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Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026/2027: Full Funding To Study In UK
Applications are now open for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026/2027. The award covers full study cost at the University of Cambridge and is open to citizens outside the UK. Read further for eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most well-known awards offered to students from outside the United Kingdom. It began in October 2000 when the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave a record donation of 210 million US dollars to Cambridge. That gift still stands as the largest single donation ever made to a UK university.
Each year, about eighty full-cost scholarships are given to outstanding applicants. Around two-thirds of these are set aside for PhD students. Of the total, twenty-five awards are given in the United States round, while the international round sees fifty-five awards shared.
What The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Covers
The scholarship is more than just a tuition waiver. It clears the cost of study and adds a maintenance allowance, plus extra help in special cases.
Core BenefitsUniversity Composition Fee at the approved rate
Maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months at 2024–25 rate, adjusted for shorter courses)
Up to four years of support for PhD scholars
Economy airfare at the start and end of the course
Visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge covered
Extra Support (On Request)Academic development fund of £500 to £2,000 for conferences and courses
Dependent children allowance, up to £11,604 for one child and £16,548 for two or more (partners are not covered)
Fieldwork allowance, with maintenance support during approved PhD fieldwork
Maternity or paternity funding, up to six months while studies are paused
Hardship support for unexpected financial issues
Who Can Apply For The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The award is open to:Citizens of any country outside the UK
Applicants applying to study:PhD (full-time or part-time)
MLitt (full-time)
One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:Strong intellectual ability
Clear reasons for choosing the course
A real drive to improve lives of others
Leadership potential
How To Apply For The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Applications are made through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. Candidates must complete both the admission and funding sections, including the Gates Cambridge part of the form.
The scholarship board reviews the full application, including choice of course, college, and supporting details.
Key Dates To NoteUS citizens resident in the USA: 15 October 2025 (by 23:59 GMT)
Other eligible applicants: Deadlines depend on the chosen course, either 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (by 23:59 GMT)
Applications can be made directly on the Gates Cambridge official site. Further details are available on the programme page.
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