The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing masters and PhD studies at the University of Cambridge. The program is currently accepting applications and offers comprehensive financial support for exceptional candidates from outside the UK.
The scholarship provides complete funding including an annual stipend of £21,000, full health insurance coverage, academic development funding up to £2,000, and family allowance up to £16,548 for eligible recipients.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in October 2000 with a US$210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – the largest single donation to a UK university. The program awards 80 scholarships annually to international students for full-time postgraduate study in any subject at Cambridge. Award distribution includes approximately two-thirds for PhD students, with 25 scholarships through the US round and 55 through the International round.
Key Scholarship Details
- Academic Level: Masters, PhD
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge
- Location: Uk
- Program Duration: Two years for masters and three years for PhD
- University Ranking: Cambridge consistently ranks among top 5 universities globally
- Courses which are NOT eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarships:
- Undergraduate Degree
- Business Doctorate
- Master of Business
- Master of Finance
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees
- Non-degree courses
Application Deadline
- US Citizens Round: Applications open early September 2025, with a final submission deadline of October 15, 2025, at noon in the applicant’s local US time zone.
- International Students Round: Deadlines vary by chosen course – either December 3, 2025, or January 7, 2026, depending on specific program requirements.
| You may also like to read: Best Fully Funded Free Scholarships for Foreign Students |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Coverage
Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- University Composition Fee: Complete coverage of tuition fees at appropriate rates for all eligible programs
- Annual Maintenance Allowance: £21,000 yearly stipend for living expenses, accommodation, and daily costs
- International Travel Support: Economy class return airfare from home country at program beginning and completion
- Visa Processing Costs: Full coverage of student visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge requirements
- Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 allocation for conferences, research training, professional development, and academic networking activities
- Family Support Benefits: Dependent Children Allowance up to £11,604 for one child, up to £16,548 for two or more children
- Health Insurance Coverage: Access to UK National Health Service through Immigration Health Surcharge inclusion
- Research Fieldwork Support: Maintenance allowance continuation during approved PhD fieldwork periods
- Maternity/Paternity Leave: Up to 6 months study intermission with continued financial support for family needs
- Emergency Hardship Fund: Additional assistance for unforeseen circumstances affecting academic progress or personal wellbeing
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship extends far beyond financial support, creating transformative opportunities that shape future global leaders. These comprehensive benefits establish a foundation for lifelong academic success, professional growth, and meaningful societal impact.
Academic Excellence Benefits:
- World-Class Education Access: Opportunity to study at University of Cambridge, consistently ranked among the top 5 universities globally
- Research Freedom: Complete academic autonomy to pursue groundbreaking research in any field available at Cambridge
- Faculty Mentorship: Access to leading academics and Nobel laureates across all disciplines
- Cutting-Edge Resources: Unlimited access to Cambridge’s extensive libraries, laboratories, and research facilities
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities to engage with scholars across diverse academic fields and departments
Professional Development Advantages:
- Global Network Access: Membership in exclusive community of 1,700+ Gates Cambridge Alumni worldwide
- Leadership Training Programs: Specialized development sessions focused on building leadership skills and global citizenship
- Career Advancement Support: Professional guidance and mentorship from successful alumni across various industries
- International Recognition: Prestigious scholarship recognition that opens doors to elite career opportunities
- Entrepreneurship Support: Resources and networks for scholars interested in launching social ventures or startups
Personal Growth Opportunities:
- Cultural Immersion: Deep integration into Cambridge’s rich academic and cultural traditions spanning 800+ years
- Peer Learning Community: Daily interaction with 250 exceptional scholars from 50+ countries representing diverse perspectives
- Conference Participation: Funding and encouragement to present research at international academic conferences
- Public Speaking Development: Opportunities to represent the scholarship at high-profile events and symposiums
- Social Impact Focus: Structured programs designed to amplify commitment to improving lives of others globally
| You may also like to read: Exploring UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students |
Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
To qualify for Gates Cambridge Scholarship, candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements below:
- Citizenship Requirement: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Academic Level: Applying for postgraduate study only (PhD, MLitt, or one-year Master’s programs)
- PhD Programs: Both full-time and part-time doctoral degrees accepted for October 2025 entry
- MLitt Programs: Full-time Master of Letters programs in eligible subjects
- One-Year Master’s: Full-time postgraduate programs with specific exceptions noted
- Current Cambridge Students: Can apply for new degree programs (example: MPhil to PhD transition)
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic record with first-class honors or equivalent
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, professional, or community settings
- Commitment to Service: Clear dedication to improving lives of others through future work
- English Proficiency: Meet Cambridge University language requirements for chosen program
- Age Restrictions: No specific age limits, though most recipients are recent graduates
- Program Exclusions: Cannot apply for undergraduate degrees, MBA, MFin, EMBA, Business Doctorate, PGCE, or medical degrees
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Please follow the following 12 application instructions to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Step 1: Research and select your desired postgraduate program at University of Cambridge
- Step 2: Complete the University of Cambridge graduate application through their online portal
- Step 3: Select Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the funding section during application process
- Step 4: Submit Cambridge application by the program-specific deadline for your chosen course
- Step 5: Complete the Gates Cambridge-specific application components within the main application
- Step 6: Secure 2 academic references who can speak to your scholarly potential and character
- Step 7: Write your Gates Cambridge personal statement (maximum 3,000 characters)
- Step 8: Prepare research proposal if applying for PhD programs or research-based degrees
- Step 9: Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline
- Step 10: Wait for Cambridge program admission decision (required before scholarship consideration)
- Step 11: If admitted to Cambridge, await Gates Cambridge scholarship selection committee review
- Step 12: Participate in scholarship interview process if selected as finalist
Required Documents for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Must have documents for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Degree Certificates: Copies of all completed degree certificates and diplomas
- Academic References: 2 academic references submitted directly by referees through online system
- Personal Statement: Gates Cambridge-specific statement (maximum 3,000 characters) explaining motivation and goals
- Research Proposal: Required for PhD applications and some research-based Master’s programs
- English Language Proof: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores if English is not first language
- Passport Copy: Valid passport showing citizenship from country outside United Kingdom
- Cambridge Application: Complete University of Cambridge graduate school application for chosen program
- CV/Resume: Detailed academic and professional curriculum vitae highlighting achievements
- Writing Sample: Some programs require academic writing samples demonstrating research ability
- Additional Requirements: Program-specific documents as required by chosen department
- Funding Application: Gates Cambridge funding application completed within main Cambridge application
Application Deadline
US Citizens Round: Applications open early September 2025, with a final submission deadline of October 15, 2025, at noon in the applicant’s local US time zone.
International Students Round: Deadlines vary by chosen course – either December 3, 2025, or January 7, 2026, depending on specific program requirements.
Official Website
Visit the Gates Cambridge official website for complete application details, eligibility verification, and current program information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a very special award for students who want to study at the University of Cambridge in the UK. The scholarship pays for all the costs of a graduate degree for people from outside the UK. It was started in 2000 by a huge gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Who is eligible to apply?
You can apply if you are a citizen of any country except the UK and want to study a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge. You must also show you have strong academic skills and a desire to make the world a better place. You can apply for a PhD, MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship is a full-cost award. It covers your full university tuition and a living allowance. It also pays for your flights to and from Cambridge at the start and end of your studies, and the cost of your UK visa and health fees. In some cases, it can also provide extra money for things like research or family support.
How hard is it to get the scholarship?
It’s very competitive! Thousands of people apply, but only a small number get the scholarship each year. In recent years, only about 1.2% of applicants have received an award. This shows how outstanding the selected scholars are.
What are they looking for in an applicant?
The selection committee looks for four main things:
- Academic excellence: You need to have a strong school record.
- Reasons for your course choice: You must show why your chosen course at Cambridge is the best fit for your goals.
- A commitment to improving the lives of others: They want to see that you care about making a positive difference in the world.
- Leadership potential: You should show that you have the ability to lead and inspire others.
What is the application process like?
You apply for the scholarship at the same time you apply to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge. You must submit a full application, including a special essay for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and an extra reference that talks about how you meet their specific criteria.
Do I need to be a certain age to apply?
No, there is no age limit for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The program is open to anyone who meets the other eligibility rules, regardless of their age.
Can I apply if I’m already a student at Cambridge?
Yes! If you are currently studying at Cambridge, you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to fund a new postgraduate course. However, you cannot apply to fund a course you have already started. For example, if you’re a Master’s student, you could apply for the scholarship for a PhD.
What if I don’t get the scholarship?
Even if you don’t get the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, your application is still considered for other funding options at the University of Cambridge. There are many other scholarships and awards you might be eligible for.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline depends on where you are from. For U.S. citizens, the deadline is usually in October. For all other international students, the deadline is either in December or January, depending on your chosen course of study. Always check the official Gates Cambridge website for the exact dates.
