Fully Funded- UK Scholarship Gates Cambridge 2026/2027

UK Scholarship Gates Cambridge: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program for 2026 upholds its tradition of supporting the world’s future leaders. Each year, around 80 fully funded scholarships are awarded to exceptional international applicants from outside the UK, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

Established in 2000 through a transformative $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship recognizes exceptional individuals based on four core criteria: outstanding academic ability, a compelling rationale for their chosen course, a strong commitment to improving the lives of others, and demonstrated leadership potential. Each year, about two-thirds of the scholarships are awarded to PhD candidates, with approximately 25 allocated through the U.S. selection round and 55 through the International round.

presently , 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.

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

Criteria

Master’s
PhD

Subject

all the subjects are available

Benefits: core component

University Composition Fee: Covers the full cost of your studies at Cambridge.
Maintenance Allowance: Provides a fixed amount for living expenses:
PhD Students: Up to £21,000 per year for up to four years.
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 (additional support available):

Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 to attend conferences and take relevant courses.
Fieldwork Funding: For PhD students, this covers your maintenance allowance while conducting fieldwork.
Maternity/Paternity Funding: Maintains your allowance during up to six months of approved parental leave.
Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £16,548 available for those with two or more children.
Hardship Funding: Provides support in cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

UK Scholarship Gates Cambridge; Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Course of Study:

You must be applying to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This includes:
PhD (full-time or part-time, for October 2024 entry only)
MLitt (full-time)
One-year postgraduate course (full-time) with some exceptions

Eligible Courses of Study:

Applicants must be applying for a postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge. Eligible courses include:

PhD (full-time or part-time; October 2024 entry only)
MLitt (full-time)
One-year full-time postgraduate courses, with certain exceptions (refer to the official website for details)

Application Procedure

There’s a single application form for both admission and funding at the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. ;

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):
You must submit a personal statement explaining why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship. This should clearly address the four key selection criteria: academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to improving the lives of others, and your rationale for choosing your course. For guidance, visit www.gatescambridge.org.
Research Proposal (PhD applicants only):
If your proposed research is not already included in your admission application, you must submit a separate research proposal. This requirement does not apply to non-PhD applicants.
Gates Cambridge Reference:
You will need a reference specifically focused on your suitability for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The referee should be someone who can speak directly to the scholarship criteria. References from friends, family members, or individuals unfamiliar with the program are not accepted.

UK Scholarship Gates Cambridge: Deadlines

Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the academic year 2026-2027 will be opened in September 2026. Keep an eye on official website for latest deadlines and updates.

Tips Gates Cambridge Reference:

Choose the Right Referee:
Select someone who knows you well and understands the Gates Cambridge selection criteria. This could be a former advisor, employer, or someone you’ve worked with in a volunteer or leadership capacity. An academic referee may also serve this role, as long as they can speak to your personal qualities and alignment with the scholarship’s values.
Provide Context:
Make sure your referee is well-informed about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and its core criteria so they can tailor their reference accordingly.
Request Specific Examples:
Encourage your referee to include concrete examples that highlight your intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to others, and suitability for your chosen course.
Mind the Deadline:
Ensure that both your academic references and the Gates Cambridge reference are submitted on time to avoid delays in your application.