Graduate Prospectus 2010-11

Gates Cambridge Trust

In October 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a donation of $210 million to the University of Cambridge to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust. The Trust administers the Gates Cambridge Scholarships – a prestigious international scholarship programme at the University of Cambridge

Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available to outstanding young men and women from outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a full-time graduate degree in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge. Scholarships are awarded on intellectual ability, leadership potential, social commitment and a good match between the candidate and the University of Cambridge.

The Trust offers a substantial number of Gates Cambridge Scholarships each year. Since the inaugural class of 2001, the Trust has awarded 913 Gates Cambridge Scholarships to students from 91 different countries (inclusive of the October 2009 intake).

Applicants for the following full-time degrees are eligible to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

• PhD
• One-year and two-year postgraduate degrees
• Second bachelor degree as an affiliated student (see the Undergraduate Prospectus)
• Clinical Studies MBBChir degree (see the Medical School webpage)

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, namely:

• the University Composition Fee and College fees at the appropriate rate
• a maintenance allowance for a single student (£12,500 for 12 months at the current 2009-10 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months)
• one return economy airfare over the duration of the course

Gates Scholars may also apply for a discretionary contribution towards the costs of supporting dependants at Cambridge and financial help with the costs of attending conferences, undertaking fieldwork and other activities.

All candidates shortlisted for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship attend a 20-25 minute interview. 

Full information is available from the Gates website.