A good CV/Resume can earn "brownie points".
• A strong research proposal showcases your zeal and fit for the program.
• A well-chosen referee and recommendation can greatly enhance your chances.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application Timeline

There are two rounds of selection (and application) for this scholarship, round the year. Both these deadlines depend on the course to which you are applying. However, the majority of applicants apply in this (September) round for it aligns with the university's postgraduate funding competition. Refer to the University Course Directory to ensure that you apply by your chosen course's funding deadline. 

The Gates Cambridge application window for the current year is closed. Applications for the 2025 entry will open in September 2024. Applicants must submit the duly filled (with all required documents attached) application latest by 23:59 pm UK time on the mentioned date.

As you are now aware there is a lot at stake when it comes to earning the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you can enhance your chances by taking the help of industry experts. The experienced team at Shiksha can help you in preparing a stellar application with well-executed statements and references. What could be better than having the expert guidance of the Shiksha Counselling Team and getting your application to make its way to the top of the reams of application forms? So, take your chances and prove that you have everything that it takes to earn this illustrious Gates Cambridge Scholarship.