Gates Cambridge is extraordinarily competitive. Having a backup plan isn't pessimism — it's common sense. Many successful Cambridge students fund their degrees through other sources. Here are the alternatives worth exploring, whether you're planning to study at Cambridge or are open to other universities.
The Cambridge Trust is the university's main scholarship body and offers full or partial funding for international and UK students. You can tick the Cambridge Trust box on your application alongside Gates — they're not mutually exclusive.
Many students who don't receive Gates are offered Cambridge Trust funding instead. The Trust considers your entire application, including the information you provided for Gates.
Many Cambridge colleges have their own scholarship funds for postgraduate students. These range from full funding to partial awards covering fees or living costs. Each college has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Check the colleges guide and individual college websites for available awards.
For PhD students, UK Research Councils offer substantial funding:
Note: Most research council funding is primarily available to UK residents, but some international studentships exist. Check with your department.
Many Cambridge departments have their own scholarships, assistantships, or funded positions. These are often advertised on departmental websites alongside course listings. For PhD applicants, ask your potential supervisor about departmental funding opportunities.
United Kingdom • Master's only
UK government's flagship scholarship for future leaders. Funds one-year Master's at any UK university. Non-UK citizens only. Requires 2 years of work experience.
Read guide →Stanford University • Any grad degree
Full funding for any Stanford graduate degree. $750M endowment. Similar values to Gates: independence, leadership, civic mindset. No institutional endorsement required.
Read guide →160+ countries • Study, research, teaching
The world's largest exchange programme. Higher acceptance rates than Gates. Various grant types for different needs and career stages.
Read guide →United Kingdom • Master's & PhD
For citizens of Commonwealth countries. Development-focused. Can be used at any UK university including Cambridge. Nomination required from your home country.
Read guide →University of Oxford • Postgraduate
The oldest and most famous international scholarship, funding study at Oxford. If you're open to Oxford instead of Cambridge, Rhodes is the direct equivalent of Gates.
Any UK university • US citizens only
For US citizens with exceptional academic records. Funds up to 3 years at any UK university including Cambridge. Requires campus endorsement, which is the main barrier to applying.
The smartest applicants don't put all their eggs in one basket. Apply to Gates Cambridge and tick the Cambridge Trust box and check college-specific funding and look into research council opportunities. If you're open to other universities, add Knight-Hennessy, Rhodes, or Chevening to your list.
The reality is that most international students at Cambridge are not on Gates scholarships. Many fund their degrees through a combination of family support, savings, home-country scholarships, and part-time work. If Cambridge is truly where you need to be for your research or career, the scholarship is wonderful but not the only path.
This is worth repeating: you can be admitted to Cambridge and rejected from Gates. In fact, this is the most common outcome. If Cambridge admits you, your academic credentials are strong enough for the university — the Gates rejection simply means the scholarship pool was more competitive than usual.
The best funding strategy is a diversified one. Apply to everything you're eligible for.