Last Updated on August 29, 2024
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program, offered by University of Cambridge, gives recognition to 80 exceptional international postgraduate applicants each year with full-cost scholarships. The scholarship covers the entire expense of studying in UK and also provides funds for other non-academic needs. An award amounting to 20,000 GBP is given as a maintenance allowance for 12 months on pro-rata basis.
- The selection process is divided into two rounds: 25 recipients are chosen in the US round, while 55 students are selected in the international round.
- PhD students make up approximately 65% of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship recipients.
- Eligible courses for the scholarship include M.Sc., M.Litt., Ph.D., and most one-year postgraduate programs.
- University of Cambridge students can apply for the scholarship if they haven’t yet commenced a postgraduate course.
- The application cycle begins annually in September, with deadlines varying according to the specific course and scholarship category.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Key Highlights
| Scholarship Type | College-Specific, Full-Ride-Scholarships, Merit-Based |
| Offered by | Institution |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
| Number of Scholarships | 80 |
| Amount | ₹2,127,513 ($25,467) |
| Renewability | Yes |
| International Student Eligible | Yes |
| Scholarship Website Link | https://www.gatescambridge.org/programme/the-scholarship/ |
Eligibility Criteria
If you are an Indian student who wants to apply to Cambridge, you must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:Â
- Eligibility for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Applicants must be seeking admission to a full-time residential course at the University of Cambridge.
- The scholarship is available for the following degree programs:
- Ph.D.
- M.Sc. or M.Litt.
- One-year postgraduate courses
- Current University of Cambridge students are eligible to apply if they are planning to start a new eligible course in the following academic year.
- Applicants must not be enrolled in any other course between their current studies and the commencement of their intended program.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Application Process
The general dates of the scholarships are listed below:
| Particulars | International Students |
| Application Opening | September. |
| Application Deadline | Dependent on Course. One in early December and another in early January of the next year. |
| Departmental Ranking | From December to February of next year. |
| All Applicants are Notified of the Application Outcome | February. |
| Online Review and Selection by Panels | February and March. |
| Scholarships Offered | Late March. |
| Scholarships accepted | 72 hours after the offer. |
Documents Required for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
While applying for the scholarship, students must keep a list of documents ready. These are:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship Statement: This essay must not exceed 500 words. The essay is meant to explain why you are a good fit for the scholarship.Â
- Proposal of Research for PhD candidatesÂ
- Gates Cambridge ReferenceÂ
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- A valid passportÂ
- Proof of English proficiencyÂ
Selection Process
Here is a detailed overview of the selection process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
| Selection Stage | Description |
| Departmental Ranking | Academic departments at Cambridge rank applicants based on academic merit. Top-ranked students are considered outstanding candidates. |
| Shortlisting | Nominated students are grouped by subject area. Shortlisting Committees select interview candidates based on the four Gates Cambridge Scholarship criteria. |
| Interview | 20-25 minute sessions, conducted in-person or via video conference. Four subject-based panels: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts. |
Interview Structure:
- Introduction
- Gates Cambridge knowledge assessment
- Academic and career plans discussion
- Final thoughts and questions
Additional Notes:
- Interview panels include academics, trust representatives, and Gates Cambridge alumni.
- Due to COVID-19, paper reviews may replace in-person interviews.
- Feedback is provided only to successful scholarship recipients.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Grant Details
The following table explains all the components covered by the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for international students:
| Category | Component | Details |
| Core Components | University Composition Fees | Full coverage |
| Maintenance Allowance | Amount varies by academic year | |
| Travel | Economy class airfare at the start and end of the course | |
| Visa and Health Surcharge | Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge | |
| Discretionary Components | Academic Development Funding | GBP 500-2,000 (INR 50,000-2,00,000) |
| Family Allowance | Up to GBP 10,120 (INR 10,12,000) for 1 child; GBP 14,440 (INR 14,45,000) for 2+ children | |
| Fieldwork Allowance | For Ph.D. students only | |
| Maternity/Paternity Allowance | Up to 6 months intermission of studies | |
| Hardship Funding | Available for unforeseen circumstances | |
| Deductions and Exceptions | Salary/Other Scholarships | Trust may reduce or stop maintenance allowance |
| Bench Fees & Academic Resources | Not covered by scholarship |
Note: No funding is provided for a spouse under the family allowance.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fantastic option for Indian students who wish to study at Cambridge. Not only does this scholarship cover tuition fee- it also provides monthly assistance monetarily, which alleviates financial stress of students. If you wish to discover more such lucrative scholarship options to study in the UK, follow Admissify!
FAQs
Is it possible to get a full scholarship to study at Cambridge?Â
The financial situation of a candidate does not impact the selection for full scholarships at University of Cambridge. The aim is to distribute these highly sought-after full scholarships at Cambridge University primarily to students from outside UK or Ireland. Students who are highly ranked (in any subject) by their prospective departments within universities and awarded based on their academic abilities, research potential, exam results and references.
Can Cambridge students apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Yes, current Cambridge students are eligible to apply based on the below-given conditions:
If you are currently studying at the University of Cambridge, you can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for a new, qualified course. For example, if you are already doing a master’s degree at Cambridge University now then your scholarship application could be to study PhD or actually another master degree.
Scholars who are currently part of the Gates Cambridge community can apply when they are changing to a new course.
Is IELTS mandatory to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Yes, Indian students must submit proof of their proficiency in English in order to bag the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Can Indian students apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship?Â
Yes, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to all Indian students.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
