Are you a visionary student with a passion for global change? Do you dream of pursuing graduate study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship could be your gateway to that future offering full funding for outstanding international students to study at the University of Cambridge.
This competitive and prestigious scholarship seeks future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others and who possess outstanding academic and leadership potential.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is more than just financial aid it’s a transformative opportunity to study among the world’s brightest minds and contribute meaningfully to global society.
If you’re passionate about creating positive change and ready to challenge yourself at the highest academic level, start preparing now and take that first step toward becoming a Gates Cambridge Scholar.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Established in 2000 by a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a full-time graduate degree in most subject areas offered at the University of Cambridge.
The program’s mission is to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to using their education to solve pressing global challenges and improve the lives of others.
Important Dates
- Global Grad Scholarships Week (Information Session)
- Held in March 2025
- NISO Week (for 2027 and later applicants)
- Takes place from September 15 to 18, 2025
- Campus Application Deadlines
- For U.S. Citizens: Submit by September 11, 2025
- For International Students: Submit by October 31, 2025
Fields of Study and Funding Duration
- Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines
- Funding Duration: 1 to 4 years of full-time residential graduate study
The scholarship supports tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa costs, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Be applying to pursue one of the following full-time programs at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (three-year research-only degree)
- MSc or MLitt (two-year research-only degree)
- One-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MBA, MASt, PG Diplomas, etc.)
- Demonstrate a strong academic record suitable for Cambridge admission
Who Should Apply? The Ideal Candidate
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship looks for candidates with:
- Outstanding intellectual ability and curiosity
- Leadership potential – the ability to lead, inspire, and create positive change
- A deep commitment to improving the lives of others through their studies and future work
- A strong fit between their chosen Cambridge program and long-term goals
Application Components
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Two academic references (from professors or teachers who know your academic work)
- One leadership-focused reference (someone who can speak about your leadership qualities and personal character)
- Personal Statement
- A short essay (up to 3,000 characters) explaining who you are, what you want to study, your goals, and why you’re applying
- Certified Academic Transcripts
- Official records of your grades and courses from your previous schools or universities
- Cambridge Admission Application
- Includes the GRADSAF form (Cambridge’s official graduate application form)
- All required documents for the program you are applying to (each department may ask for different things)
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants only)
- A two-page research plan, even if your department doesn’t ask for it separately
Here’s a simplified version in easy-to-understand list format titled:
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Choose How You Want to Apply
- You can apply directly to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- Or, you can apply through your university’s campus process (like at Purdue University), which is highly recommended.
- Benefits of Applying Through Your University
- Get personalized help with your application.
- Receive feedback from a faculty review committee.
- Improve your personal statement, references, and overall application with expert guidance.
- Declare Your Intent to Apply
- Once you tell your university that you want to apply, you’ll receive detailed information and support for the process.
- Who Can Apply
- You can start the application process as early as your junior year.
- Seniors, master’s students, and recent graduates can also apply.
- Visit the Official Website for Full Details
- Go to: www.gatescambridge.org