Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027 to 2028

Applications are open for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027 to 2028, one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship programmes at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The programme is designed for outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides around 70 full cost scholarships each year to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Approximately two thirds of the awards are offered to PhD students, while the remaining scholarships support other eligible postgraduate programmes.

The scholarship supports postgraduate study across a wide range of academic disciplines available at the University of Cambridge. It is not limited to one particular field, allowing successful applicants to pursue programmes that match their academic background, research interests and professional ambitions.

Beyond financial support, Gates Cambridge places strong emphasis on developing a global community of scholars. The programme brings together talented people who share a commitment to positive social change and encourages collaboration, learning, international engagement, compassion and meaningful action.

About the Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established to create a global community of future leaders who can contribute to improving the lives of others.

Each year, the programme selects outstanding postgraduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at Cambridge. Scholars become part of an international community made up of researchers, professionals and emerging leaders from different countries and academic backgrounds.

The programme is highly competitive and seeks applicants who combine academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate why their chosen course is important to their future goals and how their work could contribute to wider society.

Gates Cambridge scholarships cover the full cost of studying at Cambridge and also provide additional discretionary funding for certain academic, family, health and hardship related needs.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full payment of the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.

• Maintenance allowance of £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026 to 2027 rate.

• Maintenance support for PhD scholars for up to four years.

• One economy class return airfare at the beginning and end of the course.

• Inbound visa costs.

• Immigration Health Surcharge costs.

• Academic development funding of up to £4,000 depending on course length.

• Dependent Children Allowance of up to £12,793 per year for one child.

• Dependent Children Allowance of up to £18,244 per year for two or more children.

• Support for approved fieldwork undertaken as part of a PhD.

• Maternity and paternity funding where applicable.

• Hardship funding for unforeseen financial difficulties.

• Membership of an international community of Gates Cambridge Scholars and alumni.

The scholarship is therefore substantially more than tuition funding. Its core award is designed to cover the main costs of studying and living in Cambridge, while additional support can be considered for eligible academic, family and personal circumstances.

Eligible Study Areas

Gates Cambridge scholarships can support postgraduate study across the broad range of eligible subjects available at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants can pursue programmes in areas such as:

• Arts and humanities.

• Biological sciences.

• Physical sciences.

• Engineering.

• Computer science.

• Social sciences.

• Economics and related disciplines.

• Education.

• Law.

• Public policy.

• Medicine and health related disciplines.

• Environmental and sustainability related fields.

• Other eligible postgraduate subjects offered by Cambridge.

Applicants should check the specific Cambridge postgraduate course requirements because not every programme is eligible for Gates Cambridge funding.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the Gates Cambridge eligibility requirements.

• Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.

• Apply to pursue an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.

• Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability.

• Have a strong reason for choosing the proposed Cambridge course.

• Demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others.

• Demonstrate leadership potential.

Eligible study options include:

• PhD, full time or part time under the programme's current pilot arrangements.

• MLitt, full time.

• One year postgraduate courses, full time, subject to the programme's exceptions.

Applicants should carefully check whether their chosen Cambridge course qualifies for Gates Cambridge funding before completing their application.

Selection Criteria

The Gates Cambridge selection process is based on four principal criteria.

• Outstanding intellectual ability.

• Reasons for choosing the proposed course.

• A commitment to improving the lives of others.

• Leadership potential.

The selection process considers the complete application rather than academic results alone. Candidates should demonstrate their strengths through their academic record, course choice, personal motivation, research interests, leadership experience and commitment to positive social impact.

Application Requirements

Applicants must apply for admission to their chosen Cambridge postgraduate course and complete the Gates Cambridge funding section as part of the University application process.

The application includes information about:

• Academic background and qualifications.

• Proposed Cambridge course.

• Research interests where applicable.

• Reasons for choosing the course.

• Motivation for applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

• Commitment to improving the lives of others.

• Leadership experience and potential.

• Supporting information required by the chosen Cambridge course.

How to Apply

1. Explore eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge and identify a course that matches your academic and professional goals.
2. Review the admission requirements for your chosen Cambridge course.
3. Prepare your academic documents, research information and other materials required for the University application.
4. Complete the University of Cambridge postgraduate application.
5. Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section within the application.
6. Clearly explain why you have chosen your proposed course and how it fits your long term goals.
7. Demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of others through your academic, professional, community or leadership experience.
8. Provide compelling evidence of your intellectual ability and leadership potential.
9. Review the applicable Gates Cambridge and Cambridge University deadline for your course and applicant category.
10. Submit the complete application before the relevant deadline.