Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Critères d'éligibilité

Gates Cambridge is an international scholarship programme at the University of Cambridge for outstanding postgraduate students who share a potential for social leadership and a desire to improve the lives of others.

Présentation du programme

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. It supports outstanding international students (non-UK) to pursue a full-time master's or PhD at the University of Cambridge. About 80 scholarships are awarded each year worldwide, with consistent representation from African applicants. ## Why this scholarship matters for African applicants Gates Cambridge looks for a track record of leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others — not just academic excellence. That focus on 'social commitment' makes it one of the most accessible global awards for African applicants whose work is already grounded in tangible community or sector impact. ## What the award covers Full University Composition Fee and college fees, annual stipend of approximately £20,000+ for living costs, return airfare, inbound visa costs and the immigration health surcharge. Additional discretionary funding for academic development, conference attendance, family allowance for partners and children, and fieldwork. ## How the selection process works There are two rounds — Round 1 (US applicants, October deadline) and Round 2 (everyone else including African applicants, December–January). You apply through the standard Cambridge graduate application and tick the Gates Cambridge box. Departments rank candidates, the Gates Cambridge Trust shortlists, and shortlisted candidates are interviewed in March–April. ## Application tips that move the needle Write the 'Gates Cambridge statement' as a separate, focused 500-word essay (not a copy-paste of your personal statement). Lead with the leadership-and-impact narrative, then connect it directly to the specific Cambridge course and faculty you want to work with. Strong, recent academic references are non-negotiable. ## Deadlines and intake windows Round 2 (the African applicant route) closes in early December for some courses and early January for the rest. Check the course-specific deadline in the Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal — they are firm and not extended. ## Useful internal reading - Browse open scholarships: https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/scholarships - How to write a winning scholarship essay: https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/blog/how-to-write-winning-scholarship-essay - Scholarship interview questions for African students: https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/blog/scholarship-interview-questions-african-students Always confirm the live intake on the sponsor's official site before you build a timeline around it.

Le descriptif détaillé du bailleur reste en anglais, car c'est la langue du dossier de candidature.

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