Gates Cambridge Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
Use this listing to plan your research, not as confirmation of eligibility. Requirements, funding and deadlines can change. Confirm your course and current application cycle with the official provider. An unknown requirement is not a waiver.
- IELTS
- 7.5
- Components
- L 7 / R 7 / W 7 / S 7
- Study level
- Postgraduate, PhD
- Deadline
- Early October (US citizens) or Early December (other eligible countries) for 2026 entry
Last verified: 2026-03
About Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Around 80 scholars are selected annually from over 6,000 applicants.
Listed IELTS requirement
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 110, Cambridge C2 Proficiency Grade A
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Gates Cambridge requires IELTS 7.5 overall with no band below 7.0 — one of the highest requirements among UK scholarships. Start preparing at least 6 months in advance if you are currently scoring below 7.0.
- 2Cambridge's English requirement applies to admission, not just the scholarship. Focus intensively on your weakest component, as even one band at 6.5 will disqualify you.
- 3For the 7.0 minimum in Writing, practice constructing well-organized academic essays with clear thesis statements and cohesive paragraphs. Aim for a score of 7.5+ to have a comfortable margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score is required for Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Is IELTS 7.0 enough for Gates Cambridge?
How long is the IELTS score valid for Gates Cambridge application?
Prepare for your English requirement
A practice Writing estimate can help identify what to work on. It does not establish scholarship eligibility.
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