Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge for scholars committed to making a positive impact on the world.

📖 About Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides postgraduate scholarships at the University of Cambridge for exceptional students from around the world. It aims to support scholars who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.

Opportunity Details:

• Date Published: September 11, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 07, 2026
• Category:
  • Postgraduate
  • Masters
  • PhD
  • Fully Funded
• Opportunity Location: United Kingdom
• School: University of Cambridge

💰 Benefits of Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge and provides additional discretionary funding.

Core Components:

• University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.
• Maintenance allowance for a single student:
  • £21,000 for 12 months (2024-25 rate; pro rata for shorter courses).
  • For PhD scholars, the award is for up to 4 years.
• One economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
• Inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Note: The University Composition Fee varies depending on the type of student. Applicants should refer to the Graduate Studies prospectus for precise amounts.

Discretionary Components:

• Academic development funding: £500 to £2,000 (depending on course length) for attending conferences and courses.
• Dependent Children Allowance:
  • Up to £11,604 for one child.
  • Up to £16,548 for two or more children (2024-25 rate).
• Fieldwork funding: Maintenance allowance during fieldwork as part of a PhD.
• Maternity/Paternity funding: Up to 6 months of intermission with continued maintenance allowance.
• Hardship funding: For unforeseen difficulties faced by the scholar.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: You are a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
2. Course Eligibility: You are applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge:
   • PhD (full-time or part-time).
   • MLitt (full-time).
   • One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions.

📅 Application Date and Process

Application Deadline:

• January 07, 2026

Application Process:

Applicants must submit their application for admission and funding (including Gates Cambridge) via the University’s Graduate Application Portal.

To be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

1. Complete the section for admission to a course and a College place.
2. Complete the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section.

The Gates Cambridge team will review the full application for admission and funding.

🌐 Scholarship Application Portal

• View details of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
• Apply via the Graduate Application Portal.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for those who aspire to make a difference in the world. Apply now to take the next step in your academic and professional journey!

• A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
• It also provides additional, discretionary funding.

Core components

• the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
• a maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months) – for PhD scholars the award is for up to 4 years
• one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
• inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge

Discretionary components

• Academic development funding – from up to £500 to up to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
• Dependent Children Allowance – up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2024-25 rate). No funding is provided for a partner.
• Fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (the Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee).
• Maternity/Paternity funding – should you require it, you may apply to intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time
• Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar