A transformative opportunity
Being a Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge is a stimulating and engaging experience. Alongside your degree you will have numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth and the opportunity to develop an international and diverse network of friends and colleagues. Whether these opportunities present themselves through your department, your College or the Gates Cambridge community you can be sure of a truly vibrant Cambridge experience. The following gives you a glimpse of what life is like as a Gates Cambridge Scholar.
Your course
Your primary purpose as a Gates Scholar in Cambridge is to dedicate yourself to your course of study or research. Whether you are here for a masters or PhD, you will have access to exceptional academic opportunities and resources – and a responsibility to make the most of them. Your department will provide your main academic resources and will be one of the lively and engaged communities you will be part of during your time at Cambridge.
Scholar community
The Gates Cambridge community in Cambridge is vibrant, diverse and passionate. There are numerous community-building events throughout the year, including orientation for new Scholars, a welcome dinner, professional development events run by the Learning for Purpose programme, an annual lecture, the Weekend of Research, an annual Gala, Scholar symposia and a Graduation Dinner – in addition to many informal activities throughout the year. The Scholars’ Council hosts many of these events and facilitates Scholars in hosting their own events. Scholars have access to the well-resourced Scholars’ Room – a physical hub for many Gates Cambridge activities.
Your College
All graduate students become a member of one of Cambridge’s 31 Colleges, each with its own character and offerings. The College system is unique to Cambridge and Oxford and offers an enhanced experience where students and academics from across disciplines meet, discuss and form bonds. Watch our video about graduate applications and the College system and then go to www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges for more information.
Alumni network
As an alumnus/na of the programme you will be connected to the Gates Cambridge community in numerous ways – through on-line interactions, informal meet-ups and substantive alumni events across. The Trust and Alumni Association work together to offer a range of interesting ways to remain connected with the Gates Cambridge community beyond your time as a scholar at Cambridge.
Gates Cambridge impact: SimPrints
Learn about Gates Cambridge spin-out SimPrints, a digital non-profit founded by three Scholars during conversations in the Scholars’ Room.
