The Gates Scholarships in the UK offer a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Established in 2000 through a generous donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Each year, approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK, with around two-thirds of these going to PhD students.
Recipients of the Gates Scholarships in the UK benefit from comprehensive funding that covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. This includes the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance of £20,000 for 12 months (as per the 2023-24 rate), one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course, and inbound visa costs along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional discretionary funding is also available for academic development, family allowance, fieldwork, maternity or paternity support, and hardship funding.
Details of the Gates Scholarships in the UK:
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge
- Program Level: Master’s and PhD
- Scholarship Duration: Full duration of the selected program
Benefits of the Gates Scholarships in the UK
The Gates Scholarships in the UK provide a comprehensive package to support scholars during their time at Cambridge:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.
- Maintenance Allowance: A stipend of £20,000 for 12 months (2023-24 rate) to cover living expenses; PhD scholars receive funding for up to 4 years.
- Travel Costs: One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa and Health Surcharge: Covers inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Additional Funding:
- Academic Development Funding: £500 to £2,000 to attend conferences and courses.
- Family Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2023-24 rate).
- Fieldwork: Continuation of maintenance allowance during fieldwork as part of PhD.
- Maternity/Paternity Funding: Intermission of studies for up to 6 months with maintenance allowance.
- Hardship Funding: For unforeseen difficulties.
Eligibility Criteria for the Gates Scholarships in the UK
To be eligible for the Gates Scholarships in the UK, applicants must:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Course of Study: Apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions
- Current Cambridge Students: If already studying at Cambridge, applicants can apply for a new postgraduate course. However, those who have already started a course cannot apply for funding for the remainder of it.
How to Apply for the Gates Scholarships in the UK
Please follow the following application instructions to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Apply for admission to a course and a College place and the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section.
- Build up an account on the website.
- Fill in your personal information
- Submit these documents:
- Gates Cambridge Statement:Â In no more than 3000 characters (approximately 500 words) please explain why you are applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and how you meet the four main criteria.
- Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Gates reference:Â In addition to two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants submit a reference about their fit with the scholarship.
- Answer the application questions.
- Submit the application
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Valid passport or national ID
- CV/Resume
- Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Application Deadline
- The application process closes on 03 December 2025. Ensure you complete and submit your application before the deadline to secure a place in this prestigious program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
Any citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom applying for eligible postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge.
What courses are eligible for the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), and one-year postgraduate courses (full-time), with some exceptions.
What expenses are covered by the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, maintenance allowance
What are the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
The Gates Scholarships in the UK are prestigious, fully funded awards that support international students to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
Are part-time courses eligible for the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
Only the PhD program is eligible for part-time study under the Gates Scholarships in the UK.
How many Gates Scholarships in the UK are awarded each year?
Each year, around 80 Gates Scholarships in the UK are awarded to outstanding students.
Is there an age limit for the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
There is no specific age limit for the Gates Scholarships in the UK, but applicants must meet academic and leadership criteria.
What makes a strong application for the Gates Scholarships in the UK?
A strong application for the Gates Scholarships in the UK includes excellent academic records, a compelling personal statement, clear leadership experience, and a strong reference.
