The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme 2020 (Fully Funded)

Applications for October 2020 entry are now closed. Applications for entry in the academic year 2021/22 will open in September 2020.

We are delighted that you are interested in applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. 

In this section you will find information about the programme which will help you make the best possible application. Please read through all pages to find out if you are eligible, how to apply and full details about the scholarship. 

Overview

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university.

For 2020 entry, Gates Cambridge will offer 80 full-cost 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. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.

The selection criteria are:

• outstanding intellectual ability
• reasons for choice of course
• a commitment to improving the lives of others
• leadership potential

There are about 225 Scholars from c. 50 countries studying in Cambridge at any one time who pursue the full range of subjects available at the University and are spread across its departments and Colleges.

The aim of the Gates Cambridge programme is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.

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