Fully Funded: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025/2026

Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded) is open for International Students . The scholarship allows Masters, PhD, Diploma level program(s) in the field of All Subjects taught at University of Cambridge . The deadline of the scholarship is 07 Jan 2025.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program 2025-2026 continues its legacy of nurturing the next generation of global leaders. Offering approximately 80 full-cost scholarships annually, this prestigious opportunity is open to outstanding international applicants outside the UK who seek to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship, established in 2000 through a landmark $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, selects exceptional scholars based on four key criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choosing their course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. Approximately two-thirds of the awards are granted to PhD students, with 25 awards designated for the US round and 55 for the International round.

Currently, there are about 250 scholars from over 50 countries, engaging in a wide array of subjects across Cambridge’s departments and colleges. The scholarship also supports a vibrant global network of over 1,700 alumni who remain committed to the Gates Cambridge mission of making a meaningful impact on the world.

Key Highlights:

• Full-cost scholarships for international postgraduate students
• Focus on leadership, academic excellence, and societal impact
• Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded each year
• 25 scholarships for US applicants and 55 for International applicants
• Open to all fields of study available at the University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers not only financial support but also a thriving community of like-minded individuals dedicated to improving the world. Since its inception, over 2,000 scholars from more than 100 countries have benefited from this transformative opportunity.

Degree Level

Masters, PhD, and Diploma level programs at the University of Cambridge.

Available Subjects

The following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

Core Components:

• University Composition Fee: Covers the full cost of your studies at Cambridge.
• Maintenance Allowance: Provides a fixed amount for living expenses: 

1. 1. PhD Students: Up to £21,000 per year for up to four years.
   2. Other Students: Pro-rated based on course length.

• Travel: Covers one economy single airfare for travel to and from Cambridge.
• Visa Costs: Includes inbound visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Discretionary Components:

• Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 for conferences and courses.
• Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £16,548 for two or more children.
• Fieldwork Funding: Maintains your maintenance allowance during fieldwork for PhD students.
• Maternity/Paternity Funding: Continues maintenance allowance during up to six months of study leave.
• Hardship Funding: Assists with unforeseen financial difficulties.

Important Notes:

• Salary or Scholarships: If you receive a salary or other substantial scholarship, the Trust may reduce or eliminate your maintenance allowance.
• Bench Fees and Equipment: Gates Cambridge does not cover these costs, which are expected to be covered by the academic department.

Overall, a Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for your studies at Cambridge, including tuition, living expenses, and travel.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:

Citizenship:

• You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.

Course of Study:

• You must be applying to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This includes:

1. PhD (full-time or part-time, for October 2024 entry only)
2. MLitt (full-time)
3. One-year postgraduate course (full-time) with some exceptions (see website for details)

Current Cambridge Students:

• If you are already studying at Cambridge, you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship for a new postgraduate course:

1. For example, you can apply if you're currently doing an MPhil and want to pursue a PhD.
2. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can also apply for a second scholarship for a new degree.  

However, you cannot apply for a scholarship to fund the remaining part of a course you've already started (e.g., a PhD you're halfway through).

Additional Points:

The Gates Cambridge website (www.gatescambridge.org) has more details about ineligible courses, including:Undergraduate degrees (BA, affiliated BA)

• Specific Master's programs (MASt, Business related)
• Part-time degrees (except for the pilot PhD program)
• Non-degree courses

Alternative Funding:

If you're not eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you may still be eligible for other funding offered by the University of Cambridge. Visit their website (www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk) for more information.