Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Study Opportunity in the UK

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious fully funded scholarships for outstanding international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Launched in 2000 through a historic $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the programme continues to support talented individuals committed to making a positive global impact through research, leadership, and innovation.

Every year, around 80 scholarships are awarded. Of these, 25 are reserved for U.S. applicants, while 55 are allocated to other international candidates. Approximately two-thirds of scholars undertake PhD programmes, while the rest pursue one-year Master’s degrees across the university’s diverse faculties.

Today, the Gates Cambridge network includes more than 1,700 alumni from over 100 countries, forming a strong global community of changemakers.

Scholarship Overview

• Host Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities outside the UK
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded
• Deadline (U.S. Round): 15 October 2025
• Deadline (International Round): 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depending on the course)

What the Scholarship Covers

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 offers extensive financial coverage, enabling scholars to focus fully on their academic growth and leadership development.

Core Benefits

• Full Tuition Fees: Covers the complete cost of studying at Cambridge.
• Maintenance Allowance: Up to £21,000 per year for PhD candidates (up to four years), with pro-rated amounts for Master’s programmes.
• Travel Costs: One return, economy-class airfare to Cambridge.
• Visa & Health Costs: Includes the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees.

Additional Benefits

• Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 for attending conferences, workshops, and training programmes.
• Dependent Allowance: Up to £16,548 for scholars with two or more children.
• Fieldwork Support: Maintenance allowance continues during PhD fieldwork.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Up to six months of paid leave.
• Hardship Funding: Additional support in cases of unexpected financial difficulty.

This scholarship goes beyond finances, offering access to leadership programmes, mentoring, and a vibrant community of global scholars.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.
2. Apply to study one of the following at the University of Cambridge:
   • PhD (full-time or part-time)
   • MLitt (full-time)
   • One-year postgraduate Master’s course (full-time)
3. Demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving lives.
4. Clearly justify their choice of course and explain how it aligns with their long-term goals.

Note: You cannot apply for funding for a course already in progress. Current Cambridge students may apply only if they are starting a new postgraduate degree.

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How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

Applications for admission and funding are submitted together via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose your course and preferred college through the application portal.
2. Complete both the admission and funding sections of the application.
3. In the Gates Cambridge section, submit the following:
   • A 500-word personal statement addressing the four selection criteria.
   • A research proposal (PhD applicants only).
   • A Gates Cambridge reference focusing on your character, leadership, and suitability.

Application Timeline

For U.S. Applicants

• Applications open: 10 September 2025
• Deadline: 15 October 2025
• Selection panels: 23–24 January 2026
• Offers released: 2 February 2026

For International Applicants

• Applications open: 10 September 2025
• Deadlines: 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (varies by course)
• Selection panels: 23–24 March 2026
• Offers released: 6 April 2026

Selected candidates must confirm their acceptance within 72 hours.

Why Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers an unparalleled academic and leadership experience at one of the world’s top universities. Scholars benefit from:

• A diverse global network of researchers, innovators, and leaders.
• Access to mentorship from world-renowned academics.
• Leadership training that empowers them to create meaningful societal change.

Since its establishment, the programme has produced influential graduates who have advanced in fields such as policy, global health, innovation, and academia.

Application Deadlines (Summary)

• U.S. Round: 15 October 2025
• International Round: 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026

By preparing early and presenting a compelling application, you can increase your chances of securing this prestigious and life-changing scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for outstanding international students to study at the University of Cambridge.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Any applicant who is not a UK citizen and is applying for a full-time Master’s or PhD programme at Cambridge is eligible.

3. Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, airfare, visa costs, and additional funding opportunities.

4. How competitive is the scholarship?

The programme awards around 80 scholarships each year and receives thousands of applications globally, making it extremely competitive.

5. Can current Cambridge students apply?

Only if they are applying for a new postgraduate degree.

6. Does the scholarship fund part‑time study?

It funds part-time PhD programmes but not part-time Master’s degrees.

APPLY FOR THE GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP