The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program that provides an annual amount of about £30,000 to £60,000 for postgraduate degrees. This award covers tuition, student visa fees, travel expenses, health care, and other expenses. Every year, the scholarship provides around 80 outstanding international students enrolled in any postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
So, imagine how being a scholarship recipient from the prestigious University of Cambridge can boost your resume. This scholarship can open doors to new opportunities and increase your career prospects. Thus, if you wish to pursue your Master’s or Ph.D. degree at Cambridge University and are seeking a way to offset the expense of education, you’ve come to the right place.
Since its inception, the Trust has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to scholars from more than 100 countries. This is to support the Gates Cambridge goal of creating a worldwide network of future leaders devoted to improving the lives of others. As a result, scholars and graduates become thought leaders in their professions, helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Similarly, Cambridge University boasts exceptional research facilities and tutors who are always happy to share their wealth of experience and expertise with students. So studying at the University of Cambridge will always be worthwhile. Therefore, in this piece, you are going to be learning more about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This post will show you the scholarship requirements, selection criteria, and how you can easily apply. So, make sure you carefully read over every line to avoid missing any important detail.
Let’s delve in!
About the Host of the Gate Cambridge Scholarship
You can also check out the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University | Fully Funded
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. Typically, the scholarship seeks to create a global network of future leaders driven to improve the lives of others. Furthermore, each scholarship offers funds for academic and professional development as well as the cost of a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Interestingly, receiving a Cambridge scholarship will connect you to a global network of faculty and alumni. This could pave the way for future collaboration and job prospects. Meanwhile, from its inception, the University of Cambridge has drawn many of the world’s brightest brains. Today, the University has grown to around 20,000 students, 7,500 of whom are graduate students.
You can also check out the Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students
Furthermore, the University and its Colleges are spread throughout the city. It has been consistently ranked among the top universities in both national and international league tables. Throughout its history, Cambridge has had Colleges, which are intimate social and intellectual communities of scholars. As a result, they offer scholarships to postgraduate students in various fields of study. This scholarship will cover the general costs of studying, such as tuition, health insurance, and travel expenses, among others.
Why Apply for The Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a great way to pursue your postgraduate degree without worrying much about the financial implications of studying. Hence, it serves as a platform for advanced research and personal development. The Scholarship has numerous benefits including:
You can also check out the Cameron Impact Scholarship
How Much is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Worth?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is worth between £30,000 and £45,000 each year. This scholarship covers the basic cost of attending Cambridge, including tuition and living expenses. Furthermore, the scholarship provides a wide range of funds beyond fees and maintenance, which might amount to a total financial package of roughly £60,000 per year. This covers a return airplane or train ticket to Cambridge, visa fees, and the NHS health surcharge. Similarly, the scholarship gives a range of discretionary funding, such as Academic Development Funding for conferences and Child Allowance if they are bringing their child (children) to Cambridge.
How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Every year, thousands of exceptional students apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, but only 80 are chosen. Therefore, the total number of people who will get the award is 80.
You can also check out the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
What is the Acceptance Rate of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Although we cannot provide an exact number of students who apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. However, we do know that thousands of students apply each year, but only 80 are chosen. Therefore, the number of students that are selected from a given application is 8 percent.
Eligible Nationality
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.
You can also check out the Gates Scholarship USA | Fully Funded
Host Nationality
The scholarship is hosted in the United Kingdom.
Eligible Institutions
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is typically available for students at the University of Cambridge.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, candidates must apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential degrees at the University of Cambridge:
Courses which Gates Cambridge does not consider include the following:
You can also check out the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program | Fully Funded
Which Level is Eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is available for the postgraduate level, specifically for a full-time PhD or Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
PS: For October 2024 entry, Gates Cambridge is continuing to pilot a scheme that allows applicants to apply for funding for a part-time doctoral degree. Thus, if you are currently studying at Cambridge and wish to apply for a new postgraduate course, you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Similarly, current Gates Cambridge Scholars may apply for a second fellowship if they are pursuing a new degree. However, if you have already begun a course (for example, if you are halfway through a PhD), you’re not eligible for this Scholarship.
Age Requirements
There are no age requirements for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship programs. Therefore, interested students can apply irrespective of their age.
You can also check out the Cambridge University Scholarships for International Students
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Generally, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program is a comprehensive financial aid program. This is because it covers the most essential costs of studying abroad. Consequently, if you are an international student studying outside of the UK, you can apply for this scholarship by following the steps outlined below.
Steps To Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
The following are the procedures required to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program:
Apply for Admission
To be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must first apply for admission to the scholarship-eligible course at Cambridge University. Hence, you need to visit the University of Cambridge's admission website and apply for admission.Apply for Scholarship
After you've been offered admission to the postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge, you can proceed to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. To apply, visit the Gates Cambridge website and fill out the online application form.Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Gates Cambridge requires Ph.D. applicants to submit a research proposal as part of their scholarship application. Ensure to submit a well-thought-out proposal that demonstrates your understanding of the research area and your proposed project. Meanwhile, if you are applying for a degree other than a PhD, you do not need to submit a research proposal as part of your materials for the scholarship.Submit Reference
Gates Cambridge applicants must arrange for someone to submit a reference demonstrating why they meet the scholarship’s criteria. In this reference, the referee will have to indicate why you're a good candidate for the scholarship.Nomination
Following application, each academic department at the University of Cambridge will rank and nominate eligible applicants for the scholarship. After that, they'll forward a list of departmental nominees to the Gates Cambridge Trust for reviewing and shortlisting.Interview
After all submissions, the scholarship committee will review all applications and publish a shortlisted list. Following that, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. This interview could take place in person, over the phone, or via video conferences.Notification
After the interview, the scholarship committee will make their final decision and successful candidates will receive an offer of a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.Accept Scholarship
If offered the scholarship, follow the instructions to accept it and fulfill any additional requirements.
For inquiries, you can reach out to them via [email protected]
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
How Long Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Last for Winners?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship typically lasts for the full duration of the degree program. The award is valid for up to four years for PhD programs and 12 months for shorter courses. Meanwhile, extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis in the event of intermission or illness. This is applicable if the scholar is unable to complete their studies within the initial term of their award.
You can also check out the Denys Holland Scholarship at University College London
What are the Documents Required For the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application?
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
As of the time of this publication, the application for the 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship is currently ongoing. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible because the deadline is fast approaching.
You can also check out the Goldsmiths International Response Scholarship
What Can I Do To Win Gates Cambridge Scholarship This Year?
Looking at the Gates Cambridge Scholarship acceptance rate, it’s obvious that it’s a highly competitive scholarship program. Hence, to improve your odds of winning, you need to pay attention to the following suggestions:
You can also check out the Deutsches Museum Scholar in Residence Program | Fully Funded
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2024 Gates Cambridge application deadline is 11 October 2023. See all deadlines here
Scholarship Summary
Summary
Also, try applying for the Undergraduate Scholarship at Berea College Kentucky, USA
Selection Procedures
Firstly, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship application process begins with prospective students applying to study for an eligible course at the University of Cambridge. Following the application, each academic department at the University of Cambridge ranks and nominates eligible applicants for the scholarship.
Secondly, the list of departmental nominees is then forwarded to the Gates Cambridge Trust, where it is passed to the Shortlisting Committees. Each Committee reviews the entirety of a departmental nominee and applies the Gates Cambridge selection criteria to shortlist applicants for interview. Finally, all shortlisted candidates will be interviewed to assess how they meet all Gates Cambridge criteria. After that, the committee will make its final decision.
Does The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Have Past Questions?
Generally, when applying for the Gates scholarship at the University of Cambridge, you’ll need to submit a personal statement with a 500-word limit. This essay should explain why you are applying for a Gates scholarship at the University of Cambridge and how you meet the main criteria. Additionally, if you’re nominated by the college that you applied to, you’ll be invited for a 20 to 25-minute interview either in person or virtually. If you can attend the interview in person, the interview will proceed as follows:
#1. Welcome and introduction
The Chair will introduce the panel, set out the format of the interview, and provide any other essential information to allow for a productive conversation.
#2. Gates Cambridge
What you know about the Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Your motivation for applying
Why you think you could be a Gates Cambridge Scholar
Your thoughts on the opportunities and responsibilities that a prestigious, full-cost scholarship at one of the world’s leading universities brings
#3. Academic and career plans
Your academic work to date – can you convincingly communicate your passion for, and the importance of, your chosen subject?
Also, your proposed degree at Cambridge – can you provide a convincing justification for your choice of course at Cambridge?
Your career plans – can you convincingly link your application for both a Gates Cambridge Scholarships and your proposed course at Cambridge to your future career plans?
You may also be asked probing intellectual or ethical questions, to which there are no ‘right’ answers.
#4. Final thoughts and questions
A chance to convey any additional information and/or ask any questions to the interview panel (optional).
What Should I Do If I Don’t Win the Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you don’t win the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, you can find a good number of the Easiest scholarships to apply for and win easily here.
We recommend you check out the Loughborough Development Trust Africa Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it’s a fully funded scholarship award, as a result, it covers the basic costs of postgraduate study.
Who should write the Gates Cambridge reference?
You should ask someone of appropriate standing who understands the criteria and highly competitive nature and academic standards of the Gates Cambridge program. Also, the student should be able to answer the question with authority.
How much is the application fee for Gates Cambridge?
Generally, applying to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is free. However, applying to a course at Cambridge University isn’t. You’ll have to pay an application fee of £75.
What are the things that are not covered by the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Typically, most costs are covered by the Scholarship but Gates Cambridge does not cover bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources. The Trust expects that such core course fees will be met by Cambridge’s academic department.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program is a great opportunity to study at one of the best Universities in the world. Its objective remains to contribute to society via the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international standards of excellence. We hope this post has effectively shown you all the steps necessary to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program.
