How a Nigerian Researcher Won the Fully Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship to Pursue Her PhD in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge

My name is Olivia Kamsi Muoka, and I’m from Southeastern Nigeria. I hold a First-Class degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Calabar, where I graduated at the top of my class. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge, supported by the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

My decision to further my education in this field stems from a deep awareness of the state of cancer care in my home country, Nigeria, as well as personal loss. I’ve watched loved ones suffer and die from cancer. These experiences pushed me to ask deeper questions about why effective treatments remain inaccessible to many, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. That journey led me to cancer immunology, and today, my research focuses on understanding how immune cells can be harnessed for cancer treatment and other infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship in 2024 to pursue an MPhil in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge. I have since upgraded to a PhD in the same field, with continued support from the scholarship. The award is fully funded and covers tuition, living expenses, academic development funding, visa fees, travel costs, etc.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also offered the following scholarships:

• Mastercard Foundation Cambridge Scholarship, University of Cambridge – Fully funded (declined)
• Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship, University of Oxford – Fully funded (declined)
• Finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, 2024

Educational Background

I earned a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Hons) from the University of Calabar, graduating with a CGPA of 4.73/5.00 as the best student in both my department and the entire university. My academic training provided a strong foundation in subjects such as immunology, microbiology, chemical pathology, and biochemistry.

As part of my undergraduate studies, I completed a research thesis evaluating lung cancer biomarkers in woodworkers exposed to wood dust in Calabar, Nigeria. The study revealed an increased risk of severe lung conditions, including cancer, and led to advocacy for preventive measures such as the use of protective equipment and improved workplace ventilation. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of research to drive real-world impact and marked my early entry into cancer-related research, laying the groundwork for my current focus in cancer immunology.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Cambridge?

I found information through a combination of structured research and engaging with real experiences. I started by exploring university websites to understand the academic offerings, eligibility criteria, and available scholarships. From there, I followed several past and current scholars on LinkedIn, which helped me gain insight into their application journeys and the opportunities they pursued.

In addition, I joined scholarship-related forums and attended webinars hosted by institutions and scholarship foundations. These sessions were particularly useful in clarifying application expectations and timelines. I also made use of YouTube, where I watched videos from successful applicants sharing their tips and lessons learned.

Bringing all of these resources together helped me develop a clearer understanding of both the application landscape and how to align my own profile with the right opportunities.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE. In 2023, I was awarded the i-Scholar Initiative scholarship, which covered the costs of the GRE and TOEFL and also provided mentorship throughout my graduate school application process.

For preparation, I primarily studied on my own using a mix of textbooks, online resources, and YouTube tutorials. The guidance I received through the i-Scholar Initiative helped me stay focused and approach the process strategically.

Interestingly, I later found that most of the institutions I applied to did not require these tests. In hindsight, I may not have needed to take them, but I’m still glad I did – it gave me more flexibility and confidence during the application season. I believe it's often better to be prepared, even if not every tool ends up being used.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The most important step I took was starting early. I treated each scholarship application as an opportunity to tell a clear, compelling story – one that connected my personal experiences, academic background, and research interests in a coherent way.

I ensured I met all eligibility requirements and carefully gathered the necessary documents ahead of time. I used an Excel sheet to track deadlines, requirements, and submission statuses across multiple applications, which helped me stay organised.

For my essays, I sought guidance from mentors, many of whom were past scholars. Their feedback was invaluable. I went through several rounds of revisions to make sure each essay reflected not only my journey but also the values and mission of the scholarship I was applying for. I also made use of online resources, particularly YouTube videos, to understand what makes an application stand out.

Mentorship played a central role in my preparation. Having people who had walked the path before me made the process far less overwhelming and helped me approach each application with clarity and confidence.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at the University of Cambridge?

My experience at the University of Cambridge has been both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding. Studying and conducting research at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute has provided me with access to world-class mentorship, cutting-edge facilities, and an interdisciplinary academic environment that has helped shape my development as a researcher.

Like any meaningful journey, it has come with both good and difficult days. However, the support I’ve received from my lab group has been incredible. Everyone has been welcoming and generous with their time, which has helped me navigate the highs and lows of research more confidently. I’ve also been fortunate to find a genuine community of friends here, which has made Cambridge feel like home away from home.

One particularly memorable moment was receiving a bicycle from my supervisor upon my arrival. In Cambridge, bicycles are practically a lifeline, and this gift was incredibly thoughtful. It remains one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever received and reflects the kind of mentor she is – supportive, attentive, and genuinely invested in her students’ well-being and growth.

Overall, my time at Cambridge has been filled with learning, growth, and connection. I feel grateful not only for the academic opportunities but also for the people who have made the experience so meaningful.

How Do You Rate the University of Cambridge Academically and Why?

I would confidently rate Cambridge a 10 out of 10 – if not more. The academic environment is incredibly stimulating, and each day I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to study in a place where curiosity, innovation, and excellence are not just expected but deeply embedded in the culture.

What sets Cambridge apart is its emphasis on original research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These aren’t just ideals; they are actively fostered in lab meetings, seminars, and academic discussions. The quality of supervision I’ve received has been outstanding. My supervisors challenge me intellectually while offering the mentorship and encouragement needed to grow both as a scientist and as a person.

Combined with access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant research community, Cambridge provides an environment that is truly transformative for scientific inquiry. Even now, it sometimes feels surreal to be here, but that only deepens my appreciation for what this institution makes possible.

How Does the University of Cambridge Support International Students?

Cambridge does a really good job of supporting international students, and that made a big difference in my transition here. The International Students Office is very active and responsive; they guided me through the visa and immigration process. Their orientation sessions also provided a sense of how things work academically and culturally at Cambridge.

On a personal note, the Cambridge University Nigerian Society has been a big part of my support system. From cultural events to everyday conversations, having that community around me has made Cambridge feel a lot more like home.

There are also mental health services, college pastoral support, and financial assistance available, which shows that the university really does care about the full student experience. Overall, I’ve felt supported not just in my studies, but as a person navigating a new environment.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of the strong and genuine connection between my academic work and the real-world issues I’m passionate about. I made a conscious effort to present an authentic story, one that reflected not only academic excellence but also values like leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to long-term impact, all of which align closely with the scholarship’s mission.

In my essays, I showed how my experiences in academics, research, and leadership weren’t isolated achievements but part of a larger purpose. I also benefited from strong recommendation letters written by people who knew me well and could speak sincerely about my work, character, and potential.

Of course, I can’t say for certain what the reviewers saw in my application. But based on my own reflection, I believe the clarity, sincerity, and alignment with the scholarship’s values played a key role.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I think I would have given myself more grace throughout the process. I started early and had the support of mentors, but I placed a lot of pressure on myself, treating the application as a make-or-break moment. I often second-guessed my abilities and was overly self-critical at every stage.

If I were going through it again, I would try to trust myself more and focus on putting forward my best effort without the burden of perfection. I’ve come to realise that being kind to yourself is just as important as being prepared, especially in a process that already demands so much.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Here are a few of my favourite tips:

• Start early. Give yourself enough time to reflect, plan, and refine your story. A thoughtful application takes more than a few weeks to put together well.
• Be authentic. Speak from your lived experiences and personal values. Reviewers can tell when your voice is genuine.
• Tailor your application. Take time to understand each scholarship’s mission and align your goals and experiences accordingly.
• Seek mentorship. You don’t have to go through the process alone. Guidance from those who’ve walked the path before can make a big difference.
• Believe in yourself. You are enough. Your story, your journey, and your potential are valid and deserving of global platforms.