Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028 | Fully Funded Scholarship at the University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunities at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Each year, the programme offers around 70 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK who want to pursue postgraduate study at Cambridge.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to applicants pursuing a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of the scholarships are awarded to PhD students, while the remaining awards are available through the US and International selection rounds.

The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others.

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About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 following a historic US$210 million donation from the Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.

The first Gates Cambridge Scholars entered residence in October 2001. Since its establishment, the programme has developed a global community of scholars and alumni.

There are approximately 250 Gates Cambridge Scholars studying at Cambridge at any one time, covering the full range of subjects available at the University and representing different academic departments and Colleges.

The wider Gates Cambridge community includes more than 1,700 Scholar Alumni from 116 countries.

Gates Scholarship Overview

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides an opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s leading universities without having to bear the full cost of their Cambridge education.

Key Scholarship Details

• Scholarship: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• University: University of Cambridge
• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Study level: Postgraduate
• Eligible applicants: Applicants from countries outside the UK
• Fields: Any subject available at the University of Cambridge
• Awards: Around 70 scholarships each year
• PhD awards: Approximately two-thirds of scholarships
• Funding: Full-cost scholarship
• PhD funding period: Up to 4 years
• Maintenance allowance: £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026–27 rate
• Selection: Highly competitive

Who Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship For?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed for outstanding applicants from outside the United Kingdom who want to pursue eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship is particularly focused on applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic ability while also showing a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Applicants are assessed according to four main selection criteria.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Selection Criteria

1. Outstanding Intellectual Ability

Applicants for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship are expected to demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability.

A strong academic record and evidence of intellectual achievement are important parts of a competitive application.

2. Reasons for Choosing the Course

Applicants should have clear and convincing reasons for choosing their proposed course at Cambridge.

Your application should demonstrate why the particular course is appropriate for your academic interests, future plans and professional development.

3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others

The Gates Cambridge programme looks for applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others.

This is a central part of the scholarship’s mission and should be reflected in the applicant’s experiences, goals and future ambitions.

4. Leadership Potential

Applicants are also assessed on their leadership potential.

A successful Gates Cambridge Scholar is expected to contribute positively to the wider community and develop into a future leader capable of creating meaningful change.

What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship. It covers the core costs associated with studying at Cambridge and also provides access to additional discretionary funding in certain circumstances.

University Composition Fee

The scholarship covers the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.

The exact fee varies according to the type of student and programme. Applicants should consult the University of Cambridge Graduate Studies prospectus for precise fee information.

Where an applicant receives a fee award from a public authority, such as UKRI, the Gates Cambridge Trust may not pay the fee or may share the fee and maintenance costs.

Annual Maintenance Allowance

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides a maintenance allowance for a single student.

For the 2026–27 rate, the maintenance allowance is £23,152 for 12 months. The allowance is pro rata for courses lasting less than 12 months.

For PhD Scholars, the scholarship award is available for up to four years.

Airfare

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.

This helps successful international scholars manage the cost of travelling to and from Cambridge.

Visa and Health Costs

The scholarship also covers inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

These benefits make the Gates Cambridge Scholarship particularly valuable for international students who would otherwise face significant additional expenses when studying in the UK.

Additional Gates Cambridge Scholarship Funding

In addition to the core scholarship funding, the Gates Cambridge Trust considers applications for several types of additional funding on a discretionary basis.

Academic Development Funding

Scholars may apply for academic development funding to attend conferences and courses.

Depending on the length of the course, funding can range from up to £750 to up to £4,000.

Dependent Children Allowance

Eligible Scholars may apply for a dependent children allowance.

The funding can provide:

• Up to £12,793 per year for one child
• Up to £18,244 per year for two or more children

The scholarship does not provide funding for a partner.

Fieldwork Funding

PhD Scholars may apply to retain their normal maintenance allowance while undertaking fieldwork as part of their PhD.

The Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs because these are expected to be covered by the University Composition Fee.

Maternity and Paternity Funding

Scholars who require maternity or paternity support may apply to interrupt their studies for up to six months while continuing to receive their maintenance allowance.

Hardship Funding

The Gates Cambridge Trust also considers hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties affecting a Scholar.

What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Not Cover?

Although the Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers most major costs associated with studying at Cambridge, some academic expenses are not covered.

The scholarship does not cover:

• Bench fees
• Scientific equipment
• Similar academic resources

The Trust expects these core course costs to be covered by the relevant academic department at Cambridge.

Can You Receive a Salary or Another Scholarship?

Applicants and Scholars who receive a salary from an employer or another substantial scholarship should inform the Gates Cambridge Trust as soon as possible.

The Trust reserves the right to reduce or not pay the standard maintenance allowance where a Scholar is receiving substantial additional funding.

This means applicants should carefully review their total funding arrangements before accepting other financial support.

Why Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers much more than financial assistance.

Successful Scholars become part of an international community of researchers, students and alumni connected through Cambridge and the Gates Cambridge programme.

The programme provides an opportunity to:

• Study at the University of Cambridge
• Join an international community of Scholars
• Develop academic and professional networks
• Access funding for eligible academic development activities
• Pursue postgraduate study with substantial financial support
• Become part of a global community focused on improving the lives of others

How Competitive Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive because the programme offers only around 70 scholarships each year while attracting outstanding applicants from around the world.

Approximately two-thirds of the awards are expected to go to PhD students.

Applicants therefore need to demonstrate more than strong academic performance. A competitive application should clearly communicate the applicant’s intellectual ability, reasons for choosing their course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.

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How to Prepare a Strong Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application

Applicants interested in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship should begin preparing well before the relevant application deadline.

Build a Strong Academic Profile

Your academic achievements should demonstrate your ability to succeed in demanding postgraduate study.

Highlight significant academic accomplishments and experiences relevant to your proposed Cambridge course.

Explain Why Cambridge

Clearly explain why you have selected your proposed course.

Avoid simply describing the reputation of Cambridge. Instead, demonstrate how the course connects with your academic interests and long-term goals.

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Others

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship places significant emphasis on improving the lives of others.

Your application should therefore clearly demonstrate how your experiences and future ambitions connect with this objective.

Show Leadership Potential

Think beyond formal leadership titles.

Leadership potential can be demonstrated through meaningful initiatives, responsibility, community involvement, academic activities or other experiences where you have contributed to positive change.

Prepare a Focused Application

Because the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is extremely competitive, applicants should ensure that their application presents a clear and consistent story.

Your academic background, proposed course, achievements, leadership potential and future goals should work together rather than appearing as disconnected pieces of information.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Career and Academic Opportunities

Becoming a Gates Cambridge Scholar can provide access to an international academic community while studying at the University of Cambridge.

The programme brings together Scholars from different countries and academic disciplines, creating a distinctive community within Cambridge.

The wider Gates Cambridge network includes more than 1,700 alumni from 116 countries, providing a long-term international network for Scholars after graduation.

Final Thoughts on the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship represents a major opportunity for outstanding international students seeking fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

With around 70 full-cost scholarships available each year, a maintenance allowance of £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026–27 rate, airfare, visa-related costs and additional discretionary funding, the scholarship can significantly reduce the financial barriers associated with studying at Cambridge.

However, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive. Successful applicants need to demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, strong reasons for choosing their course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.

For international students with ambitious academic goals and a desire to create positive change, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship remains an exceptional postgraduate scholarship opportunity to consider.