Value
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
Core components
- the University Composition Fee and College fees at the appropriate rate*
- a maintenance allowance for a single student (£13, 000 for 12 months at the 2011-12 rate; pro rata for courses shorter then 12 months)
- one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
Discretionary components
The Trust considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:
- Family allowance - up to £7,775 for first child and up to £1,200 for second child; no funding for partner
- Conference attendance - up to £500 p.a (must be presenting)
- Fieldwork - Scholars may apply to keep up to their normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of their PhD
- Some fourth year funding for PhD Scholars - termly maintenance allowance reduces per term for up to a year**
- Hardship funding - where there are unforeseen difficulties
*The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students; applicants should see the Graduate Studies Prospectus for full details about precise amounts. Where a student from the European Union has been successful in gaining a fees award from public authorities, the Trust will not pay these fees.
** The PhD at Cambridge is a three year degree and Gates Scholars should are take on a research project that they and their supervisor think can be completed within three years. However, if there are unforeseen circumstances which means a Gates Scholars requires further funding during all or part of their fourth year, the Trust will consider an application on a discretionary basis. But Scholars should not rely on receiving any fourth year funding at the beginning of their PhD.
Receiving a salary or substantial other scholarship: the Trust reserves the right to reduce or not pay the standard maintenance allowance to Gates Scholars who are in receipt of a salary from their employer or a substantial other scholarship while a Gates Scholar.
Where are they from?
Over 1,000 Scholars from almost 100 countries - click on our interactive map to see where they are from.
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]
Climate change heroes on film
Gates alumnus Maxime Riche makes webdocumentaries on climate change heroes.
A legacy of learning
Eduardo Machicado Murillo has just opened up his family's library to the public.