In the lovely town of Cambridge, the University of Cambridge is a timeless place for learning, sparking innovation, and lively discussions. What makes Cambridge truly special is the diverse mix of its colleges, each with its own culture and customs. This blend creates a one-of-a-kind academic experience.
This respected institution is known for fostering an environment where not only is intellectual curiosity and creativity supported, but they are enthusiastically embraced. It’s a place where students are more than just learners; they are adventurous explorers, fearlessly questioning the status quo, and wholeheartedly pursuing their interests. Within the historic college buildings, a close-knit community thrives, creating a deep sense of belonging and friendship among students. Meanwhile, the strong academic standards serve as a guiding force, encouraging students to explore well beyond their chosen fields.
For the academic year 2024-2025, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship warmly embraces aspiring scholars from across the globe, extending an invitation to both international and domestic students. These prestigious scholarships unlock the doors to an array of academic pursuits, spanning Masters, PhD, and Diploma programs across a wide spectrum of subjects. All of this unfolds within the revered precincts of the University of Cambridge.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Scholarship Name | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
| Academic Year | 2024-2025 |
| Programs Covered | Masters, PhD, M.Litt, Postgraduate Diploma |
| Eligibility | Open to international and domestic students (excluding UK residents) |
| Core Components | – University Composition Fee (varies by program) – Maintenance allowance of £20,000 per year – Single economy airfare – Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Discretionary Components | – Academic development funding (£500 to £2,000) – Dependent Children Allowance (up to £16,548) – Fieldwork maintenance allowance – Maternity/paternity leave |
| Application Materials | – Statement of purpose – Research proposal (for PhD applicants) – Academic transcripts – Letters of recommendation – CV/Resume – Test scores (if required) |
| Application Deadline | 5 January, 2025 |
| How to Apply | Submit an online application via the official scholarship website |
| Special Opportunities | – Funding available for part-time PhD (starting October 2024) – Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can apply for a second scholarship for a different degree |
| Community | Access to a vibrant community of scholars and participation in events organized by the Gates Cambridge Trust |
Fact About University of Cambridge
1. Ancient Roots, Modern Impact:
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is over 800 years old, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Despite its ancient roots, it remains at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation.
2. A Hotbed of Nobel Laureates:
Cambridge has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution, with over 120 laureates to its name. The university’s impact on science, literature, economics, and peace is monumental.
3. The Cradle of Evolutionary Theory:
Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary theory, was a Cambridge student. His groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, was profoundly influenced by his time at the university.
4. A Melting Pot of Ideas:
Cambridge’s collegiate system is unique. With 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own traditions and cultures, students experience a vibrant and diverse academic community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.
5. Home to the First-Ever Computer Program:
The world’s first computer program was written by Cambridge alumna Ada Lovelace, who worked alongside Charles Babbage. This revolutionary work laid the groundwork for the modern computing era.
6. Birthplace of the Big Bang Theory:
Cambridge cosmologist Sir Fred Hoyle coined the term “Big Bang”—a theory that fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. Cambridge continues to be a leader in cosmological research today.
7. A Library Like No Other:
The University Library at Cambridge houses over 8 million books, including a collection of priceless manuscripts, early printed books, and some of Isaac Newton’s original works.
8. A Prime Minister Factory:
Cambridge has educated more British Prime Ministers than any other university, with 15 alumni having held the office. Among them are iconic figures like Sir Robert Walpole, the first-ever British Prime Minister.
9. Shakespeare’s Playground:
The Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious student drama societies in the world. Many famous actors, including Sir Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson, honed their craft here.
10. The Land of Discoveries:
The discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure was made at Cambridge by James Watson and Francis Crick, revolutionizing the field of genetics and molecular biology.
11. Cambridge’s Legendary Punting:
Punting on the River Cam is a cherished tradition. The leisurely activity offers stunning views of the university’s iconic architecture, such as the King’s College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs.
12. A Hub of Global Influence:
Cambridge alumni include some of the most influential figures in history, from Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking to Virginia Woolf and A.A. Milne. The impact of Cambridge graduates is felt across every field imaginable.
13. The Bletchley Park Connection:
Many of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park during World War II, including Alan Turing, were Cambridge mathematicians. Their work in deciphering the Enigma code significantly shortened the war and laid the foundations for modern computing.
14. Cambridge’s Secret Language:
Cambridge students have a unique slang all their own. For example, “DoS” refers to a Director of Studies, and “bedders” are the housekeepers who look after students in their college accommodation.
15. The Ghosts of Cambridge:
Cambridge is rumored to be one of the most haunted universities in the world, with tales of ghostly apparitions in ancient college buildings like the library of Emmanuel College and the cloisters of Sidney Sussex College.
Rewards For University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship Fully Funded
Core Components :
- The University Composition Fee, a cornerstone of this academic edifice, is carefully tailored to your unique needs. Its value varies based on your student category, with precise figures available in the Graduate Studies prospectus.
- A generous maintenance allowance, akin to a nurturing friend, bestows upon you £20,000 for a full year (at the 2023-24 rate). This allowance, adjusted for courses shorter than 12 months, ensures you’re never burdened financially throughout your academic odyssey. If you’re on a Ph.D. journey, this benevolent support extends for up to four years, fostering your scholarly growth.
- Furthermore, a single economy airfare graciously conveys you to the beginning of your academic adventure and, just as gracefully, returns you home when it concludes, connecting you with your academic destination.
- Acknowledging the importance of a seamless entry into the United Kingdom, the scholarship covers the costs of inbound visa processing and the Immigration Health Surcharge, ensuring your arrival is as worry-free as your academic aspirations.
Discretionary Components:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Trust, much like a guardian angel, thoughtfully entertains applications for various types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:
- Academic development funding, ranging from £500 to £2,000, adjusts to the duration of your course, facilitating your participation in conferences and courses, enriching your academic journey.
- For scholars with families, the Dependent Children Allowance extends financial support, offering up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (at the 2023-24 rate), though no funding is available for partners.
- If your academic path encompasses fieldwork as part of your Ph.D., you may apply to maintain your regular maintenance allowance during these endeavors, as the Trust understands that these experiences are integral to your academic growth.
- During times of change, such as maternity or paternity leave, you can find solace in the scholarship’s provisions, allowing for an intermission of up to six months while continuing to receive your maintenance allowance.
- Recognizing that unforeseen difficulties can sometimes obscure the academic path, the Trust extends a compassionate hand with hardship funding to help you navigate through these challenging moments.
Eligibility For University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship Fully Funded
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship casts a wide net, welcoming individuals from every corner of the globe, regardless of their citizenship, provided they are not residents of the United Kingdom. This scholarship is an invitation to explore a realm of knowledge at the University of Cambridge, provided you are inclined towards the following academic pursuits:
- Embarking on a full-time or part-time* Ph.D. journey, where innovation knows no bounds.
- Venturing into the realm of an M.Litt, a full-time odyssey towards mastering your subject.
- Enrolling in a full-time, one-year postgraduate course, with select exceptions that are worth exploring further.
- A noteworthy opportunity for the October 2024 intake: Gates Cambridge is pioneering a scheme that allows prospective scholars to seek funding for a part-time doctoral degree, heralding flexibility in academic pursuit.
If you’re already a member of the Cambridge academic family, fret not. Should you aspire to further enrich your academic voyage with a new postgraduate course, you are eligible to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. For instance, if you are presently engaged in the pursuit of an M.Phil, the scholarship offers you the opportunity to embark on a transformative Ph.D. journey. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can also dream anew, as they have the privilege to apply for a second scholarship when pursuing a different degree.
How To Apply For University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship Fully Funded
Prepare Application Materials:
- A statement of purpose (usually around 500 words) explaining why you are a good fit for the scholarship and how you intend to use the knowledge gained to make a positive impact.
- A research proposal (Ph.D. applicants).
- Academic transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation (usually two to three).
- CV/Resume.
- Standardized test scores (if required by your course).
- English language proficiency test scores if necessary.
Submit Online Application:
- The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is conducted online. Access the online application form on the official scholarship website. Be sure to read the guidelines and instructions carefully before starting your application.
Join the Gates Cambridge Community:
- Once you become a Gates Cambridge Scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to join a vibrant community of scholars and participate in events and activities organized by the Gates Cambridge Trust.
- Deadline is 5 January, 2025.