Unlock Your Future at Cambridge: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 (Fully Funded)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 at Cambridge
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world's most prestigious international scholarships, offering outstanding students from outside the UK the opportunity to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the opportunity for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Key Details at a Glance
- Scholarship Provider: Gates Cambridge Trust
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Level of Study: Postgraduate (PhD, MLitt, select one-year postgraduate courses)
- Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Number of Awards: Approximately 80 per year
- Application Fee: None
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully-funded scholarship that provides comprehensive financial support for the entire duration of your course.
- Full Tuition Fees: Covered by the University Composition Fee.
- Generous Stipend: A maintenance allowance of £21,000 per year (for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate) to cover living costs.
- Airfare: Economy class round-trip airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of your course.
- Visa and Health Costs: Coverage for the UK visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Discretionary Funding: Additional support may be available for:
- Academic development funding (e.g., conferences, training)
- Dependent children allowance
- Fieldwork costs
- Maternity/Paternity leave funding
- Hardship funding
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:
1. Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
2. Be applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MSc or MLitt (full-time only)
- Any one-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA, MFin)
Part-time PhD scholarships are pro-rated.
Key Application Deadlines
There are two distinct application rounds. Your deadline depends on your citizenship and the course you are applying for.
Applicant Category & Application Deadline
- US Citizens resident in the USA : 15 October 2025 (23:59 GMT)
- All other eligible international applicants : 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (23:59 GMT) Check your specific course deadline on the University's postgraduate admission website.
How to Apply
The application process is integrated into the standard University of Cambridge graduate application.
1. Apply to the University: Submit your admission application for your chosen course via the University's Graduate Application Portal.
2. Complete the Scholarship Section: In the "Funding" section of the application, you will be asked if you wish to be considered for funding. Select "Gates Cambridge Trust."
3. Prepare Supporting Documents: You will need to provide the standard admission documents (transcripts, references, etc.) and also complete the Gates Cambridge specific sections, which include:
- A statement explaining your alignment with the Gates Cambridge mission (max. 3,000 characters).
- A detailed research proposal (for research-based courses).
Selection Criteria
The Trust looks for four key criteria in successful candidates:
1. Outstanding Academic Achievement: A strong academic record and the potential for future success.
2. A Clear Reason for Choice of Course: A compelling rationale for studying at Cambridge.
3. A Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: Demonstrated leadership potential and a dedication to social impact.
4. A Capacity for Leadership: Evidence of leadership abilities and a collaborative spirit.
Ready to apply? For the most accurate and detailed information, always refer to the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship website: [www.gatescambridge.org]
