One of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world is open again for the 2027–28 academic year: the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, covers postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge for outstanding students from outside the UK. Around 90 scholars are selected globally each year, across nearly every subject the university offers.
Beyond covering tuition and living costs in full, the scholarship is built around developing a global network of future leaders — successful applicants join a wider Gates Cambridge community that continues well beyond graduation.
About the Scholarship
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, with more than 100 departments, faculties, schools, and institutes. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship exists to fund exceptional postgraduate students who show strong academic ability alongside leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Masters scholarships run for 2 years, and PhD scholarships run for 4 years.
Who Can Apply
- Open to citizens of any country outside the UK — UK citizens are not eligible to apply
- Applicants may apply for PhD, MSc/MLitt, or eligible one-year postgraduate courses
- Selection is based on departmental ranking, shortlisting, and interview
Deadlines differ depending on your citizenship and course:
- US citizens: 14 October 2026
- All other international applicants: either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course applied for
Eligible Study Fields
The scholarship covers almost any subject taught at Cambridge, across schools including:
- Arts and Humanities
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Technology
- Independent institutions, spanning Biomedical, Engineering, Science, IT, Social Science, Archaeology, Architecture, Islamic Studies, Astronomy, and more
Not eligible for this scholarship:
- Undergraduate degrees (including a second BA)
- MBA and MFin
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies and the MD (part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees and non-degree courses
Financial Benefits
- Full university composition fee, varying by graduate programme
- Maintenance allowance of £21,000 per year
- Economy return flights between your home country and the UK
- Inbound UK visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge costs
Discretionary additional funding may also be available for:
- Academic development funding (£500–£2,000)
- Family allowance (£11,604–£16,548 for a first and second child)
- Fieldwork allowance for PhD students
- Maternity/paternity funding
- Hardship funding
Documents Required
- Completed online application
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Gates Cambridge Reference
How to Apply
All applications are submitted through Cambridge's online application system. Given the deadline difference, US applicants in particular should apply well ahead of 14 October 2026, while other international applicants have until 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 depending on their chosen course.
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