Each year Gates Cambridge offers about 80 scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to applicants intending to pursue a PhD at Cambridge, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round. A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. 

Explore different graduate programs (called “courses” in the UK) here. 

National Deadline

Mid-October for US citizens living in the US; Early December to early January for all others. Confirm exact date on the foundation website. 

Institutional Nomination

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not require institutional nomination. Candidates are encouraged to work with Fellowships Advising on their applications. 

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you are: 

• a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
• applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
  • PhD
  • MSc/MLitt
  • One-year postgraduate course (with some exceptions – see the Gates Cambridge eligibility page for more information)

The selection criteria are: 

• outstanding intellectual ability 

• reasons for choice of course 

• a commitment to improving the lives of others 

• leadership potential