Gates Cambridge Alternatives: Other Funding Options
Gates Cambridge is extraordinarily competitive, so a backup plan isn't pessimism — it's common sense. Many successful Cambridge students fund their degrees another way. Here are the alternatives worth exploring, at Cambridge and beyond.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
3 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Cambridge-Specific Funding
Cambridge Trust scholarships
The Cambridge Trust is the university’s main scholarship body and offers full or partial funding for international and UK students. You can apply for Cambridge Trust funding in the same application as Gates — they’re not mutually exclusive.
Many students who don’t receive Gates are offered Cambridge Trust funding instead. The Trust considers your whole application, including the information you provided for Gates.
College-specific scholarships
Many Cambridge colleges have their own scholarship funds for postgraduates, from full funding to partial awards covering fees or living costs. Each college sets its own eligibility criteria and application process. Check the colleges guide and individual college websites for available awards.
Research council funding (UK)
For PhD students, UK Research Councils offer substantial funding:
- AHRC — Arts & Humanities Research Council
- EPSRC — Engineering & Physical Sciences
- MRC — Medical Research Council
- ESRC — Economic & Social Research
- BBSRC — Biotechnology & Biological Sciences
- NERC — Natural Environment
Most research council funding is aimed mainly at UK residents, but some international studentships exist. Check with your department.
Departmental funding
Many Cambridge departments have their own scholarships, assistantships or funded positions, often advertised on departmental websites alongside course listings. PhD applicants should ask their potential supervisor about departmental funding.
Other Major Scholarships
United Kingdom · Master’s only. The UK government’s flagship scholarship for future leaders. Funds a one-year master’s at any UK university. Non-UK citizens only. Requires about two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
Stanford University · Any graduate degree. Full funding for any Stanford graduate degree, backed by a $750M endowment. Values similar to Gates: independence, leadership, civic mindset. No institutional endorsement required.
160+ countries · Study, research, teaching. The world’s largest exchange programme, with higher success rates than Gates and various grant types for different needs and career stages.
United Kingdom · Master’s & PhD. For citizens of Commonwealth countries. Development-focused, and usable at UK universities including Cambridge. Nomination required from your home country.
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 Smart Funding Strategy
Apply broadly, not exclusively
The smartest applicants don’t put all their eggs in one basket. Apply for Gates Cambridge and the Cambridge Trust 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.
Many Cambridge students self-fund
Most international students at Cambridge are not on Gates scholarships. Many fund their degrees through a mix 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.
It’s worth repeating: you can be admitted to Cambridge and rejected by Gates. In fact, that’s 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 extraordinarily competitive.
Explore All Your Options
Compare →The best funding strategy is a diversified one: apply to everything you’re eligible for. Apply to Gates Cambridge and compare the major scholarships.