If doing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge , in England, must be very interesting, imagine studying there as a scholarship holder for a program funded by none other than Bill Gates! The Gates Cambridge Scholarships , funded by the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, opened applications for postgraduate scholarships at Cambridge in September .
Every year, 55 full scholarships are offered to foreign students interested in taking postgraduate courses (1-year courses, such as the MBA ), master’s degree (2 years) or PhD (3 years) in various areas of study at the renowned institution .
What are the Gates Cambridge Scholarships like?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship describes itself as “one of the most generous international scholarship programs”. This is because it covers all university fees and all expenses related to the visa and health insurance necessary to stay in the country, in addition to providing a stipend of 20 thousand pounds for 12 months and air tickets.
In addition, the student can also request additional subsidies to participate in conferences and carry out research or even specific assistance for those who have children, for example.
How to apply for scholarships in Cambridge
The application period for Cambridge scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees from the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation for international students must be until December 5, 2023 for some courses and until January 4, 2024 for others. In February and March, online interviews will be held with pre-selected candidates. The University of Cambridge offers over 100 PhD courses and over 200 Masters courses.
How to apply to Cambridge University
The application form for postgraduate scholarships at Cambridge is the same as the one that must be completed to enroll in the chosen course. To enroll, each course requires different documentation, but in general, you will need:
- Form;
- academic record;
- Letter of interest;
- Two academic references;
- A professional recommendation;
- Proof of proficiency in English;
- In some cases, a research project may also be required.
Cambridge Scholarship Criteria
Among the points evaluated to enter the program are academic excellence , leadership potential and the candidate’s commitment to improving people’s lives, in addition to the correspondence between the student’s aspirations and qualifications and the course chosen.
With Cambridge postgraduate scholarships, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship aims to create a global network of future leaders committed to the common good.
According to the foundation, there are currently former program fellows spread across the world studying or working in various sectors, taking on important roles and applying their knowledge and skills to improve people’s lives.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Interview
Receiving a nomination from a British university academic department for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a remarkable achievement. After being nominated, candidates are invited for a short interview to assess how they meet the four Gates Cambridge Scholarship criteria. This step is crucial for the final selection of scholarship recipients.
If you are called for the interview, you will receive all the necessary information about the format and scheduling, according to the Scholarship Schedule page. The interview lasts 20-25 minutes and, depending on your location, can be carried out in person or virtually, with in-person attendance being encouraged when possible.
