Cambridge University Gates Scholarships 2025-2026 Overview:

The Cambridge University Gates Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program for international and UK students interested in pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at Cambridge University. Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship offers financial and academic support for eligible candidates in various fields of study. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic session.

Scholarship Details and Benefits

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is awarded to 80 outstanding students from around the world, allowing them to study full-time postgraduate programs across Cambridge University’s esteemed departments. As a fully funded scholarship, it provides coverage for:

1. University Composition Fee: Covers all tuition and other fees at the standard rate for the chosen course.
2. Student Maintenance Allowance: Provides £18,744 annually for living expenses (pro-rated for courses shorter than 12 months). For PhD scholars, this stipend is awarded for up to four years.
3. Travel Costs: Covers one round-trip economy class ticket at the beginning and end of the program.
4. Visa and Health Surcharge: Reimburses inbound visa fees and the UK immigration health surcharge.
5. Academic Development Funding: Offers up to £2,000 for conferences and seminars based on course duration.
6. Family Allowance: Supports dependents with up to £10,944 for the first child and £15,612 for the second child.
7. Fieldwork and Hardship Funding: PhD candidates may continue receiving their maintenance allowance during fieldwork, while hardship funds are available for emergencies.
8. Maternity/Paternity Leave: Allows students to pause studies for up to six months while continuing to receive maintenance support.

Program Duration

The duration of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship varies depending on the course:

• Master’s Programs: Up to two years.
• PhD Programs: Typically between three to four years, with some programs extending to five or seven years.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: Open to students of all nationalities except those from the United Kingdom.
2. Academic Excellence: Strong academic records with supporting transcripts, references, and relevant experiences.
3. Course Selection Reasons: Applicants must demonstrate a compelling reason for choosing their program and explain how it aligns with their academic and career goals.
4. Course of Study: Candidates should apply for a full-time PhD, MSc, MLitt, or a relevant Master’s program.

Areas of Study

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Humanities: History, Literature, and Languages.
• Social Sciences: Sociology, Economics, and Anthropology.
• Physical Sciences and Technology: Engineering, IT, and Environmental Science.
• Biological Sciences: Biomedical, Biotechnology, and Environmental Biology.
• Clinical Medicine: Research and medical sciences.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

• Completed Gates Cambridge online application.
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
• Academic transcripts.
• Passport copy.
• A motivational statement or cover letter.
• Resume or CV.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Proof of English proficiency (such as an IELTS score) if the prior degree was not in English.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for US applicants residing in the United States is January 7, 2025. For all other international applicants, deadlines vary based on the selected course, with most closing on December 5, 2024 or January 4, 2025.

How to Apply

To apply for the Cambridge University Gates Scholarship:

1. Create an Account: Register on the University of Cambridge’s application portal.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required details and upload necessary documents.
3. Submit the Application: Review and submit your application by the appropriate deadline.

For more information and to apply, visit the official scholarship link

Official Scholarship Link