Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Opportunity at Cambridge University

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Are you an international student dreaming of a world-class education at the University of Cambridge? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is now open for applications! This prestigious, fully funded scholarship supports Master’s, MLitt, and PhD programs at Cambridge for outstanding students from outside the UK. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it offers around 80 scholarships annually, covering full tuition, living expenses, and travel. Designed for future leaders committed to improving lives, this scholarship provides access to Cambridge’s unparalleled resources and a global network of scholars. Don’t miss your chance to study at one of the world’s top universities and apply by the course-specific deadline!

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Overview of Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027

  • Host University: University of Cambridge
  • Funded By: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
  • Eligible Nationalities: All countries except the United Kingdom
  • Study Levels: Master’s (MSc/MLitt), One-Year Postgraduate Courses, PhD
  • Number of Awards: Approximately 80 scholarships (25 for PhD, 55 for Master’s)
  • Application Deadlines: Vary by course (typically early December 2025 or early January 2026)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is a flagship program fostering a global community of scholars dedicated to societal betterment. Established in 2000 with a $210 million donation from the Gates Foundation, it supports exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives. Scholars join a vibrant network of over 2,000 alumni across fields like science, arts, technology, and human rights, contributing to Cambridge’s mission of advancing global welfare.

Eligible Programs

The scholarship covers most full-time postgraduate programs at Cambridge, except the following:

  • Eligible Programs:
    • MSc/MLitt
    • One-year postgraduate courses (e.g., MPhil, LLM)
    • PhD programs
  • Ineligible Programs:
    • Undergraduate degrees (BA, BA affiliated)
    • Business Doctorate (BusD)
    • Master of Business (MBA)
    • Master of Finance (MFin)
    • MASt courses
    • PGCE
    • MBBChir Clinical Studies
    • MD Doctor of Medicine (6 years, part-time)
    • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
    • Part-time degrees
    • Non-degree courses

Check the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory for eligible programs.

Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring scholars can focus on their studies and impact:

  • Full Tuition Coverage: All course fees covered (e.g., £21,000–£40,000 depending on the program).
  • Maintenance Allowance: £21,000 per year (pro-rated for shorter courses) to cover living expenses.
  • Travel Expenses: Economy-class airfare to and from the UK at the start and end of the program.
  • Visa and Health Surcharges: Coverage for visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
  • Academic Development Funding: Up to £500–£2,000 for conferences, workshops, or training.
  • Family Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child or £16,548 for two or more children (if applicable).
  • Hardship and Maternity/Paternity Funding: Support for unforeseen difficulties or parental leave.
  • Global Network: Access to the Gates Cambridge Scholar community for mentorship and collaboration.
  • World-Class Resources: Utilize Cambridge’s cutting-edge facilities, libraries, and research opportunities.

These benefits empower scholars to excel academically and drive global change.

Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Nationality: Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
  • Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic record (typically a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent).
  • Program Admission: Apply for a full-time Master’s (MSc/MLitt), one-year postgraduate course, or PhD at Cambridge.
  • Leadership Potential: Demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving lives.
  • Social Impact: Show a clear vision for contributing to societal welfare, particularly in areas like health, education, or poverty alleviation.
  • Course Rationale: Provide a compelling reason for choosing the specific Cambridge program and its alignment with your goals.

The scholarship prioritizes candidates with intellectual ability, leadership capacity, and a passion for global betterment.

Required Documents

To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027, submit the following as part of your Cambridge postgraduate application:

  • Cambridge Application Form: Completed via the University’s Applicant Portal.
  • Academic Transcripts: Official records from all previous institutions.
  • CV/Resume: Detailing academic achievements, leadership roles, and impact initiatives.
  • Personal Statement: Up to 3,000 characters (approx. 500 words) explaining your fit for the scholarship, leadership, and commitment to societal good.
  • Research Proposal: Required for PhD applicants, outlining the project’s objectives and significance.
  • Two Academic References: From professors or academic advisors familiar with your work.
  • Gates Cambridge Reference: A third reference addressing your leadership and commitment to improving lives (distinct from academic references).

All documents must be uploaded in PDF format via the Applicant Portal.

Application Timeline for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

Deadlines vary by course and applicant nationality:

  • Application Opening: September 2, 2025
  • Deadlines:
    • US Citizens: Mid-October 2025 (exact date TBD, typically October 15)
    • International Applicants: Early December 2025 or early January 2026 (check course-specific deadlines)
  • Interviews: February–March 2026 (virtual or in-person)
  • Notification of Results: March–April 2026
  • Program Start: October 2026

Check the Gates Cambridge Scholarship website or the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory for exact deadlines.

How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

The application process is integrated with Cambridge’s postgraduate admissions:

  1. Select an Eligible Program: Choose a full-time Master’s, MLitt, or PhD from the eligible course list.
  2. Access the Applicant Portal: Visit the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal to start your application.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Submit your academic details, transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references.
  4. Complete the Gates Funding Section: In the application, answer the Gates Cambridge-specific questions about your leadership, impact goals, and course rationale.
  5. Submit a Gates Cambridge Reference: Arrange for a third referee to submit a letter addressing your leadership and commitment to societal good.
  6. Pay the Application Fee: £75 (waivers available for financial hardship).
  7. Submit by Deadline: Ensure all materials are uploaded by the course-specific deadline (October 2025 for US citizens, December 2025/January 2026 for others).
  8. Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews in February–March 2026.
  9. Receive Results: Scholarship offers are announced in March–April 2026.

For detailed guidance, visit the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Official Website or contact the Gates Cambridge Trust.

Why Choose the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is the world’s fourth-oldest university and a global leader in research and education. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers unparalleled opportunities:

  • World-Class Education: Study at a top-ranked university with access to cutting-edge facilities and faculty.
  • Global Scholar Community: Join over 2,000 Gates Cambridge alumni driving impact in science, arts, human rights, and more.
  • Leadership Development: Build skills to lead transformative change through mentorship and workshops.
  • Societal Impact: Contribute to the Gates Foundation’s mission of improving health, education, and poverty alleviation.
  • Historic Campus: Experience Cambridge’s vibrant academic and cultural environment.

This scholarship is a gateway to becoming a global leader for positive change.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Explore other scholarships:

Tips for a Successful Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application

To increase your chances of securing the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027, follow these tips:

  • Highlight Leadership and Impact: Emphasize your leadership roles and tangible contributions to societal good in your personal statement.
  • Align with Cambridge’s Mission: Show how your chosen course supports your vision for global betterment.
  • Secure a Strong Gates Reference: Choose a referee who can compellingly address your leadership and commitment to improving lives.
  • Apply Early: Submit by early deadlines (October 2025 for US citizens, November 2025 for others) to allow time for reference coordination.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Practice articulating your academic goals, leadership experiences, and societal impact vision.

Conclusion

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is a transformative opportunity for international students to pursue a fully funded Master’s or PhD at the University of Cambridge. With full tuition, a £21,000 annual allowance, travel support, and access to a global scholar network, this scholarship empowers you to drive positive change. Don’t miss your chance to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities and apply by your course’s deadline in October 2025 or January 2026!

For more information or to apply, visit the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Official Website and take the first step toward a world-class education and global impact.