Private Scholarship · Postgraduate

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) · All India

Annual Award£21,600 (approx. ₹40.0 Lakh+)
Deadline3 Dec
Scheme NameGates Cambridge Scholarship
Provided ByGates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
Eligibility SummaryClass 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income)

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About the Program

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK who are accepted to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship is highly prestigious with approximately 80 international scholars selected per year. For Indian students, it requires exceptional academic achievement, a clearly articulated intellectual agenda, and demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others.

Benefits & Financial Support

£21,600 (approx. ₹40.0 Lakh+)

Fully funded: tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance (~£21,600/year), return airfare, visa costs, and additional funding for fieldwork, academic development, and family costs.

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Education LevelPostgraduate
Course / StreamRelevant courses
Income LimitNo income bar
Category / CasteOpen to all
Domicile StateAll India

Mandatory Documents Checklist

    Selection Process

    Not specified

    Renewal Policy

    Not specified

    How to Apply Online

    Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

    Not specified

    Common Questions (FAQs)

    What makes Gates Cambridge different from other scholarships?

    Gates Cambridge uniquely requires applicants to articulate an 'intellectual agenda' — a specific, compelling idea they want to pursue at Cambridge. It selects for leadership, commitment to others, and intellectual depth, not just grades.

    When does Gates Cambridge open for Indian students in 2026?

    Applications open in September 2026 through the Cambridge University graduate admissions portal. The deadline for most non-US applicants is December 3, 2026 for 2027 entry.

    How many Indian students get Gates Cambridge each year?

    Approximately 5–10 Indian students are selected each year from a global pool of ~80 scholarships. The overall acceptance rate is well below 1% of applicants.

    Can Indian students apply for Gates Cambridge for a PhD?

    Yes — Gates Cambridge supports MPhil, PhD, and one-year postgraduate courses at Cambridge. It is not restricted to Master's degrees. Part-time PhDs are also now eligible.

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    Legal Disclaimer

    IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) website before final submission.