Gates Cambridge is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world, covering master’s and PhD study at the University of Cambridge for outstanding students from any country outside the UK.
What Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Cambridge Scholarships support around 80 postgraduate students a year to study any full-time course at the University of Cambridge, selected for academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
What It Covers
- Full Cambridge University Composition Fee
- Maintenance allowance (around £22,050 per year for a single student)
- One return economy airfare
- Visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge
- Optional academic development and family allowances
Who Can Apply
- A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Applying for a full-time PhD, MSc, MLitt, or approved one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge
- Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to improving others’ lives
Deadline & How to Apply
Deadline: International round: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on course
- Apply for admission to a course and college via the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal
- Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section as part of the same application
- Submit two academic references plus a Gates-specific reference
- Submit before your round’s deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply to Cambridge and Gates Cambridge separately?
No, you apply once through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal and tick the box to be considered for Gates Cambridge funding.
How competitive is it?
Extremely, with an acceptance rate often cited around 1 percent, so a strong, well-matched research proposal or course rationale matters a great deal.
You will be taken to the official Gates Cambridge website to apply.