Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 for International Students

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The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious award for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship is one of the world’s most generous, fully-funded awards. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation established the fund in 2000. It attracts top students from around the globe.

This scholarship is for academically outstanding non-UK citizens. The award covers a full range of expenses. It allows scholars to focus on their studies without financial stress. Many scholars pursue a PhD or Master’s degree. The scholarship supports over 80 new scholars annually.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is an excellent opportunity for international students. It provides a generous stipend for living costs. This guide details eligibility, application requirements, and benefits. It is a crucial resource for any applicant.

The scholarship selects leaders who can improve the lives of others. The program provides a unique community for scholars. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship (subject) supports (predicate) promising future leaders (object). To understand the full range of benefits of pursuing an international degree, explore the reasons why study abroad.

Scholarship Overview

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds full-time postgraduate study. It is awarded to non-UK citizens. The scholarship was established with a donation of US$210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The program’s goal is to build a global network of future leaders.

Award Amount: Fully funded, covering tuition and a stipend of at least £21,000.
Frequency: Approximately 80 new scholarships are awarded each year.
Provider: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Target Group: Non-UK citizens pursuing postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet three conditions to qualify:

You must be a citizen of a country outside the UK.
You must apply to a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
You must demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to service, and leadership potential.

Note: The scholarship does not fund undergraduate, part-time, or non-degree courses. Additionally, some specific courses, like the MBA and MFin, are not eligible. For a complete list of eligible courses, visit the University of Cambridge courses page.

Application Requirements

To complete the application, students must submit three main documents in addition to the standard university requirements:

A Gates Cambridge Statement: A short essay explaining why you are applying and how you meet the four main scholarship criteria.
A research proposal: Required for PhD applicants.
A Gates reference: This is a separate reference about your fit with the scholarship.
A CV or Resume.

Application Timeline

Early September 2025 – Applications open for the 2026-27 academic year.
October 16, 2025 – Application deadline for U.S. citizens.
December 3, 2025 or January 7, 2026 – Deadlines for international students, depending on the course.

How to Apply (Three Steps)

Step 1: You must apply for admission to a course and college at Cambridge.
Step 2: Fill out the Gates Cambridge section of the online funding application.
Step 3: Submit all required documents, including your Gates Statement and Gates reference.

Note: For more information on fees, visit the University of Cambridge finance page. The application portal can be accessed here: Graduate Application Portal.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Financial Support: The scholarship covers the full University Composition Fee.
Living Allowance: A maintenance stipend of £21,000 per year is provided.
Travel and Visa: The scholarship covers inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Additional Allowances: Academic development funding of up to £2,000 is provided for conferences and courses. A dependent children allowance of up to £16,548 is also available. When considering other opportunities, you can compare this award with others, such as the Clarendon Scholarship or the Chevening Scholarship.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Craft a personal statement that connects your research to your long-term goals. For detailed essay guidance, read our article on How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your leadership capacity and commitment to service.
Strengthen an application by providing a detailed research proposal (for PhD applicants).
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.