Dreaming of studying in the UK? Here’s some exciting news! The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is now open for applications. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the scholarship, detailing its benefits and the step-by-step application process.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025-2026 is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for those pursuing master’s and PhD studies. It offers numerous benefits, including a stipend of £18,744 per annum, health insurance, academic development funding up to £2,000, and a family allowance of up to £15,612.
Established in October 2000 through a generous donation of US$210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship program at the University of Cambridge represents the largest single donation ever made to a UK university.
Scholarship Overview
For the 2024 academic year, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship will award 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding candidates from outside the United Kingdom. These scholarships are available for full-time postgraduate degrees in any field offered at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these scholarships will be awarded to PhD students, with around 25 awards available in the US round and 55 in the International round.
Level of Study: Masters, PhD
Institution: University of Cambridge
Study Location: UK
Program Period: Two years for a master’s and three years for a PhD
Deadline:
For US Citizens: Wednesday, October 11, 2024 (noon, local US time)
For International Students: Dependent on your course – either December 5, 2024 or January 4, 2025 (refer to the Course Directory)
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers the following benefits:
- University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- Maintenance allowance for a single student (£18,744 for 12 months at the 2022-23 rate; pro-rata for courses shorter than 12 months). PhD scholars may receive funding for up to 4 years.
- One economy class airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Academic development funding – from £500 to £2,000, depending on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses
- Family allowance – up to £10,944 for one child and up to £15,612 for two or more children (2022-23 rate). No funding is provided for a partner.
- Fieldwork you may apply to retain your maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (fieldwork costs must be covered by the University Composition Fee).
- Maternity/Paternity funding – up to 6 months of intermission with continued maintenance allowance if required.
- Hardship funding – available for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Language: Proficiency in English
- Eligible Countries: All countries outside the UK
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated through previous academic achievements
- Strong Case for Postgraduate Study: A compelling reason for choosing your course at Cambridge
- Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: Demonstrated through past actions and plans
- Leadership Potential: Proven capacity for leadership
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
1. Apply for admission to a course and a College place, and complete the Gates Cambridge section of the funding application.
2. Create an account on the application portal.
3. Fill in your personal informationand submit the required documents:
- Gates Cambridge Statement (up to 500 words)
- CV/Resume
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Gates Reference (in addition to two academic references for admission)
4. Answer the application questionsand submit your application.
For More Information
For more details and to apply, please visit the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship website:
[Official Website](https://www.gatescambridge.org)
[Apply Now](https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply)