Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) · United Kingdom
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the programme was established in 2000. It is one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in the world.
| Provider / Funder |
Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)Official
|
| Host country |
United KingdomOfficial
|
| Award value |
Fully funded — see coverage belowOfficial
Exact amounts change annually — always verify on official source
|
| Duration |
Duration of degree (1 year Masters to 3–4 year PhD)Official
|
| Application deadline |
October (US applicants); December (all others)Official
Deadlines change annually — always check official source
|
| Fully funded |
Yes — fully fundedOfficial
|
| Renewable |
YesEstimated
Subject to satisfactory academic progress
|
| Eligible nationalities |
All countries except United KingdomOfficial
Check the official page for the full and current list
|
| Other requirements |
Must apply to a full-time degree at Cambridge; outstanding intellectual ability and leadershipOfficial
|
This scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students who need full financial support to pursue postgraduate study abroad. Eligible nationalities are listed as: All countries except United Kingdom. The scholarship supports study at UK universities, which are globally recognised for their research quality and strong postgraduate programmes.
Applicants should note that additional requirements include: Must apply to a full-time degree at Cambridge; outstanding intellectual ability and leadership. These criteria are important and should be reviewed carefully before beginning an application.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, Gates is worth applying for — but ensure your academic profile, statement, and references are competitive before submitting. Use the Admissionism Essay Generator to strengthen your scholarship statement.
Key deadline: October (US applicants); December (all others). Deadlines are strictly enforced — incomplete or late applications are typically not considered. We recommend starting your application at least 2–3 months before the deadline.
Applications are typically submitted through the official scholarship portal (https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/). You will usually need to provide: academic transcripts, a personal statement or research proposal, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, and a CV or résumé.
As a fully funded award, this scholarship is highly competitive. Shortlisted candidates are often invited to interview. Your personal statement and letters of recommendation carry significant weight alongside your academic record.
Use Admissionism's Essay Generator to draft and refine your scholarship statement, and submit a Mock Application to receive AI feedback on your profile's overall strength before you apply.