The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate opportunities available globally. Launched in October 2000 with a generous $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this program represents the largest single grant ever awarded to a UK university. It enables exceptional students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
The program awards approximately 80 full-cost scholarships annually, primarily to PhD candidates. These scholarships are divided into two rounds: 25 for applicants from the United States and 55 for international applicants. The initiative’s overarching goal is to create a network of global leaders committed to improving lives, offering both financial support and a vibrant community at one of the world’s top academic institutions.
Key Details the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Eligible Nationalities: All except UK citizens
- Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, and one-year postgraduate programs
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Number of Scholarships: 80
- Gender: Open to all
Application Deadlines the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
For US Applicants:
- Deadline: October 16, 2024 (23:59 GMT)
- Outcome Notification: By December 11, 2024
- Scholarships Offered: February 3, 2025
For Other Applicants:
- Deadlines: December 3, 2024, or January 7, 2025, depending on the course
- Outcome Notification: By March 5, 2025
also read: Fully Funded Swire Scholarships at St Antony’s College, UK 2025
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded, covering all essential costs, including:
- University Composition Fee: Paid at the appropriate rate.
- Maintenance Allowance: £21,000 annually for a single student (2024-25 rate).
- Travel Costs: Economy airfare to and from Cambridge.
- Visa and Health Surcharge Fees: Fully covered.
Additional Funding Support
The scholarship also offers discretionary funding to address specific needs:
- Academic Development: Up to £2,000 for conferences and courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child, £16,548 for two or more (2023-24 rates).
- Fieldwork Costs: Maintenance allowance remains available during PhD fieldwork.
- Parental Leave: Up to six months of intermission with continued support.
- Hardship Funding: For unexpected financial difficulties.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of any country outside the UK.
- Apply for one of the following courses at Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time).
- MLitt (full-time).
- One-year postgraduate course (full-time).
- Applicants already studying at Cambridge can apply for a new postgraduate course or for a second scholarship for a new degree.
Courses Not Covered
The scholarship does not cover:
- Undergraduate degrees (e.g., BA).
- Specific business degrees, such as MBA, MFin, or EMBA programs.
- Clinical studies, including the MBChir or Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on four main criteria:
- Outstanding academic ability.
- A strong rationale for the chosen course.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to improving the lives of others.
Application Process
To apply, follow these steps:
- Complete the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal form.
- Fill out the Gates Cambridge funding section to be considered for the scholarship.
- Submit required details for both course admission and funding applications.
How to Get Started?
To begin your application, visit the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal. Ensure you provide accurate details about your background, academic qualifications, and course preferences.