Gates Cambridge Scholarships
A fully funded international scholarship program for outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK to pursue full-time degrees at the University of Cambridge. The program focuses on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
October (US round); December or early January (International round)
Country
United KingdomAbout the Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. It supports approximately 80 scholars each year, with about two-thirds of awards allocated to PhD students.
The program is designed for citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom. It covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance, and travel, while providing a community-focused experience for scholars across all departments.
Selection is based on four criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. The process is needs-blind, meaning financial circumstances are not considered during evaluation.
There are two distinct application rounds. The US round is for US citizens resident in the United States, while the International round is for all other eligible applicants. The program is aligned with the University of Cambridge's postgraduate funding competition for the international cohort.
Scholars become part of a global network of over 1,700 alumni from 112 countries. The program emphasizes values of community, learning, internationality, compassion, and change.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Full coverage of tuition, living costs, and travel expenses
Access to a global network of over 1,700 alumni
Opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge in any subject
Discretionary funding for academic development and family support
Membership in a unique, interdisciplinary scholar community
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Identify the correct application round based on citizenship and residency
Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge via the postgraduate portal
Submit the Gates Cambridge Scholarship section within the application
Ensure all documents, including references, are submitted by the specific round deadline
Await notification of outcome from the department and the Trust
Application Timeline
September
Applications Open
October
US Round Deadline
December or early January
International Round Deadline
February (US) or April (International)
Scholarship Offers
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
PhD applicants must contact a potential supervisor to develop a research project before applying
Ensure your application clearly links your past leadership experience to future career goals
Define your commitment to improving the lives of others based on your own personal experiences
Check the University Course Directory to confirm the specific funding deadline for your chosen course
US citizens living abroad must apply in the International round, not the US round
Be prepared to explain why the specific Cambridge course is necessary for your career plans
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
Yes, if you are applying for a new postgraduate course. However, you cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course you have already started.
Yes, the scholarship does not cover undergraduate degrees, MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, or certain professional and non-standard degrees.
The Trust provides a Dependent Children Allowance, but no funding is provided for a partner.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open September - get your documents ready now.
Apply on Official Website →Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.
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