Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2024 for Study in UK (Fully-Funded)

Overview of Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2024: Applications are now being invited for the fully-funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme to study in UK – at the University of Cambridge – Open to interested applicants globally. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university.

Each year Gates Cambridge offers c.80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time 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

Key Facts

Scholarship Sponsor(s): Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Scholarship to be taken at: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Scholarship level: Postgraduate

Scholarship Slots: 80 full-cost scholarships per year

Scholarship Worth: Full-funded (covers full cost of study and related expenses)

Subject Eligibility: Any Subject of study

Nationality: International students (students from countries outside UK).

Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

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 full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge (Current student at Cambridge can also apply – will qualify for round two ):
    • PhD
    • MSc/MLitt
    • One year postgraduate course (with some exceptions – see below)

Courses which are NOT eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarships:

  • Any Undergraduate degree such as BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)
  • Master of Business (MBA)
  • Master of Finance (MFin)
  • PGCE
  • MBBChir Clinical Studies
  • MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
  • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
  • Part-time degree
  • Non-degree courses

Requirements of Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is highly competitive and requires applicants to meet several requirements. Here are some of the basic eligibility criteria for the scholarship program:

  • A strong academic record: Applicants must have a first-class or high upper-second-class undergraduate degree or a master’s degree with a distinction or high merit. Those who have not yet completed their degree program must be on track to receive such grades.
  • Admission to a full-time postgraduate degree: Applicants must be admitted to a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This includes a PhD, MSc or MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.
  • A fit with the Gates Cambridge criteria: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the Gates Cambridge mission to improve the lives of others, leadership potential, and academic excellence.
  • Nationality: Applicants from all countries except the UK are eligible to apply.
  • Language proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a valid English language test score.

Applicants must also provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal, and must complete an online application form. The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of academic achievements, leadership potential, and fit with the Gates Cambridge criteria.

It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the scholarship, as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is highly competitive. Interested applicants should review the official website of the program for further information on the application process and eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Benefits:

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

  • the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*
  • a maintenance allowance for a single student (£17,500 for 12 months at the 2020-21 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

Login Page of Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme

To access the login page of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme, you can visit the official website at https://www.gatescambridge.org/. On the homepage, you will find the “Apply” button on the top-right corner of the screen. Click on this button to access the application portal.

You will be directed to the “Applications” page, where you can create a new account or login to an existing account. If you have not yet registered, click on the “Create account” button and follow the instructions to create a new account. Once you have created an account, you can login to the portal using your email address and password.

After logging in, you will be able to access the application form and submit your application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme.

Application Procedures 

How-to-Apply: Applicants submit their application for admission and funding (Gates Cambridge and other funding) via the University’s Graduate Application Portal. To start application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2024, you should see the how to apply page.

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.

Application Deadline:

  • US Citizens – 13 October 2024

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from around the world who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship was established in 2000 with a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, a research allowance, and a return airfare. It is open to applicants from all countries except the UK. Applicants must have a strong academic record, admission to a full-time postgraduate degree program at the University of Cambridge, and a commitment to the Gates Cambridge mission.

The application process involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual or in-person interview. The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, but typically around 80 scholarships are awarded annually.

If you are interested in applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you can visit the official website at https://www.gatescambridge.org/ for more information.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship application

The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship involves several steps:
  • Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship before applying.
  • Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge: You must apply for admission to a full-time postgraduate degree program at the University of Cambridge before applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
  • Create an account: Create an account on the Gates Cambridge Scholarship online application portal.
  • Complete the application form: The application form includes sections on personal information, academic qualifications, work experience, research proposal, and leadership experience.
  • Submit required documents: You will need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal along with your application form.
  • Submit your application: Once you have completed all sections of the application form and uploaded all required documents, submit your application by the deadline.
  • Wait for shortlisting: After the deadline, a committee will review all applications and shortlist candidates for interview.
  • Attend the interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual or in-person interview.
  • Final decision: After the interview, the committee will make the final decision on scholarship awards.

FAQS about Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from around the world who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries except the UK. Applicants must have a strong academic record, admission to a full-time postgraduate degree program at the University of Cambridge, and a commitment to the Gates Cambridge mission.

What is the value of the scholarship?

The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, a research allowance, and a return airfare.

What is the application process?

The application process involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual or in-person interview.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is typically in early December for US citizens and early January for citizens of other countries. It’s important to check the official website of the program for the specific deadline each year.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, but typically around 80 scholarships are awarded annually.

Can the scholarship be renewed for a second year?

Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for a second year if the recipient demonstrates satisfactory academic progress.

Who can I contact for more information?

You can find more information about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme on the official website at https://www.gatescambridge.org/. If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact the program administrators using the contact form on the website.