Overview / About the Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world's most prestigious and highly competitive international postgraduate awards. Established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it offers full funding to outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue graduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
This flagship program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Since its first class in 2001, the trust has supported more than 2,000 scholars from over 100 countries. Approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded annually, with about 55 specifically reserved for international (non-US) applicants, including those from Nigeria.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
The award covers the full cost of studying and living at Cambridge. Key benefits include:
University Composition Fee: Full coverage of tuition and college fees.
Maintenance Allowance: A stipend of £22,050 for 12 months (at the 2026/27 rate) to cover living expenses.
Travel Costs: One economy single airfare at the start and end of the course.
Visa & Health: Inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge are fully covered.
Discretionary Funding: Access to academic development funding (£500–£2,000), family allowances for children, and maternity/paternity support.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, Nigerian applicants must:
Nationality: Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.
Academic Application: Apply to pursue a full-time residential postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Core Qualities: Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, a strong case for their chosen course, a capacity for leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Level & Field of Study
Eligible Levels: PhD (full-time or part-time), MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses.
Ineligible Courses: Undergraduate degrees (BA), MBA, MFin, PGCE, and clinical medicine degrees are not eligible.
Host University / Provider Info
The University of Cambridge is the sole provider of this scholarship. While this specific award is exclusive to Cambridge, the UK remains a top destination for Nigerian students, with thousands enrolled across various institutions. Notable universities frequently chosen by Nigerians include the University of Portsmouth, Coventry University, University of Hertfordshire, and Cranfield University.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit materials through the Graduate Application Portal, including:
Gates Cambridge Statement: A personal essay (up to 3,000 characters/approx. 500 words) explaining how you meet the selection criteria.
Academic Transcripts: Complete records of previous post-secondary education.
References: Two academic references for admission and one specific Gates Cambridge reference from someone who can assess your suitability based on the scholarship's criteria.
Research Proposal: Mandatory for all PhD applicants.
How to Apply
Secure Admission: Apply for admission to an eligible postgraduate course and a College place at Cambridge via the University's Graduate Application Portal.
Complete Funding Section: Fill out the dedicated Gates Cambridge section within the standard admission application.
Adhere to Deadlines: For the 2027 entry, applications open in September 2026. The deadline depends on your specific course and is typically in December 2026 or early January 2027.
Shortlisting & Interview: Candidates are first ranked by academic departments; those selected by the Trust will attend a 20–25 minute interview (often virtually) in late March 2027.
