Gates Cambridge Scholarship: How to Apply

Application — step by step

1. 1

   Choose your Cambridge course and check its application deadline

   Gates Cambridge candidates apply through the University's Graduate Application Portal. Each course and department has its own deadline (most are between September and early December for the following academic year), so confirm yours before starting.

2. 2

   Submit one combined application for admission and funding

   In the Graduate Application Portal you complete the admission section (course, college preference, academic background) and the funding section. Tick the Gates Cambridge option and answer its four selection questions (approx. 200-300 words each) on academic excellence, why this course, commitment to improving lives, and leadership.

3. 3

   Arrange the Gates Cambridge reference

   Besides the two academic references for admission, Gates Cambridge requires a separate reference assessing your fit against its four selection criteria. Ask someone of appropriate standing (often an academic advisor, employer, or senior volunteer contact) and brief them on the criteria.

4. 4

   PhD applicants: include a research proposal

   Most PhD applicants upload a research proposal as part of the admission documents. Where the course does not require one, Gates Cambridge requires one with the funding application. Non-PhD applicants do not need a research proposal.

5. 5

   Departmental nomination

   The academic department shortlists candidates from the combined application pool and nominates the strongest for Gates Cambridge consideration.

6. 6

   Gates Cambridge selection (shortlist, interviews, awards)

   Nominated candidates are considered against the four criteria; shortlisted candidates are interviewed (held in late January / early February for October entry), and final awards are made after the University's admission decisions.