Fully Funded Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 | UK
A prestigious full-cost postgraduate scholarship for outstanding international students at the University of Cambridge.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships available to international students. Funded by the Gates Cambridge Trust, the programme supports outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who want to pursue eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship is designed to cover the main costs of studying at Cambridge and also offers additional funding in certain circumstances. Around 80 new full-cost scholarships are awarded each year, making the programme highly competitive.
Scholarship Quick Facts
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established through a major donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. It supports a global community of scholars who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
For the 2027 entry, scholarships are available to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Successful applicants become members of the Gates Cambridge community while pursuing eligible postgraduate study at Cambridge.
Approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded each year. The programme is highly competitive, and applicants are assessed not only on academic achievement but also on leadership, commitment to improving the lives of others and their fit with the proposed course.
Eligibility Criteria
- ✅ Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the United Kingdom.
- ✅ Applicants must apply for an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- ✅ Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability.
- ✅ Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and the ability to make a positive contribution to others.
- ✅ Applicants must show a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
- ✅ Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic and personal fit with their proposed Cambridge course.
Eligible Study Programmes
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available for a range of postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge. Eligible study options include:
- PhD programmes, including full-time and eligible part-time PhD study
- Full-time MSc programmes
- Full-time MLitt programmes
- Eligible one-year full-time postgraduate courses
Applicants should carefully check the official Gates Cambridge course exclusions because several postgraduate and professional programmes are not eligible.
Courses Not Eligible
The following types of programmes are not eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Undergraduate degrees such as BA
- MASt courses
- MBA
- Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA
- Master of Finance
- Executive Master of Accounting
- Business Doctorate
- PGCE
- Clinical Studies and certain Medicine programmes
- Part-time degrees other than eligible PhD programmes
- Non-degree courses
Scholarship Benefits
- 🏆 University composition fee is covered for the approved course.
- 🏆 A maintenance allowance is provided to help cover living costs in Cambridge.
- 🏆 One economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- 🏆 Visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge are covered.
- 🏆 Additional discretionary funding may be available for academic development, fieldwork, family support and other approved needs.
- 🏆 PhD scholars can receive funding for up to four years, subject to the scholarship terms.
Required Documents
Applicants apply for admission and funding through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal. The application should include the information required for both the chosen postgraduate programme and Gates Cambridge funding.
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
- Curriculum vitae or résumé where required
- References required by the chosen Cambridge course
- Personal or research statement as required
- Gates Cambridge funding section and scholarship statements
- Any additional documents required by the selected Cambridge programme
How to Apply
Applicants apply for admission to the University of Cambridge and Gates Cambridge funding through the same Graduate Application Portal. It is important to select the Gates Cambridge funding option when completing the funding section of the application.
- Choose an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Check the course-specific academic and application requirements.
- Create an application through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
- Complete the admission section and apply for a College place.
- Complete the funding section and select Gates Cambridge Scholarship consideration.
- Provide the required Gates Cambridge scholarship statements and supporting information.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline applicable to your nationality and chosen course.
For 2027 entry, the deadline is 14 October 2026 for US citizens resident in the USA. For other eligible applicants, the deadline is either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course.
Check your course-specific deadline carefully and submit your Cambridge admission and Gates Cambridge funding application before the applicable closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?
The scholarship is open to citizens of countries outside the United Kingdom who are applying for eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge and meet the Gates Cambridge selection criteria.
What does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost award that covers the main costs of studying at Cambridge, including the University composition fee, a maintenance allowance and other core support. Additional discretionary funding may also be available.
What is the deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?
For 2027 entry, the deadline is 14 October 2026 for US citizens resident in the USA. For other eligible applicants, the deadline is 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 depending on the course.
