The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, highly competitive full-cost scholarship awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship supports one to three years of postgraduate study in any field.
The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, potential for scholarly development, and a commitment to use the benefits of their education for the common good.
Who Should Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- be applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge: PhD (three year research-only degree); MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree), one year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, Diploma, etc.). See courses that do not qualify here.
- hold academic qualifications that will enable you to gain admission to the highly selective graduate programs of Cambridge University.
The ideal candidate will be academically outstanding, possess demonstrated leadership potential, show a commitment to improving the lives of others, and be a good academic fit with Cambridge and the selected program.
How to Apply
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program does not require university endorsement, but Drexel applicants are encouraged to seek support on their application from UREP.
Step 1: Submit an Intent to Apply Form
Deadline: May 15
Students and Drexel alumni who are interested in applying should submit an Intent to Apply form to set up a meeting with a fellowships advisor to discuss the program and any steps you can take now to become a more competitive candidate.
Qualified students who submit an Intent to Apply form by May 15 each year will work closely with a fellowships advisor and experienced Drexel faculty/staff, who will help the candidate clarify goals and values, assist with application details, and advise on the application.
Candidates who submit an Intent to Apply form after May 15 are not guaranteed the same level of advising, but are still welcome to apply.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Candidates apply for Gates Cambridge as part of the application process for postgraduate study at Cambridge. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your application, please submit a complete PDF of your application and a current resume at least three weeks prior to the official deadline.
The application includes:
Step 3: Application Deadlines
Deadline for U.S. Citizens: mid-October
Deadline for all other candidates: December or January (varies by course)
Candidates must submit their applications by the relevant deadline as listed on the Gates Cambridge website. Finalists will be invited to interview with a panel of four people, usually consisting of a representative of the Trust, two academics and a former Gates Cambridge scholar. UREP will coordinate mock interviews for any students called for a finalist interview. Scholars are announced shortly after the interviews.
More Information
More information, including application resources, can be found on the Drexel Fellowships Resource Site.
For official information on the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, (which supersedes any information provided here) and access to the online application, please visit the Gates Cambridge website.
Other useful websites: Cambridge Graduate Admissions, Cambridge Course Listings
Related Awards:
Marshall Scholarship; Mitchell Scholarship
; Rhodes Scholarship; NIH OxCam
Last updated: April 2024
Program Type:
- Funded Graduate Program
- Study
- Travel
Location:
- University of Cambridge, UK
Citizenship:
- US Citizen/National
- US Permanent Resident
- Citizen of another country