The Scholarships
History
In October 2000 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $210 million to the University of Cambridge, establishing the Gates Cambridge Trust. The Trust awards Gates Cambridge Scholarships, prestigious international scholarships that enable outstanding graduates from outside the UK to study at Cambridge. The aim of the programme is to create a network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Facts & figures
- First entry of scholars in 2001
- Between 2001 and 2010 almost 1,000 Gates Scholars from more than 90 countries
- 80 to 100 new scholarships awarded each year
- About 270 scholars from 60 countries in Cambridge
- c. 44% of scholars are from the USA
- More than 600 alumni spread throughout the world
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are full-cost awards for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to citizens of any country outside the UK.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded on the following criteria:
- intellectual ability
- leadership capacity
- a good fit with Cambridge
- a commitment to improving the lives of others
While at Cambridge Gates Scholars pursue the full range of academic disciplines and are spread throughout all 31 Colleges.
All applicants for the scholarship apply for – and must gain – admission to the University of Cambridge.
Where are they from?
Almost 1,000 scholars and alumni from more than 90 countries - click on our interactive map.
Video profiles [More]
Mr Siza Mtimbiri (Zimbabwe)
PhD Education
Siza directs a charitable organization that aims to change children’s lives through education and health provision.
Rachel Pike (USA)
PhD Chemistry
I hope to find out what a (partially) biomass-dependent energy future will mean for our climate and air quality, as realized in a global chemistry-climate model.
Latest news [More]
Gates Scholars moving on
Gates Scholars are moving on to varied opportunities around the world.
Position available at the Trust
The Gates Cambridge Trust is looking to employ a full time Scholarships Officer