Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funding for PhD at Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the best PhD Scholarships you should apply for today as a PhD student in Nigeria.

To be honest; with the way the Naira is dancing against the Dollar and the Pound right now, the dream of studying abroad, especially in a place like the UK, feels like mission impossible for many Nigerian students.

The “Japa” dream is alive, but the funds? That’s usually the wahala.

But what if I told you that you could land a PhD at Cambridge University, yes, the same prestigious institution usually reserved for royalty and the elite, without paying a single kobo? In fact, what if they paid you to study there?

That’s why we are discussing the Gates Cambridge scholarship with you here.

This isn’t just any scholarship; it is the holy grail of UK PhD funding. Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this opportunity is designed for brilliant minds from outside the UK (that’s us!) who want to change the world.

If you are a Nigerian graduate with a strong 2:1 or First Class and a passion for social leadership, grab a cup of coffee (or garri), and let’s break down exactly how you can land this life-changing opportunity.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Scholarship

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. It was created in 2000 by a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.

Unlike some scholarships that just look at your CGPA, the Bill Gates scholarship is looking for future leaders.

They want people who are going to finish their PhDs and actually do something impactful, whether that’s fixing Nigeria’s power sector, revolutionizing our healthcare system, or fighting for human rights.

It offers full-cost support to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at Cambridge University.

Note: This is strictly for postgraduate (Masters and PhD) studies. It is not for undergraduate degrees.

READ ALSO: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: $50,000/Year for PhDs

What the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover

Let’s get to the part every Nigerian student cares about. The funding.

We all know the struggle of sourcing FX for school fees. With this scholarship, you don’t need to worry about “Form A” or the black market rate.

The Gates Cambridge scholarship provides:

1. University Composition Fee: Full tuition paid directly to the university.
2. Maintenance Allowance: A generous living stipend (around £21,000 per year at the time of writing). This is enough to live comfortably, pay rent, and even save, regardless of the inflation in the UK.
3. Airfare: One economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
4. Inbound Visa Costs: They pay for your visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Discretionary Funding (Extra Goodies):

• Family Allowance: If you have children, they provide extra funding (up to £11,604 for one child).
• Fieldwork: Funding to travel for your research.
• Conferences: Cash to attend academic conferences.

Basically, with this scholarship, they treat you like royalty so you can focus purely on your books and research.

SEE: More UK Scholarships Available for Nigerians

Scholarship Eligibility: Can a Nigerian Apply?

Absolutely. In fact, Nigerians have a history of performing well in this program. However, the bar is high.

To be eligible, you must be:

• A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
  • PhD (three-year research-only degree)
  • MSc or MLitt (two-year research-only degree)
  • One-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MASt)

You CANNOT apply if:

• You are already studying at Cambridge (unless you are applying for a new course, e.g., moving from Master’s to PhD).
• You are applying for a BA or an undergraduate degree.

The 4 Pillars: What Are They Looking For?

This is where most people fail. They write a generic personal statement about how smart they are. The Gates Cambridge scholarship selectors use four specific criteria. If you miss one, you’re out.

1. Academic Excellence

You need to be top-tier. We are talking about a strong First Class or a very high Second Class Upper (2:1).

If you faced challenges (like ASUU strikes impacting your timeline), you need to explain this clearly but professionally in your application context.

2. Reasons for Choice of Course

Why Cambridge? Why this specific Department? You need to show that you have done your homework.

Mention specific professors, labs, or research groups at Cambridge University that align with your goals.

3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others

This is the “Bill Gates” factor. How have you helped your community in Nigeria?

• Did you organize tutorials for junior students?
• Did you volunteer at an IDP camp?
• Did you build a tech solution for local businesses? You must show evidence of social leadership. It’s not enough to say you want to help; you must show you have helped.

4. Capacity for Leadership

They want to see that you can take charge. This doesn’t just mean holding a title like “SUG President.” It means seeing a problem and fixing it.

READ ALSO: TETFund Scholarship for Nigerian Lecturers: Steps to Apply

How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Applying for an international PhD funding opportunity can be overwhelming. Here is a simplified roadmap for Nigerian applicants.

Step 1: Find a Supervisor

Before you even touch the form, go to the Cambridge website. Find a supervisor whose research aligns with yours.

Send them a polite, professional cold email (with your CV and research proposal attached) asking if they are accepting students.

Having a supervisor back you up increases your chances significantly.

Step 2: The Admission Portal

You apply for the scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to the university. There is a specific section in the admission portal asking if you want to be considered for funding.

Tick the Gates Cambridge box.

Step 3: The Personal Statement

You will need to write a specific 500-word statement explaining how you meet the four criteria mentioned above.

• Tip: Don’t be humble. This is the time to sell yourself (“make mouth”). But back it up with facts.

Step 4: References

You need two academic references (lecturers from your Nigerian university) and one personal reference.

The personal reference should speak to your leadership and character, this could be a boss, a mentor, or an NGO director.

Step 5: The Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for a virtual interview. This is the final hurdle. Prepare to defend your research and your passion for social change.

READ ALSO: Top 7 Universities in UK Accepting HND for Masters

Scholarship Tips for Nigerian Applicants

1. Start Early: The deadline usually falls in December or early January. Given how long it takes to get transcripts from some Nigerian universities, start processing your documents now.
2. English Proficiency: Cambridge has strict English rules. Even though Nigeria is an English-speaking country, they sometimes require IELTS or TOEFL depending on the department. Check the specific requirements for your course.
3. Explain the Context: If your transcript looks weird because of strikes or pandemics, use the “Additional Information” box to explain the Nigerian education reality.
4. Google is Your Friend: Read the profiles of past Gates Scholars. See what kind of language they use and what kind of projects they worked on.

Important Disclaimer: Campus Hustle NG provides this information for educational purposes. We are not agents of the University of Cambridge.

Always verify details on the official Gates Cambridge website to ensure you have the latest deadlines and requirements.

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FAQs About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship open to Nigerians?

Yes, absolutely. The scholarship is open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom. Nigerians are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Do I need a First Class to get the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

While a First Class degree highly increases your chances due to the competitive nature of the award, applicants with a strong Second Class Upper (2:1) and exceptional leadership/social impact records are also considered.

Does the scholarship cover visa fees?

Yes. The Gates Cambridge scholarship covers the cost of your inbound visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is a significant saving for international students.

READ ALSO: Federal Scholarship Board (FSB): Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)

In Summary

Winning the Gates Cambridge scholarship is life-changing. It places you in a network of world-changers and removes every financial barrier to your education.

I know it sounds intimidating. You might look at your background and think, “Can I really compete with people from Harvard or Oxford?” The answer is YES.

Your unique perspective as a Nigerian, your resilience, your hustle, and your understanding of real-world challenges, is exactly what they are looking for.

Don’t reject yourself before they do. Put your application together, write that essay, and shoot your shot. See Our YouTube Channel for Videos.

Have you ever applied for a UK scholarship? What was the hardest part of the process for you? Let me know in the comments below!