The Gates Cambridge Scholarship may be your ticket to success if you’re an ambitious student hoping to attend one of the most prominent universities in the world. The University of Cambridge is providing excellent non-UK students with postgraduate study opportunities through this fully supported program. However, the scholarship looks for more than simply academic prowess; other important criteria include leadership potential, a commitment to bettering lives, and a connection with Cambridge’s values.
We’ll go over the key information about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program in this post, including its history, how to apply, and the requirements for selection. This scholarship offers a substantial living stipend, travel expenses, and chances for academic growth in addition to covering tuition for potential PhD students and master’s degree candidates. The Gates Cambridge community also provides an abundance of leadership and networking opportunities.
You will know exactly what it takes to apply, the benefits you may anticipate, and what makes you stand out from the competition by the time you finish reading this post. To find out if the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is the right choice for you, continue reading if you’re prepared to start an academic journey that might change your future.
About the Gate Cambridge Scholarship program
Established in 2000 by a substantial grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program is highly esteemed and fully financed. Its purpose is to assist deserving non-UK foreign students pursuing full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
Along with academic brilliance, the program looks for people who can be leaders, a strong commitment to bettering the lives of others, and a good match with the academic environment and values of the University of Cambridge. Gates Cambridge Scholars are drawn from a diverse variety of fields, nations, and backgrounds. They join a thriving community committed to changing the world.
About 80 scholarships are given out year to individuals who want to pursue PhDs or master’s degrees in a variety of subjects. The program places a strong emphasis on both professional and personal growth, giving scholars lots of chances to network and take on leadership roles both during and after their time at Cambridge.
Application Process for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship involves several key steps:
1. Apply Online via the University Graduate Application Portal:
- Start by applying online through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal.
- Select your course and college preferences during the application process.
2. Complete Course Application:
- Fill out your details, and academic background, and provide a plan for your desired course.
- Apply for both the course and college placement.
3. Apply for Funding:
- In the funding section of the portal, apply for various scholarships, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- You can apply for multiple funding options offered by the university and external organizations.
4. Separate Applications for Multiple Courses:
If applying for more than one course, submit separate applications for each.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:
1. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
2. Course of Study: Applicants must apply for 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.
3. October 2024 Part-time Doctoral Scheme:
For October 2024 entry, part-time PhD applications are also eligible as part of a pilot scheme.
Selection Criteria
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship selection process is highly competitive and based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding Intellectual Ability: Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and potential to significantly contribute to their chosen discipline.
- Reasons for Course Selection: Applicants should provide clear reasons for their choice of course and explain how it aligns with their long-term goals.
- Commitment to Improving Lives: Scholars must show a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others, reflecting a desire to make a positive impact on the global community.
- Leadership Potential: Candidates should have proven leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and lead others.
RECOMMENDED:
- ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Knight-Hennessy Scholarship program
- ETH Zurich Scholarships
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Program
- Chinese Government Scholarships
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
- University of Toronto Scholarships program
Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers a range of benefits designed to support international students throughout their studies at the University of Cambridge. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the chosen course at the University of Cambridge.
2. Generous Living Allowance: Scholars receive a maintenance allowance to cover living expenses. For 2024, this is approximately £20,000 per year.
3. Travel Costs: The scholarship includes a single economy airfare to and from Cambridge at the beginning and end of the course.
4. Additional Grants: Depending on individual circumstances, additional funding is available for:
- Family Allowance: For scholars with children, support is provided for dependent children.
- Fieldwork Funding: For doctoral students, the scholarship may cover costs for fieldwork as part of their studies.
- Maternity/Paternity Funding: If needed, scholars can apply for financial support during periods of maternity or paternity leave.
5. Academic Development Funding: Scholars may apply for funding to attend conferences and academic-related activities that enhance their study or research.
6. Health Coverage: The scholarship also covers the cost of the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge during study.
FAQs: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Who is eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to international students outside the UK who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, a strong commitment to improving the lives of others, leadership potential, and a good fit with the University of Cambridge.
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded award. It covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and additional allowances such as family or health needs.
What GPA do you need for Gates Cambridge?
Applicants should have an extremely strong academic record, with a GPA over 3.7.
How much is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship worth?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees and a generous maintenance allowance (around £20,000 annually). Additional funds are available for various needs such as academic development, family allowances, and fieldwork.
Is the Gates Scholarship only for US citizens?
No, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is not limited to US citizens. It is available to applicants from any country outside the United Kingdom. The scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
How do you win the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
To win the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit with Cambridge. Successful candidates typically have a strong academic record, relevant experiences, and the potential to contribute to their chosen field.
How many people get the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Each year, approximately 80 scholarships are awarded to students from around the world. Of these, about two-thirds are given to PhD students.
What are the benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, airfare, and additional funding for academic development. The scholarship also provides access to various networking and development opportunities through the Gates Cambridge community.
Who won the Gates Cambridge Scholarship in 2024?
Usually, the Gates Cambridge website lists the recipients of the 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship. In the UK, the University of Cambridge will be the graduate school for Arman Kassam, ’22, and Julia Rathmann-Bloch, ’21. Among the 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship recipients are recent Stanford graduates Arman Kassam, ’22, and Julia Rathmann-Bloch, ’21.