Applications are now open for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship provides exceptional international students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Overview
Established in October 2000 through a historic USD 210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship remains one of the most generous international scholarship programs in the world. Each year, the University of Cambridge awards approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding candidates from countries outside the UK.
About two-thirds of these scholarships are offered for PhD programmes, with the remaining awards granted for Master’s or one-year postgraduate courses.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of study at the University of Cambridge, including:
- University Composition Fee (tuition)
- Annual maintenance allowance (approximately £21,000 for 12 months)
- One economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the course
- Visa application costs
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition, scholars may apply for discretionary funding such as:
- Academic development grants for conferences and courses
- Family and dependent child allowance
- Fieldwork support for PhD students
- Maternity or paternity funding
- Emergency hardship assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Apply to pursue one of the following at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year full-time postgraduate course (certain exceptions apply)
Selection Criteria
The Gates Cambridge Trust selects scholars based on:
- Exceptional intellectual ability
- A compelling reason for the chosen course
- A strong commitment to improving the lives of others
- Demonstrated leadership potential
Application Process
All applicants must apply through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, which allows candidates to apply for both admission and funding simultaneously.
Your application must include:
- Admission application for your chosen course
- College placement preference
- Gates Cambridge funding application section
- Research proposal (if applicable)
- References and academic transcripts
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic excellence, leadership potential, and the applicant’s personal statement outlining how they intend to contribute to society.
Important Deadlines
- U.S. citizens: October 15, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
- All other applicants: December 2, 2025, or January 7, 2026 (depending on the course)
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official portal:
Apply Here for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026–2027
