Are you an ambitious student dreaming of studying at the University of Cambridge — one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026 offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s or PhD degree in the United Kingdom.
This world-renowned scholarship program is designed for outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious international postgraduate award established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It offers full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The core mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded, meaning all your major expenses are covered. The award includes:
- Full University of Cambridge tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance of approximately £20,000 per year
- Airfare to and from the UK
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs
- Academic development funding (from £500 to £2,000)
- Family allowance (if applicable)
- Access to leadership and networking events organized by the Gates Cambridge Trust
Who is eligible to apply?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to outstanding applicants from any country outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
- Apply for a full-time residential course (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge.
- Demonstrate:
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Strong leadership capacity
- Commitment to improving the lives of others
Eligible Courses
All postgraduate courses are eligible except:
- Undergraduate degrees
- MBA
- MFin
- PGCE
- Clinical Medicine (MD, MB, BChir)
- Part-time courses
You can choose from a vast range of fields including Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Public Policy, Education, Environmental Studies, Computer Science, and more.
How to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Identify your course: Choose an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge and contact a potential PhD supervisor (if applying for a research degree).
- Apply via the University’s Graduate Application Portal: Complete the application for admission to your chosen course and college place.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge Section: In the funding section of the application, you must indicate that you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and complete the required materials:
- Gates Cambridge Statement: A short essay (approx. 500 words) explaining why you meet the four key criteria.
- Gates Cambridge Reference: An extra reference submitted by a referee who can specifically address your suitability for the scholarship based on the four criteria.
- Submit Required Documents: This typically includes transcripts, CV/Resume, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants).
Tip: Your academic department at Cambridge must nominate you for the scholarship before your application is reviewed by the Gates Cambridge Trust. Therefore, submitting a strong application for the academic course is the crucial first step.
What are the application deadlines for 2026 entry?
The scholarship application is integrated with the University of Cambridge’s graduate admission application. You apply for both simultaneously through the University’s Graduate Application Portal. There are two main application rounds:
| Applicant Group | Application Deadline (Approximate) |
| US Citizens resident in the USA | October 15, 2025 (23:59 GMT) |
| All Other Eligible Applicants | Dependent on Course: Either December 2, 2025 or January 7, 2026 (Check the specific course deadline) |
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