Gates Cambridge Scholarship at the University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programmes in the world. Established in 2000 through a historic $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it enables outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Since its inception, more than 2,000 scholarships have been awarded to students from over 100 countries, making it a truly global programme.

Each year, the programme awards around 80 full-cost scholarships, with roughly two-thirds going to PhD students. Of these, about 25 are reserved for the US round, while 55 are offered in the International round. Currently, there are around 250 Gates Scholars in residence at Cambridge, representing about 50 countries and studying across the university’s departments and colleges. Beyond Cambridge, there is a strong alumni network of over 1,700 former scholars working across the world.

The Gates Cambridge mission is clear: to build a global network of future leaders dedicated to improving the lives of others.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge and provides additional, discretionary support.

Core Components

• University Composition Fee (at the applicable rate).
• Maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024–25 rate; up to four years for PhD scholars).
• One economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
• Inbound visa costs and the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

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Discretionary Components

• Academic development funding: £500–£2,000 for conferences or courses (depending on course length).
• Dependent Children Allowance: up to £11,604 for one child, £16,548 for two or more children.
• Fieldwork funding: PhD scholars can continue receiving their allowance during fieldwork.
• Maternity/Paternity support: up to six months of continued maintenance allowance.
• Hardship funding: for unforeseen difficulties.

Note: If you are already receiving a salary or a substantial scholarship, your Gates Cambridge allowance may be adjusted. The scholarship does not cover bench fees, equipment, or similar academic resources.

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you are:

• A citizen of any country outside the UK.
• Applying for:
  • A PhD (full-time or part-time).
  • An MLitt (full-time).
  • A one-year postgraduate course (full-time) — except courses like MBA, MFin, MASt, PGCE, or certain professional degrees (e.g. Medicine).

Important: If you are already studying at Cambridge, you can still apply if you are starting a new postgraduate course (for example, moving from MPhil to PhD).

What Gates Cambridge Looks For

Selection is based on four main criteria:

1. Academic Excellence
   – Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability through transcripts, references, and research potential.
2. Reasons for the Choice of Course
   – You must explain why you chose your course and how it aligns with your goals. PhD and research-based MPhil applicants need to engage with potential supervisors before applying.
3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others
   – This is a defining feature of the programme. Applicants should provide evidence of past and ongoing contributions to society, as well as plans.
4. Leadership Potential
   – You should show a track record of leadership and demonstrate how you plan to use your skills to drive change in your future career.

The Application Process

All applications are made via the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal, which combines admission and funding.

Key Steps:

1. Admission Section
   • Choose your course and College.
   • Provide academic details, references, transcripts, and, for PhD applicants, a research proposal.
2. Funding Section
   • Complete the Gates Cambridge part, which includes answering four short essay questions:
     • How have you displayed academic excellence? (200 words)
     • Why this specific course at Cambridge? (200 words)
     • How have you demonstrated a commitment to improving lives? (300 words)
     • How have you shown leadership capacity? (300 words)
3. Gates Cambridge Reference
   • In addition to two academic references, you must arrange for a special Gates Cambridge reference. This should come from someone who can vouch for your intellectual ability, leadership, and commitment to others.
4. Interview Stage
   • Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, either in person or online.

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Important Dates (2025–26 Applications for 2026–27 Entry)

Applications open: 10 September 2025.

US Round (US citizens resident in the USA):

• Deadline: 15 October 2025.
• Results: December 2025.
• Interviews: January 2026.
• Final offers: February 2026.

International Round (all other applicants, including Nigerians):

• Deadline: 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depending on course).
• Results: March 2026.
• Interviews: March 2026.
• Final offers: April 2026.

Life as a Gates Cambridge Scholar

Studying at Cambridge as a Gates Scholar is more than just academics. You’ll join a vibrant community through:

• Orientation and welcome dinners.
• Professional development events (Learning for Purpose programme).
• Annual lectures, symposia, and the Weekend of Research.
• Social activities like the annual Gala and Graduation Dinner.

You’ll also join one of Cambridge’s 31 Colleges, each offering its own traditions, networks, and support. The experience is enriched by access to the Scholars’ Room—a hub for collaboration and activities.

Alumni Network

On graduation, you become part of the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association (GCAA). With more than 1,700 alumni across the globe, the network provides ongoing connections, events, and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring the Gates spirit lasts long after Cambridge.

Why This Matters for Nigerians

For Nigerians aspiring to global leadership, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is more than just funding it is a life-transforming opportunity. It offers:

• Access to world-class education and research.
• A fully-funded package, removing financial barriers.
• A network of peers and mentors shaping change globally.
• The chance to return and contribute to Nigeria with new knowledge, skills, and influence.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a remarkable chance to pursue your postgraduate ambitions at one of the world’s leading universities. If you combine academic brilliance with a passion for service and leadership, this programme is designed for you.

👉 Applications for 2026 open on 10 September 2025. Now is the time to prepare your documents, identify your course, and plan your application.

APPLY FOR THE GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP