Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 , UK (Fully Funded)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program 2027 continues its legacy of nurturing the next generation of global leaders. Offering approximately 80 full-cost scholarships annually, this prestigious opportunity is open to outstanding international applicants outside the UK who seek to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship, established in 2000 through a landmark $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, selects exceptional scholars based on four key criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choosing their course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. Approximately two-thirds of the awards are granted to PhD students, with 25 awards designated for the US round and 55 for the International round.

Currently, there are about 250 scholars from over 50 countries, engaging in a wide array of subjects across Cambridge’s departments and colleges. The scholarship also supports a vibrant global network of over 1,700 alumni who remain committed to the Gates Cambridge mission of making a meaningful impact on the world.

Key Highlights:

• Full-cost scholarships for international postgraduate students
• Focus on leadership, academic excellence, and societal impact
• Approximately 80 scholarships awarded each year
• 25 scholarships for US applicants and 55 for International applicants
• Open to all fields of study available at the University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers not only financial support but also a thriving community of like-minded individuals dedicated to improving the world. Since its inception, over 2,000 scholars from more than 100 countries have benefited from this transformative opportunity.

Core Components:

• University Composition Fee: Covers the full cost of your studies at Cambridge.
• Maintenance Allowance: Provides a fixed amount for living expenses: 

1. PhD Students: Up to £21,000 per year for up to four years.
2. Other Students: Pro-rated based on course length.

• Travel: Covers one economy single airfare for travel to and from Cambridge.
• Visa Costs: Includes inbound visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Discretionary Components:

• Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 for conferences and courses.
• Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £16,548 for two or more children.
• Fieldwork Funding: Maintains your maintenance allowance during fieldwork for PhD students.
• Maternity/Paternity Funding: Continues maintenance allowance during up to six months of study leave.
• Hardship Funding: Assists with unforeseen financial difficulties.

Important Notes:

• Salary or Scholarships: If you receive a salary or other substantial scholarship, the Trust may reduce or eliminate your maintenance allowance.
• Bench Fees and Equipment: Gates Cambridge does not cover these costs, which are expected to be covered by the academic department.

Overall, a Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for your studies at Cambridge, including tuition, living expenses, and travel.

• Master's
• PhD

All Subjects are available under this scholarship.

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:

Citizenship:

• You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.

Course of Study:

• You must be applying to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This includes:

1. PhD (full-time or part-time)
2. MLitt (full-time)
3. One-year postgraduate course (full-time) with some exceptions (see website for details)

Current Cambridge Students:

• If you are already studying at Cambridge, you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship for a new postgraduate course:

1. For example, you can apply if you're currently doing an MPhil and want to pursue a PhD.
2. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can also apply for a second scholarship for a new degree.  

However, you cannot apply for a scholarship to fund the remaining part of a course you've already started (e.g., a PhD you're halfway through).

Additional Points:

The Gates Cambridge website (www.gatescambridge.org) has more details about ineligible courses, including:Undergraduate degrees (BA, affiliated BA)

• Specific Master's programs (MASt, Business related)
• Part-time degrees (except for the pilot PhD program)
• Non-degree courses

Alternative Funding:

If you're not eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you may still be eligible for other funding offered by the University of Cambridge. Visit their website (www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk) for more information.   

There's a single application form for both admission and funding at the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. Here's a breakdown of what you need to do:

Application Sections:

1. Admission Section:

• Choose your specific graduate course and College preference.
• Provide details about yourself, academic background, goals, and suitability for the course.

2. Funding Section:

• Apply for various scholarships, including Gates Cambridge.
• Complete the Gates Cambridge sub-section if you want to be considered.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Requirements:

• Gates Cambridge Statement (500 words): Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how you meet the four main criteria: intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to improving lives, and justification for your chosen course. See www.gatescambridge.org for more details.
• Research Proposal (PhD only): Submit a research proposal if it's not already part of your admission application. Non-PhD applicants are exempt.
• Gates Cambridge Reference: Find someone who can write a reference specifically addressing the scholarship criteria. This cannot be a friend, family member, or someone unfamiliar with the program.

Note: 

Deadlines are different for each course. visit official page for latest deadlines.

Tips for the Gates Cambridge Reference:

• Choose someone familiar with you and the Gates Cambridge criteria. This could be a former advisor, employer, or someone from a volunteer organization you've worked with. You can even ask one of your academic referees, but ensure they focus on your personal qualities and fit for the scholarship program.
• Brief your chosen referee about the scholarship and its criteria so they can craft a relevant reference.
• Encourage referees to use specific examples that showcase your strengths in relation to the criteria.
• Make sure both your academic and Gates Cambridge references submit their references by the deadline.