Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship

Study Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Funding Type: Fully funded scholarship
Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD, subject to course eligibility)
Eligible Applicants: Applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom
Scholarship Value: Full university tuition fees, £23,152 annual maintenance allowance at the 2026–2027 rate, return economy airfare, visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
Duration: Up to four years for PhD scholars
Number of Awards: Approximately 70 scholarships annually

About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious international postgraduate scholarship programmes. Established in October 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge, the programme aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.

Each year, approximately 70 outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK receive full-cost scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in eligible subjects at the University of Cambridge. Around two-thirds of the awards are allocated to PhD students, while the remaining scholarships support other eligible postgraduate degrees.

Gates Cambridge Scholars come from diverse academic backgrounds and study across Cambridge’s departments and Colleges. They also become part of an international community of more than 1,700 alumni from 116 countries, providing opportunities for lifelong collaboration, professional development and leadership.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge and provides additional discretionary funding for eligible academic and personal circumstances.

Core funding includes:

• Full university tuition fees: Payment of the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate for the selected course.
• Annual living allowance: £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026–2027 rate, adjusted proportionally for courses lasting less than 12 months.
• PhD funding: Scholarships can support eligible PhD studies for up to four years.
• Return airfare: One economy-class ticket at the beginning and end of the course.
• Visa expenses: Coverage of applicable inbound visa costs.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: Coverage of the cost associated with accessing the UK’s National Health Service under the applicable immigration arrangements.

The precise tuition fee covered depends on the course and student category. Where applicants receive certain public funding awards, such as UK Research and Innovation funding, the Gates Cambridge Trust may adjust or share the relevant funding responsibilities.

Additional Discretionary Funding

Scholars may also apply for additional financial support, subject to the Trust’s eligibility requirements and approval:

• Academic development: Funding of up to £750–£4,000, depending on the length of the course, for eligible conferences and academic activities.
• Dependent children allowance: Up to £12,793 annually for one child or £18,244 for two or more children. No partner allowance is provided.
• PhD fieldwork: Eligible scholars may apply to retain their normal maintenance allowance while undertaking approved fieldwork.
• Maternity and paternity support: Scholars may apply to interrupt their studies for up to six months while continuing to receive their maintenance allowance.
• Hardship funding: Assistance may be available for unforeseen financial difficulties.

Applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover bench fees or the cost of scientific equipment and similar academic resources. These expenses are expected to be covered by the relevant Cambridge academic department. The Trust may also reduce or withhold the standard maintenance allowance if a scholar receives a salary or another substantial scholarship.

Selection Criteria

Gates Cambridge selects candidates based on four principal criteria:

1. Outstanding intellectual ability: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic ability and the potential to excel in their chosen field.
2. Reasons for choosing the course: Candidates should clearly explain why their proposed course at Cambridge is appropriate for their academic interests and future ambitions.
3. Commitment to improving the lives of others: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to contributing positively to society.
4. Leadership potential: Candidates should show the potential to become leaders who can influence their fields and create meaningful change.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is intended for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue an eligible postgraduate degree at Cambridge. Prospective applicants should review the official eligibility requirements, eligible degree programmes and application procedures before applying.

Candidates with strong academic records, a clear sense of purpose, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving others are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge’s graduate application process. Applicants should consult the official Gates Cambridge website for the relevant application round, deadlines, degree-specific requirements and supporting documents.

Official scholarship website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/

University of Cambridge graduate admissions: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Prospective applicants should check the official website for the current application deadline, as deadlines vary depending on the applicant’s application round and country of application.

Take the next step towards pursuing a fully funded postgraduate degree at one of the world’s leading universities and joining an international network of scholars committed to making a difference.