The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, established by a historic donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, offers ~80 full-cost awards each year to exceptional applicants outside the UK. Scholars pursue postgraduate degrees in any subject at the University of Cambridge, joining a global community of leaders committed to improving lives.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants from any country outside the UK.

• Outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

• Candidates applying for full-time postgraduate degrees (Master’s or PhD) at Cambridge.

What is Covered?

• Full tuition (University Composition Fee)
• Maintenance allowance (£21,000 per year at 2024–25 rates, up to 4 years for PhD)
• One economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course
• Inbound visa costs & Immigration Health Surcharge
• Discretionary funding for:

  • Academic development (conferences, courses)

  • Dependent children allowance (up to £16,548)

  • Fieldwork maintenance allowance for PhD

  • Maternity/paternity support (up to 6 months)

  • Hardship funding for unforeseen challenges

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK.

• Apply for a full-time residential course of study at Cambridge (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course).

• Demonstrate:

  • Outstanding intellectual ability

  • Strong reasons for course choice

  • Leadership potential

  • Commitment to improving the lives of others

How to Apply?

• Apply online through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

• Complete both the Cambridge application and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship section (statement + references).

• Submit all required documents (academic transcripts, research proposal, references, English proficiency if required).