Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028 (Fully Funded) – Apply Now

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028: Fully Funded Master's and PhD Scholarships in the UK

Published: 9 November 2026

Title: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028

Organisation: Gates Cambridge Trust and University of Cambridge

Category: Scholarship

Country / Region: United Kingdom (Cambridge)

Study Level: Master's Degree and PhD

Funding: Fully Funded

Deadline: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course

Official URL: https://www.gatescambridge.org/

Open to Nationalities: All nationalities except British citizens

About the Scholarship

Applications are open for the 2027/2028 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the most prestigious international scholarship programmes for postgraduate students.

The programme was established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. Its goal is to build a global network of outstanding future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.

The scholarship provides exceptional students from countries outside the United Kingdom with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support covering their university fees, living expenses and other essential costs associated with studying in the UK.

The programme welcomes applicants from different academic backgrounds and professional fields, provided they demonstrate outstanding academic ability, leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive difference in society.

Approximately 75 scholarships are awarded annually across the programme's international and US application rounds.

Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the approved period of study.

Successful scholars receive:

• Full University of Cambridge tuition fees.
• Maintenance allowance for living expenses.
• One economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the programme.
• Visa application costs.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Academic development funding for conferences and other academic activities.
• Family allowance for eligible scholars with dependent children.
• Fieldwork funding where applicable.
• Maternity and paternity funding, subject to the programme's conditions.

The maintenance allowance for the 2026/2027 academic year is £23,152 for 12 months. The allowance applicable to the 2027/2028 award should be confirmed by the Trust.

The scholarship is normally awarded for the full duration of the eligible academic programme.

Eligible Courses

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports selected postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge.

Eligible courses include:

1. PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), full-time or part-time.
2. MLitt (Master of Letters), full-time.
3. Eligible one-year full-time postgraduate courses.

The scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including:

• Engineering and Technology.
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
• Business and Management.
• Economics and Finance.
• Public Policy and International Relations.
• Law.
• Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Environmental Sciences.
• Social Sciences.
• Humanities and Arts.

Important: Not every postgraduate programme is eligible. Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, most part-time programmes other than PhDs, MBA, MFin, PGCE and certain professional or clinical programmes are excluded.

Applicants must check whether their chosen course qualifies before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the 2027/2028 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Apply for an eligible postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic ability.
• Show strong leadership potential.
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others.
• Have a clear and convincing reason for choosing their proposed course of study.

There is no general age limit for the scholarship.

Applicants from African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other eligible countries, are welcome to apply.

Selection Criteria

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship selection process focuses on four main criteria.

1. Academic Excellence

Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and the intellectual ability to succeed at the University of Cambridge.

2. Reasons for Choosing the Course

Candidates must explain why they have selected their particular postgraduate programme and how it connects with their academic interests, professional experience and future ambitions.

3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others

The programme seeks individuals who are genuinely committed to making a positive contribution to society.

Applicants should demonstrate how their work, research, leadership or future plans can address important challenges and improve people's lives.

4. Leadership Capacity

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to lead, influence others and contribute to meaningful change within their communities, organisations or professional fields.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents as part of their University of Cambridge graduate application:

• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificates.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal statement and Gates Cambridge application questions.
• Two academic references.
• One additional Gates Cambridge reference.
• Research proposal, where required for the selected course, particularly for PhD applicants.
• Other supporting documents required by the chosen academic department.

All references must be submitted before the applicable funding deadline.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

There is no separate scholarship application portal. Applicants indicate their interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship within their postgraduate admission application.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Course

Visit the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and identify a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.

Confirm that the course is eligible for Gates Cambridge funding.

Step 2: Check the Funding Deadline

Each course has its own application and funding deadlines.

Check the Course Funding Deadline on your chosen course page. Do not rely only on the general university admission deadline.

Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Arrange your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, research proposal where applicable and three references.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Create an account on the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

Complete the postgraduate admission application and select Gates Cambridge in the funding section.

Step 5: Answer the Scholarship Questions

Complete the four Gates Cambridge selection questions covering:

• Academic excellence.
• Reasons for choosing the course.
• Commitment to improving the lives of others.
• Leadership capacity.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review your application and ensure that all required documents and references are submitted before your course's funding deadline.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the 2027/2028 international round are:

• 8 December 2026: For courses with this funding deadline.
• 6 January 2027: For courses with the later funding deadline.

Both deadlines are at 11:59 PM UK time.

Applicants should check their selected programme's funding deadline through the official University of Cambridge Course Directory.

The separate US application round is for US citizens currently resident in the United States and has already closed for this application cycle.

Selection Timeline

The expected selection process for the international round is:

• December 2026 – February 2027: Departmental assessment and ranking.
• By 8 March 2027: Applicants notified of the selection outcome.
• 22–23 March 2027: Interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• Early April 2027: Scholarship offers announced.

Successful candidates must accept their scholarship offers within 72 hours.

Official Application Links

Gates Cambridge Official Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/

Scholarship Information: https://www.gatescambridge.org/programme/the-scholarship/

Eligibility Requirements: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/

Application Guidelines: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/how-to-apply/

University of Cambridge Course Directory: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses

Graduate Application Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/applying

Important Notice

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the four selection criteria and ensure that their application clearly communicates their academic achievements, leadership experience and commitment to improving the lives of others.

There is no separate fee charged by the Gates Cambridge Trust for the scholarship itself. However, the University of Cambridge may charge a postgraduate application fee, subject to its fee-waiver policies.

Avoid individuals or agents promising guaranteed admission or scholarship awards.

For accurate information, always consult the Gates Cambridge Trust and University of Cambridge official websites.

Prepare your application early and take the opportunity to study at one of the world's leading universities.