The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded international scholarships for outstanding students outside the UK. Established in 2000 with a historic USD $210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports brilliant minds who want to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, one of the top global universities.
Whether you are planning for a Master’s or Ph.D. at Cambridge, this scholarship covers all academic expenses, provides additional allowances, and offers unmatched opportunities to join a global community of future leaders.
In this blog, we will cover every detail you need to know—eligibility, benefits, selection process, courses allowed, deadlines, documents required, tips to get selected, and more.
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded international scholarship that allows students from any country outside the UK to study at the University of Cambridge at postgraduate level. Its main aim is to create a network of future leaders committed to improving lives across the world.
Each year, around 80–90 scholarships are awarded.
Key Features of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
✔ Fully funded scholarship
✔ Open to all non-UK citizens
✔ Covers Master’s (1 year) & Ph.D. (3–4 years)
✔ Very competitive & prestigious
✔ Focus on academic excellence and leadership
✔ Provides additional benefits for dependents.
Courses Eligible Under Gates Cambridge
You can apply for almost all full-time postgraduate degrees, including:
Eligible Courses
Ph.D. (full-time)
MLitt (Master of Letters)
One-year Postgraduate Master’s programs
Not Eligible Courses
Part-time degrees
Undergraduate degrees
Business Doctorate (BusD)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Finance (MFin)
PGCE
Clinical Medicine courses (some)
MD Doctor of Medicine (6 years)
Any non-degree course
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship is 100% fully funded and covers almost everything:
1. Full University Composition Fee
Covers your full tuition fee charged by the University of Cambridge.
2. Annual Stipend
(Living Allowance)
£20,000 per year (approx. ₹21–22 lakh per year).
3. Airfare
One economy class ticket to & from Cambridge at the start and end of the course.
4. Visa & Immigration Fee
Covers UK visa charges
Covers health surcharge (NHS)
5. Academic Development Funding
Up to £2,000 for attending conferences, courses, research trips.
6. Family Allowance
Partner and child support (if applicable)
7. Fieldwork Support for Ph.D. Students
Allows paid research work abroad.
8. Hardship Funding
Extra support for unexpected difficulties.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Eligibility Criteria.
Benefits of Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The scholarship is 100% fully funded and includes:
Full tuition fees.
Annual stipend of £20,000.
Airfare to and from the UK.
Visa & NHS surcharge.
Research funding up to £2,000.
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Family allowance for dependents.
Fieldwork funding for Ph.D. students.
To apply, you must meet all the following:
1. Citizenship
Must be non-UK citizen (Indian students are fully eligible)
2. Academic Requirements
Step 4: Apply for Gates Cambridge Section
You will see a separate section titled
Strong academic record
Usually top 5–10% of your class
High GPA / CGPA preferred
4. Interview
3. English Language
Minimum scores:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
IELTS: 7.0+
TOEFL iBT: 100+
Cambridge C1 or C2 acceptable
4. Admission to Cambridge
You must apply for admission to a full-time postgraduate program at Cambridge.
5. Leadership Potential
Scholarship committee selects students who show:
leadership qualities
social impact
community service
commitment to improving lives
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
The application is submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.
Step 1: Choose a Course at Cambridge
Search and finalize your Master’s/Ph.D. program.
Step 2: Create an Account on Cambridge Portal
Fill all academic, personal, qualification details.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
This includes:
Academic transcripts
CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Research proposal (for Ph.D.)
2–3 reference letters
English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
Passport
Writing sample (for some courses)
“Funding – Gates Cambridge”.
You must write:
Gates Cambridge Personal Statement (max 500 words)
Research summary
Reason for choosing Cambridge
Step 5: Submit Application
Ensure all sections are complete.
Step 6: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will get an online interview invitation.
Interview questions may include:
Why Cambridge?
Why this course?
Your leadership experience
Long-term goals
Documents Required
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV/Resume
Gates Cambridge personal statement
Two academic references
Passport
Language proficiency test
Research proposal (for Ph.D.)
Statement of purpose (SOP)
Selection Process
1. Academic Excellence Check
Only top academic performers move forward.
2. Department Review
Your course department nominates the best candidates.
3. Gates Cambridge Committee Review
They look at leadership, purpose, and social impact.
Final stage.
5. Scholarship Offer
Based on academic merit + interview score.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Deadline 2025
There are two rounds:
For US Citizens
Deadline: October 2025 (exact date announced soon)
For All Other International Students (including India)
Deadline: December 2025 – January 2026
(Application deadlines vary by course)
Tip: Most courses have deadlines between 3 December – 5 January.
Tips to Increase Your Selection Chances
✔ Have a high GPA / strong academic record
✔ Write a powerful Gates Cambridge personal statement
✔ Show leadership qualities & community impact
✔ Demonstrate clear long-term goals
✔ Strong LORs from professors
✔ Well-structured research proposal (for Ph.D.)
Why is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship So Prestigious?
Because it selects highly talented individuals who have:
exceptional academic potential
global leadership abilities
strong commitment to changing lives
ambitious research goals
desire to serve communities worldwide
It creates a network of world-changing scholars.
The official website for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is:
👉 https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it fully funded?
Yes, 100% fully funded.
2. Can Indian students apply?
Yes, absolutely.
3. Do I need work experience?
Not compulsory, but helpful.
4. What is acceptance rate?
Around 1–2%, extremely competitive.
5. Can I bring my family?
Yes, with family allowance support.
CONCLUSION
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students passionate about academic excellence, leadership, and global impact. If you dream of studying at the University of Cambridge without financial worry, this scholarship is one of the best options worldwide.
Prepare your application early, write a compelling personal statement, and showcase your vision to contribute to society. With dedication and strong documentation, you can significantly improve your chances of being selected.
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