The Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026–2027 offer one of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded opportunities for outstanding international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. Applications are now open for international students and U.S. citizens outside the UK to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at the world-renowned University of Cambridge.
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship program aims to build a network of future global leaders committed to improving lives through innovation, research, and community service. Each year, about 90 talented students from around the world are selected for this fully funded UK scholarship, covering all academic and living expenses for up to four years.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Cambridge
- Degree Levels: Master’s (MSc/MLitt), PhD, and Postgraduate Diploma
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International students (non-UK citizens)
- Application Deadlines:
- U.S. citizens: 15 October 2025
- International applicants: Between 2 December 2025 and 7 January 2026 (depending on the course)
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program
Established in 2000 through a major donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program supports exceptional postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship aims to empower scholars with the resources, mentorship, and community support needed to tackle global challenges.
Cambridge, founded in 1209, is among the world’s top research institutions, known for its innovation, academic excellence, and global impact.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that covers all academic and living expenses for international students studying at the University of Cambridge:
- University Composition Fee (varies by program)
- Annual Maintenance Allowance: £21,000
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class tickets from the scholar’s home country to the UK and back
- Inbound Visa Costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
Additional Support (Discretionary Funding):
- Academic Development Funding: £500–£2,000 (based on program length)
- Family Allowance: £11,604 for the first child and up to £16,548 for two children
- Fieldwork Funding (for PhD candidates)
- Maternity/Paternity Support
- Hardship Funding (if unexpected difficulties arise)
Available Fields of Study
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships cover almost all full-time postgraduate programs offered at the University of Cambridge, except a few restricted courses. Applicants can apply to any department, faculty, or school, including:
- School of Arts and Humanities
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Clinical Medicine
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Physical Sciences
- School of Technology
- Independent Research Institutes
Popular Study Areas Include:
Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, IT, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Architecture, Archaeology, Astronomy, and Islamic Studies.
Ineligible Programs:
- Undergraduate degrees (BA or affiliated BA)
- MBA and Master of Finance (MFin)
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD (Doctor of Medicine, part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time or non-degree courses
Required Documents
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026–2027, applicants must prepare and submit:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Statement of Purpose outlining academic goals
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Gates Cambridge Reference Letter
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Cambridge Gates Scholarship 2026–27, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Apply to pursue one of the following:
- PhD degree
- MSc/MLitt degree
- One-year postgraduate course
- Demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving others’ lives
Selection Process
Candidates are selected based on three main stages:
- Departmental Ranking (academic excellence evaluation)
- Shortlisting (assessment of leadership and fit with Gates mission)
- Interview Stage (final evaluation and selection)
Application Deadlines
- For International Students: 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depending on the program)
- For U.S. Applicants: 15 October 2025
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026–27
All applications must be submitted online through the official University of Cambridge application portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship application portal.
- Complete the online form and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the respective deadline.
Official Links:
The Gates Cambridge University Scholarship 2026–2027 is a fully funded UK postgraduate scholarship that empowers global students to study at one of the world’s leading universities. With comprehensive financial coverage, diverse academic fields, and exceptional leadership development, it remains one of the most competitive and rewarding scholarships in the United Kingdom.