Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025: Stipend & Requirements (Complete Guide)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded awards for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It covers the full cost of study and provides a generous maintenance stipend (living allowance), plus additional funding for research, family, and travel. This guide summarizes the stipend amounts (typical rates), eligibility requirements, selection criteria, deadlines, and an application checklist—so you can prepare a competitive application for the 2025 intake.
What the Scholarship Covers (At a Glance)
- University Composition Fee (tuition) at the appropriate rate for your course.
- Maintenance stipend (living allowance) for the award period.
- One economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Inbound visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the scholar (as set annually).
- Additional discretionary funding where applicable: academic development funds, fieldwork, family allowances, maternity/paternity, and hardship funding.
Note: Gates Cambridge is for study at the University of Cambridge only.
Stipend & Funding Details (Typical 2024–2025 Levels)
Exact amounts are set each year by the Trust and the University. The figures below reflect recent typical levels to help you plan. Always verify the current cycle on the official website.
- Maintenance stipend (single student): Historically in the ~£20,000–£21,500 per 12 months range (Cambridge is outside London). Paid pro‑rata for shorter courses.
- Course length: One‑year master’s receive 12 months of stipend; PhD awards may fund up to 4 years (subject to satisfactory progress).
- Airfare: One inbound and one outbound economy single ticket (approved routes).
- Visa & IHS: Typically reimbursed/covered for the scholar for the duration of the award (confirm current policy).
- Academic development funding: Often available for conferences, courses, and research materials (commonly a few hundred to a couple thousand pounds, depending on course length and need).
- Fieldwork: For PhD fieldwork that’s part of your degree (stipend may continue during approved fieldwork periods).
- Family allowances (PhD): In recent cycles, modest allowances have been available for dependants (first child and additional children). These do not cover partner costs and availability/amounts change—check official guidance.
- Maternity/paternity: Paid leave options exist in line with University policy (verify details for the current year).
Not typically covered: Bench fees charged by some departments, partner/dependant visa/IHS in most cases, and non‑required personal travel or equipment.
Eligibility & Who Can Apply
- Citizenship: Open to applicants from any country outside the UK.
- Courses: Full‑time postgraduate degrees at Cambridge, such as:
- PhD (up to 4 years)
- One‑year Master’s (e.g., MPhil, MASt, LLM) — must be an eligible course
- Other postgraduate programs as listed by the Trust and University
- Academic excellence: A first‑class/strong upper‑second undergraduate degree (or equivalent). For PhD, a strong master’s or equivalent research preparation is expected.
- Admission: You must meet the academic and English requirements of the University of Cambridge for your course.
- Fit & impact: Clear alignment between your course, research interests, leadership record, and your plan to improve the lives of others.
Selection Criteria (What Panels Look For)
- Outstanding intellectual ability (transcripts, references, prizes, publications).
- Reasons for choice of course at Cambridge (academic fit, supervisor/lab alignment, college suitability).
- A commitment to improving the lives of others (impact track record and credible plans).
- Leadership potential (influence, initiatives, roles, evidence of leading change).
Tip: Selection is holistic—your academic case should be excellent, and your leadership/impact narrative must be specific and compelling.
Timeline & Deadlines (2025 Intake)
Gates Cambridge runs two main rounds (exact dates vary each year—confirm on the official page):
- US round: For US citizens residing in the US — typically opens September with an application deadline around early October.
- International round: For all other eligible applicants — typically closes between December and early January (aligned with University course deadlines).
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are usually interviewed in March. Outcomes follow shortly after.
How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)
- Shortlist your course(s) at Cambridge and confirm eligibility.
- Apply via the University’s Applicant Portal and complete the Gates Cambridge section within the same application. You will submit both your course application and your scholarship application together.
- Upload required documents (transcripts, CV, research proposal if required by your course).
- Secure references:
- Typically two academic references for admission
- One Gates Cambridge reference focusing on leadership and fit for the scholarship
- Track portal messages and emails for any follow‑up or interview invitations.
Documents Checklist
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with grading scale).
- CV (2–3 pages): academics, awards, leadership, impact, publications.
- Personal statement for Gates Cambridge (why Cambridge, leadership, impact plan).
- Research proposal (if your course requires one; essential for many PhD routes).
- References: two academic + one Gates Cambridge reference (as instructed).
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge) if required by your course; some programs accept alternatives or waivers—verify on your department’s page.
- Passport or national ID.
Essay Tips: Personal Statement & Research Fit
- Lead with evidence: Use 2–3 concrete examples—research outcomes, policy changes, ventures, non‑profit leadership, community impact.
- Connect the dots: Show exactly how Cambridge (course modules, lab methods, supervisor’s work) is necessary for your next step.
- Impact plan: Define target population, partners, and measurable outcomes within 3–5 years after graduation.
- Voice & values: Explain what you stand for as a leader and how you mobilize others.
Visa, IHS, Banking & Housing (Arrival Tips)
- Student visa & IHS: If funded, your visa fee and IHS (NHS access) are typically covered for the scholar. Follow your CAS and College instructions precisely.
- Banking: Book an appointment with a UK bank early; bring proof of address (college letter/tenancy) and passport + BRP (or share code). Compare international transfer fees and student account perks.
- Housing: College accommodation is popular—apply early. Private rentals require deposits and sometimes UK guarantors; check your college support.
- Insurance: Consider contents insurance for belongings; travel insurance for trips outside the UK.
FAQs
Is Gates Cambridge fully funded?
Yes. It covers the University Composition Fee, a maintenance stipend, one inbound and one outbound flight, and typically visa and IHS for the scholar—plus several forms of additional support, subject to annual policy.
What’s the stipend for 2025?
Final 2025 rates are set annually. Recent maintenance rates for a single student have been around £20,000–£21,500 per 12 months at Cambridge. Always check the official page for the current year.
Do I need a separate application for Gates Cambridge?
No. You apply for admission and complete the Gates Cambridge section within the University’s application. A Gates reference is also required.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. PhD is the most common route (up to 4 years of support). One‑year master’s are also eligible if listed by the Trust.
Is English test (IELTS/TOEFL) mandatory?
Gates Cambridge does not set a test; the University/department does. Many accept IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge; some offer waivers or accept alternatives. Check your course page.
Are dependants funded?
Limited family allowances have been available for dependent children (primarily for PhD), but partner costs are not covered. Amounts and rules change—verify in the current call.
Official Links
- Gates Cambridge — Official Site
- University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions
- Your intended department and college pages for course‑specific requirements
Bottom line: the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2025 offers full funding plus a competitive stipend and wide‑ranging support. Focus your application on academic excellence, a precise Cambridge fit, and a credible, measurable impact plan. Start early, line up referees, and submit a coherent, evidence‑driven case.