Nationally Competitive Scholarships

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program

Purpose of the Award: The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are intended to fund up to three years of study at the University of Cambridge, England. The Gates Foundation hopes to create a network of future international leaders who will be engaged in addressing global problems related to health, equity, technology, and learning.

Nature of the Award: A "substantial number of scholarships" will be available in the current competition for up to three years of study at Cambridge (and, in rare cases four years' study.) The scholarship covers tuition and fees, and living expenses, and contributes toward travel expenses.

Eligibility Requirements: Students from every country except the UK are eligible to apply. Students interested in graduate study or in study for a second Bachelor's Degree may apply. Students must hold a Bachelor's Degree by October of the following year, must gain admission to Cambridge and a constituent College, and must be under the age of 30 (some exceptions.)

Selection Criteria: Gates Cambridge Scholars are selected on the basis of several criteria: outstanding ability achievement as measured by excellent transcripts and strong GRE scores; scholarly potential; potential for global leadership; and ability to demonstrate the suitability of study at Cambridge for personal goals.

Application Procedures: UA applicants must secure the endorsement of the University of Arizona. To that end, applicants must adhere to both the UA deadline and the official Gates Cambridge deadline (see important dates). If applicants intend to pursue graduate study, they must submit a completed CIGAS form A (University application form for graduate study) in addition to the scholarship application form.

Nomination Procedures: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program accepts applications until October 3rd, 2005. Applications are reviewed and students selected for interview will do so in late January or early February.

Important Dates:

• October 3: UA deadline
• November 1: official deadline for Gates Cambridge Scholarship and for application to Cambridge University
• Late January/early February - short-listed candidates interview in the USA

Contact Information: Potential applicants should consult the Gates Cambridge website to obtain specific details related to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. UA students considering applying for the Gates Cambridge should contact Dr. Karna Walter, Assistant Director of International Studies and Scholarships, at 621-6546 or karna@u.arizona.edu. Dr. Walter is available to discuss application procedures and essay ideas.