The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, designed to support exceptional students from outside the UK who want to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Scholars selected for this program not only have their full tuition fees covered, but also receive a generous annual living allowance of £20,000. On top of that, the scholarship includes flights, health insurance, and additional allowances, making it truly a fully funded opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step application process for the 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, so you can prepare a strong application and boost your chances of success.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in the UK
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £21,000 per year | Travel Costs | Children Allowance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship Details:
- Every year, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides around 80 fully funded awards to exceptional students from outside the UK who wish to pursue postgraduate study in any subject at the University of Cambridge.
- The program was launched in October 2000, thanks to a landmark US$210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—the largest single donation ever made to the University at that time. The first group of Gates Cambridge Scholars arrived in October 2001, and since then, more than 2,000 scholarships have been awarded to talented individuals from over 100 countries.
- At its heart, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship has a clear mission: to build a global community of future leaders dedicated to improving the lives of others. The program achieves this by not only offering full financial support but also fostering a vibrant community of scholars at Cambridge and beyond, ensuring recipients are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the world.
2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship Requirements:
-
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions
- If you are already studying at Cambridge and want to begin a new postgraduate course, you are still eligible to apply.
2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship Duration and Reward
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship doesn’t just cover tuition; it takes care of the full cost of studying at Cambridge and even offers extra funding when needed.
What’s included:
- Full coverage of the University Composition Fee (amount varies by course and student status).
- A maintenance allowance for living costs (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024–25 rate; adjusted for shorter courses). For PhD scholars, this support lasts up to 4 years.
- Economy airfare at the start and end of your course.
- Costs of your inbound visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If you already receive a funding award from public authorities, the Gates Cambridge Trust may adjust or share the cost of your tuition and living expenses.
Discretionary components
In addition to covering tuition and living costs, the Gates Cambridge Trust offers extra financial support on a case-by-case basis to make sure scholars can fully focus on their studies and personal well-being.
Additional funding opportunities include:
- Academic Development: Up to £500–£2,000 (depending on course length) to attend conferences, training, or courses that enhance your research and skills.
- Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child and £16,548 for two or more children (2024–25 rates). Please note, partners are not funded.
- Fieldwork Support: PhD scholars can continue receiving their normal maintenance allowance while on approved fieldwork (though other fieldwork costs must be covered by the University fee).
- Maternity/Paternity Funding: Up to 6 months of study intermission with continued maintenance allowance if you need parental leave.
- Hardship Funding: Extra support if you face unexpected financial difficulties during your studies.
Selection Criteria for 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Outstanding Academic excellence: transcripts, references, experience, and the potential to succeed in the chosen course
- Reasons for the choice of the courses
- A capacity for leadership
How To Apply for 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
How to Apply for the Scholarship
- Submit your application for admission and funding through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applicant/login?dswid=2385
- Visit this link to check out the scholarship https://www.gatescambridge.org/programme/the-scholarship/
- In the admission section, apply for your chosen graduate course and College, providing details about your background, academic record, and study plans.
- In the funding section, complete the Gates Cambridge Scholarship application along with any other funding options available.
- The Gates Cambridge team will review your full application, including both admission and funding details.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview before final selections are made.
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
FAQS
Q1. What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
It is a fully funded scholarship established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support outstanding international students at the University of Cambridge.
Q2. What does the scholarship cover?
It covers the full cost of study, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel costs, visa fees, and other essential expenses.
Q3. Who can apply?
Applicants from any country outside the UK who wish to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or certain one-year postgraduate programs) at the University of Cambridge.
Q4. What is the selection criteria?
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to improving the lives of others
- Strong fit between the applicant’s goals and Cambridge’s programs
Q5. How many scholarships are awarded?
Around 80 scholarships each year, with approximately two-thirds for PhD students.
Q6. When is the deadline?
- October 2025 (for U.S. citizens applying in the U.S. round)
- December 2025 / January 2026 (for all other applicants, depending on the course deadline).
Q7. How do I apply?
Apply for admission to Cambridge through the university’s application portal and indicate interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship by completing the supplementary application form, which includes a personal statement and references.