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 master’s 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 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, 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. Check out our YouTube channel for videos about the application process and 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 online interactions via the Gates Connect platform, informal meet-ups and substantive alumni events across the world. The Trust and Scholars’ Alumni Advisory Committee 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: ClimaTRACES
ClimaTRACES is an initiative of two Gates Cambridge Scholars, Ramit Debnath [2018] and Kamiar Mohaddes [2005]. It is one of three inaugural labs officially launched in May 2024 by CRASSH [the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Cambridge] and runs interdisciplinary workshops and events on climate, nature and sustainability research.
The focus is on data-driven research and policy engagement, covering the following four themes: Communication & Communities, Macroeconomics & Sustainability, Green & Sustainable Finance, and Nature & Biodiversity.
