Established by a historic $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this is arguably the most prestigious postgraduate scholarship in the world alongside the Rhodes. It aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others, exclusively at the University of Cambridge.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.8
- Offer Degrees
- Masters, PhD
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Arts, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology
- Seats Available
- Varies
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- Optional
- Work Experience
- Optional
- Age Range
- No Age Limit
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- Min. 7.5
- TOEFL
- Optional
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- English
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- GBP 1700/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Full
- Travel & Health
- Yes / Yes
- Application Fee
- 50
- Spouse Allowed
- Yes
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
The funding is astronomical and completely comprehensive. It covers the staggeringly high Cambridge University composition fee, a maintenance allowance of around £20,000 per year, one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course, inbound visa costs, and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge. It also provides family allowances of over £11,000 for a first child.
Application Process
You apply for your course, college place, and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship concurrently via the Cambridge University Graduate Application Portal. You must provide a specific Gates Cambridge reference (separate from your academic references) that speaks exclusively to your leadership potential and commitment to improving the lives of others.
How to Win This Scholarship
Academic brilliance is assumed; it is merely the baseline to get your application read. The deciding factor is your 'commitment to improving the lives of others.' They want evidence of sustained, impactful altruism and leadership. A perfect GPA without a track record of community or global impact will get instantly rejected.
Furthermore, your academic fit with Cambridge must be flawless. You must clearly articulate why Cambridge, and specifically the department you are applying to, is the only place on earth where you can execute your vision.
Benefits After Completing Study
You gain lifelong entry into the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association, arguably one of the most powerful and concentrated networks of global changemakers in existence.
The interview is incredibly daunting, often conducted by a panel of world-renowned academics who will test the absolute limits of your intellect and your moral philosophy.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source