2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Fully Funded in the UK
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. Established in October 2000 by a historic donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship supports outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Each year, the program awards approximately 80 scholarships, with about two-thirds of them going to PhD students. The aim of the scholarship is not only to provide financial support but also to create a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
If you are looking for a fully funded opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities while joining a powerful community of scholars, the 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarship could be your gateway.
Why Choose the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
There are many reasons why this scholarship is considered one of the best in the world:
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Comprehensive Funding: Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
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Generous Stipend: Monthly allowance for living expenses in the UK.
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Prestigious Institution: Cambridge University is consistently ranked among the top universities globally.
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Leadership Network: Scholars become part of a community of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
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Global Recognition: Being a Gates Cambridge Scholar is a mark of academic excellence and leadership potential.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded, and successful applicants receive:
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University composition fee (full tuition costs).
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Maintenance allowance: About £20,000 per year for living expenses.
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Airfare: One economy single airfare to Cambridge at the beginning of the course and one economy single airfare back to the student’s home country at the end of the course.
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Visa and Immigration costs: Fees required for studying in the UK.
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Additional discretionary funding:
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Academic development funding (up to £2,000 depending on course length).
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Family allowance (up to £15,612 for one child and up to £22,728 for two or more children).
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Fieldwork allowance (for PhD students).
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Maternity/paternity funding.
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Fields of Study
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers almost all fields of study available at the University of Cambridge, including:
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Arts and Humanities
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Biological Sciences
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Engineering
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Mathematics
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Physical Sciences
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Social Sciences
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Medical Sciences
The only courses not eligible are:
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Business (MBA)
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Master of Finance (MFin)
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Part-time degrees
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Non-degree courses
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
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Apply to pursue one of the following programs at Cambridge:
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PhD (full-time)
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MSc/MLitt (full-time)
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One-year full-time postgraduate course
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Show academic excellence with outstanding transcripts and references.
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Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to improving lives.
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Submit a strong application, including a research proposal (for PhD applicants).
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
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Academic transcripts and certificates.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
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Gates Cambridge Scholarship statement (500 words max).
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References (including at least one for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship specifically).
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Valid passport.
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English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL if required).
Application Process – Step by Step
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Apply to Cambridge University
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Visit the Cambridge graduate admissions portal.
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Select your course and submit your admission application.
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Complete the Gates Cambridge Section
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Within the application form, complete the separate “Gates Cambridge Scholarship” section.
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Write the Gates Cambridge statement explaining your fit with the program.
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Submit References
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Provide at least three academic/professional references.
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One reference must specifically address your leadership potential and suitability for the scholarship.
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Application Review
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Applications are first assessed academically by Cambridge University.
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Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
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Final Selection
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After interviews, successful candidates are offered the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
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Tips for a Successful Application
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Start Early – The application requires both academic and scholarship materials, so allow yourself enough time.
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Craft a Powerful Statement – The 500-word Gates Cambridge statement should reflect your vision, leadership qualities, and commitment to improving lives.
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Secure Strong References – Choose referees who know your abilities and leadership potential.
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Show Leadership – Highlight concrete examples where you led initiatives, solved problems, or impacted your community.
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Be Clear About Impact – Show how your studies at Cambridge will allow you to make a difference in your home country and globally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting generic or vague essays.
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Missing deadlines (they vary by course and applicant’s country).
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Choosing referees who cannot speak about your leadership qualities.
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Applying for ineligible programs (MBA, MFin, part-time).
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Overlooking the separate Gates Cambridge statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded yearly?
Around 80, with about 25 given to U.S. citizens and 55 to international applicants.
2. Do I need to secure admission first?
No. You apply for admission and the scholarship simultaneously via the same portal.
3. Is there an age limit?
No official age restriction, but most applicants are early-career professionals or recent graduates.
4. Can family members be supported?
Yes, there are family allowances for children.
5. When is the deadline?
The deadline varies between early October and early December 2024, depending on the applicant’s country and chosen course.
Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Conclusion
The 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious students who want to pursue world-class education at Cambridge while joining a global network of leaders. With full funding, leadership training, and worldwide recognition, it is one of the most competitive scholarships available.
If you are committed to academic excellence and improving the lives of others, this scholarship could be your pathway to success.
👉 Start preparing now, research your course, and apply before the deadline. Your journey to Cambridge may begin with the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.