Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Fully Funded Study in the UK
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious, fully-funded scholarship provides opportunities for outstanding international students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Established in October 2000 through a significant donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is the largest single donation ever made to a UK university. The programme aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Each year, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Approximately two-thirds of these awards are given to PhD students. There are approximately 25 scholarships available in the US round and 55 in the International round. This is a significant opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge.
Scholarship Coverage
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including core components and additional discretionary funding.
Core Components:
- The University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.
- A maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months). PhD scholars may receive the award for up to 4 years.
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
- Inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Discretionary Components:
The Trust also considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis:
- Academic development funding (from up to £500 to up to £2,000) to attend conferences and courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance (up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children – 2024-25 rate).
- Fieldwork funding: Scholars may apply to keep up to their normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of their PhD.
- Maternity/Paternity funding: Scholars may apply to intermit their studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive their maintenance allowance during this time.
- Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Apply to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge: PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time, with some exceptions).
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria are based on:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Reasons for choice of course
- A commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application for admission and funding (including Gates Cambridge) through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal. Completing both the admission and funding sections is crucial for consideration. Gates Cambridge will have access to the entire application during the review process.
Key Application Deadlines
Please note the different deadlines based on citizenship:
- US citizens resident in the USA: October 15, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
- All other eligible applicants: Either December 2, 2025 or January 7, 2026, depending on the specific course deadline. Refer to the University Course Directory for detailed information.
For the full application requirements and detailed information, visit the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship website.
👉 Apply Here: Gates Cambridge Scholarship – How to Apply
👉 Check Timeline: Gates Cambridge Application Timeline
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme |
| Academic Level | Postgraduate (Master's or PhD) |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of countries outside the UK |
| Location | University of Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Annual Stipend (Approximate) | £20,000+ |
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to pursue your postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge with full financial support from the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
