funding: GBP 21,000 maintenance stipend + full tuition fees (fully-funded)
location: University of Cambridge, UK
host: Gates Cambridge Trust
source-url: https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/2026/07/05/gates-3/
apply-url: https://www.gatescambridge.org/programme/the-scholarship/
The Gates Cambridge programme is a prestigious scholarship scheme that provides full-cost awards to around 80 outstanding students from outside the UK each year. The University of Cambridge hosts the programme, which was established in 2000 with a donation of US$210m from the Gates Foundation. Approximately 250 Gates Cambridge Scholars study in Cambridge at any one time, pursuing a range of subjects and forming a distinctive community.
Overview
The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. The selection criteria include outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
- Around 80 full-cost scholarships are offered each year to students from countries outside the UK.
- Approximately two-thirds of the awards are offered to PhD students.
- The scholarships cover the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including a maintenance allowance and additional discretionary funding.
- Core components of the scholarship include the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, and one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
- Discretionary components include academic development funding, Dependent Children Allowance, and fieldwork funding.
Eligibility
The scholarships are available to outstanding students from countries outside the UK who are pursuing a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
- Approximately 25 awards are available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.
- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
Benefits
- Full-cost scholarship covering the University Composition Fee and a maintenance allowance.
- Additional discretionary funding for academic development, dependent children, and fieldwork.
- Opportunity to join a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
- Access to a community of over 1,700 Gates Cambridge Scholar Alumni from 112 countries.
How to Apply
The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship involves submitting an application to the University of Cambridge and a separate application to the Gates Cambridge Trust.
- Applicants must submit their application to the University of Cambridge by the deadline.
- Applicants must also submit a separate application to the Gates Cambridge Trust, which includes a personal statement and a statement of research interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme?
The purpose of the programme is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
How many scholarships are available each year?
Around 80 full-cost scholarships are available each year to students from countries outside the UK.
What are the selection criteria for the scholarship?
The selection criteria include outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, and additional discretionary funding.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already studying at the University of Cambridge?
Yes, but you must be pursuing a new course of study and meet the eligibility criteria.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 250 Scholars studying in Cambridge at any one time and over 1,700 Alumni from 112 countries.