The Gates Cambridge program has opened applications for the 2026 intake. This prestigious scholarship provides a fully funded opportunity for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Selected candidates will have their tuition fees fully covered, receive an annual stipend, airfare, visa costs, health insurance, and additional allowances.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Gates Cambridge Trust / University of Cambridge
- Eligible Countries: All Countries (except UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £21,000 per year | Travel Costs | Health Insurance | Children Allowance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious international scholarships. Each year, about 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded to exceptional candidates from across the world (excluding the UK) to pursue postgraduate studies in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
This program was established in October 2000 through a historic donation of US$210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. Since the first set of scholars arrived in October 2001, more than 2,000 awards have been granted to individuals from over 100 countries.
The core mission of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is to build a strong global network of future leaders who are dedicated to improving the lives of others. It aims to achieve this by selecting outstanding scholars, equipping them with both financial and non-financial support, and fostering a lifelong community of collaboration at Cambridge and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Be applying to pursue one of the following full-time courses at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate course (full-time, with some exceptions)
- If already studying at Cambridge, applicants may still apply if they are seeking admission into a new postgraduate course.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship will receive:
- Full coverage of the University Composition Fee at the approved rate
- Annual maintenance allowance (£21,000 for 12 months at the 2024–25 rate, with support for up to 4 years for PhD students)
- One economy airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the course
- Visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Discretionary funding options, which may include:
- Academic development funding (£500–£2,000 for conferences and courses)
- Dependent children allowance (up to £11,604 for one child, and up to £16,548 for two or more children)
- Fieldwork allowance (maintenance allowance continued while on fieldwork)
- Maternity/Paternity funding (up to 6 months of study intermission with continued allowance)
- Hardship funding for unexpected circumstances
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed on the following:
- Outstanding academic excellence, evidenced through transcripts, references, and achievements
- Clear reasons for choosing the course of study
- Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others
- Strong leadership potential
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare to submit:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Reference letters
- Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport or official identification
- Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
- Complete the admission and funding application through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal
- Fill in the required sections for both admission to a course and a College place, as well as the Gates Cambridge funding section
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited for review and selection by panels
To begin the application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, click HERE
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