About This Opportunity

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. It fully funds outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree — Master's or PhD — at the University of Cambridge. Beyond academic excellence, the scholarship specifically seeks individuals committed to improving the lives of others, with strong leadership potential and a clear sense of purpose.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom (Ghana and other African nationals are eligible)
  • Apply for, and be admitted to, a full-time postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge
  • Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others
  • Meet Cambridge's standard academic entry requirements for your chosen course

What You Get / Benefits

  • Full tuition fees for your Cambridge postgraduate course
  • A generous maintenance allowance covering living costs
  • Discretionary funding for additional costs such as a Visa Application Fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and one return flight
  • Membership in the Gates Cambridge Scholar community and access to its leadership and development programming

How to Apply

  • Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge through the standard Cambridge graduate application process
  • Within the same application, opt in for consideration for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
  • Submit references, transcripts, and a strong personal statement that reflects both academic merit and commitment to positive impact
  • Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, typically held in early in the year following application
  • Scholarship outcomes are usually announced a few months after interviews

    • Tips

    • Gates Cambridge evaluates the whole candidate — academic excellence alone is not enough. Make sure your application clearly shows leadership and a genuine track record of contributing to others' wellbeing.
    • Because the scholarship application is integrated into your Cambridge course application, both must be completed together and to a high standard — do not treat the scholarship as a separate afterthought.
    • Start your Cambridge course application well before the scholarship deadline, since gathering strong references and transcripts takes time.

    ⏰ Deadline: Early October to early December depending on your course and applicant category (Annual) — check gatescambridge.org for your specific deadline, as Cambridge course deadlines vary.