The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was launched in October of 2000 with the donation of US $210m by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the biggest single gift to an UK university.
Every each year Gates Cambridge offers 80 full-cost scholarships to applicants who are outstanding from other countries than within the UK to pursue an advanced degree in any field that is available within Cambridge. University of Cambridge. Around two-thirds of these grants will be awarded for PhD student, and there are around 25 awards for the US round, and 55 during the International round.
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The benefits of Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the entire cost of attending Cambridge. Additionally, it provides flexible funding.
- the University Composition Charge at the appropriate price*
- an allowance for maintenance for one student (£18,744 during 12 months, at the 2022-23 rate and pro-rata for courses less that 12 month) For PhD students, the award can be used for up to 4 years.
- One economy single cost of airfare for the start and the end
- cost of a visa for inbound travel and fees for the Immigration Health Surcharge
The cost of the University Composition fee differs for various types of students. Students should consult the Graduate Studies prospectus for complete information on the exact amount. Note: If the student is successful in receiving a fee award from a public authority (such like the UKRI) they are required to acknowledge this and the Trust does not have to charge these fees.
When should you apply for the gates cambridge scholarship
Start you application now, Applications for entry to 2023 are now open from 15 September 2022.
Who is eligible to apply for the gates cambridge scholarship?
People who meet the following criteria may apply for Gates Cambridge:
- A citizen of any country other than the United Kingdom
- you are interested in some of the programs to Cambridge University: University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time*)
- MLitt (full-time)
- A one-year postgraduate program (full-time) With a few limitations – see below for details.
* For entry in October 2023, Gates Cambridge is piloting an application process that allows candidates to apply for funds for a part-time doctoral program.
Are students currently enrolled at Cambridge be considered for admission?
Yes, if you’re currently enrolled at Cambridge and would like to pursue a new postgraduate degree, you may apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. If, for instance, you’re currently enrolled in an MPhil you could apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue an PhD. Students who are currently Gates Cambridge Scholars may also apply for a second scholarship, if they’re pursuing an entirely new degree.
All students who are currently Cambridge students will be considered for in the second round, which is an international one. If, however, you have already begun an academic program (e.g. you are currently halfway in the process of completing a PhD) you can’t apply for an Gates Cambridge Scholarship to fund the remainder of the course.
Criteria for Gates Cambridge scholarships
Gates Cambridge is seeking Scholars from all backgrounds that will provide something different to the program. There are four criteria to be considered for selection.
1. Academic excellence
To be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship candidates must be able to demonstrate their high academic achievement (through their documents, references, and the capacity to be successful in the particular course). Departments of academics at Cambridge University nominate only those with the highest academic standing to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which assures that the applicants who are selected will be successful in Cambridge.
2. The reasons for choosing a course
Candidates should be able to provide an argument that is convincing for a specific postgraduate degree at Cambridge. PhD candidates (and the majority of researchers MPhil applicants) are required to connect with a potential supervisor, with whom they’ll make a research plan that includes a synopsis of what is included in the application.
You must prove that you have an academic background as well as the required skills and knowledge for the course. Students who teach MPhil or other courses have to present a compelling argument about how the course is going to help their professional goals. Gates Cambridge seeks Scholars who can have a transformative academic experience at Cambridge therefore it is essential that you thoroughly research and justify the course you’re applying.
3. A commitment to improve the lives of those around you
One of the most distinctive features for the Gates Cambridge program is the dedication that our Scholars to improve the lives of those around them. We take this criterion in a broad sense and let applicants define it by proving their present, past as well as future dedication to communities where they live and work.
4. The capacity to lead
Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate capacity for leadership that can be displayed in a variety of ways. The applicants should be able to demonstrate their experience as a leader in the past and state the ways that their leadership capabilities could improve for their careers in the future.
Courses that Gates Cambridge does NOT consider:
- Any degree from an Undergraduate program including BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)
- The Business Doctorate (BusD)
- Master of Business (MBA)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- Courses for MASt
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years Part-time, home students only)
- Doctoral Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees not related to the PhD
- Non-degree courses
How do I apply
The applicants must submit their application to be considered for admission and funds through the university’s Graduate Application Portal.
To be considered for to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you must fill out the application form for admission into the particular course and also a College seat and also to complete the Gates Cambridge part of the section for funding. Gates Cambridge has access to the complete application form to be considered for funding and admission while they review applications.
Admission section
In this section, you are applying for a particular graduate course as well as a college location. You must provide the standard information regarding yourself and your educational background, your plans and your suitability for the course.
Section on Funding
In this section, you can apply for various grants that are provided through the University and its associated bodies, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. which has its own sub sections. When you apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will be required to provide the following information:
1. Statement of purpose
On the application form, you’ll need to write no more than three thousand characters (approximately 500 words) to provide a reason for the reasons you’re seeking the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and how you will meet the four primary conditions.
2. A research proposal (For PhD applicants)
PhD applicants must submit research proposals in their application to receive funding. The majority of PhD applicants upload the research proposal when they apply for admission, however, if it is not required, it is necessary to submit a research plan for the application to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. If you’re applying to an alternative degree to the PhD you don’t have to submit a proposal for research in your application materials for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
3. Reference letter
Other than those two references to academics needed for the admission process, Gates Cambridge applicants must make arrangements for someone else to provide an official reference that explains how they have met the criteria for admission to the scholarship.
On the application form, they’ll ask:
Give your evaluation of the candidate’s eligibility to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded based in accordance with the basis of intellectual capacity, justification for the course of study and a desire to improve life of those around them as well as leadership ability.
They’ll also ask:
- How would you rate the person who is applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
- Based on what group of people is this ranking based?
- What is the size of this group?
Who should write this reference?
A person of a high standing, who can answer the question in a professional manner and is aware of the requirements and the highly intense competition involves in Gates Cambridge programmes and academic standards at the University of Cambridge.
Last note
Whether or not you are eligible to receive the Gates Cambridge Scholarship you may be eligible for other opportunities that is offered through the University of Cambridge. See www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk for more details.
Apply now for the gates cambridge scholarship today
Here is how to apply for additional Full Uk Ph.D. scholarships.