One of the most prominent fully financed postgraduate scholarships in the world, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026–2027, is now officially accepting applications from the University of Cambridge. With the help of this scholarship, overseas students can attend one of the best colleges in the world and become part of a community of future world leaders.
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When is the Application Deadline:
- US citizens resident in the USA: 15 October 2025 (23:59 GMT).
- All other eligible applicants: Either 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026, depending on the course deadline listed in the University Course Directory.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded postgraduate awards, offered at the University of Cambridge. Established through a historic donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it supports outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All full-time postgraduate courses offered at the University of Cambridge (except certain professional degrees such as MBA, MFin, and PGCE).
Type:
Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD).
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of any country outside the UK.
- Apply for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
- Demonstrate:
- Academic excellence.
- Reasons for choosing Cambridge and how the program fits future goals.
- Commitment to improving lives through knowledge and service.
- Leadership potential with evidence of past and future impact.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence.
- Fit with the Cambridge program.
- Leadership qualities.
- A strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
Applicants must also submit a special Gates Cambridge reference in addition to their academic references.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries outside the United Kingdom.
Where will the Award be Taken?
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
How Many Awards?
About 80 scholarships awarded each year.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition fees (University Composition Fees).
- Annual stipend (~£20,000+) for living costs.
- One return airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs.
- Access to additional discretionary funding (academic development, family allowance, fieldwork, etc.).
How Long Will the Award Last?
The full duration of the postgraduate program (1–4 years, depending on the course).
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
- Complete two sections:
- Admission Section – Apply for a graduate course and a College place.
- Funding Section – Apply for Gates Cambridge (includes four structured questions instead of the old personal statement).
- PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal.
- Provide one Gates Cambridge reference in addition to academic references.
👉 Apply Here: Gates Cambridge Scholarship – How to Apply
👉 Check Timeline: Gates Cambridge Application Timeline

