Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Fully funded postgraduate scholarships at the University of Cambridge for non-UK citizens with a commitment to social leadership. Approximately 80 awards are offered annually across two application rounds.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
US Citizens in US: 14 October 2026. All other applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 depending on the course.
Country
United KingdomAll United Kingdom guidesEvery United Kingdom scholarship in one place→About the Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme provides full-cost funding for outstanding postgraduate students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a degree at the University of Cambridge. Established in October 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Gates Foundation, the program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Each year, the Trust offers around 80 full-cost scholarships. Approximately two-thirds of these awards go to PhD students. About 25 awards are available in the US citizen round, and 55 awards are available in the international round. Scholars study a full range of available subjects across the university departments and colleges.
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance for single students, airfares, and visa costs. It also provides discretionary funding for academic development, dependent children allowances, fieldwork, maternity or paternity funding, and hardship.
Applicants are evaluated using four specific criteria: academic excellence, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a capacity for leadership. The admissions process is needs-blind, meaning financial circumstances are not considered.
There are two distinct selection rounds. The US round applies specifically to US citizens resident in the United States, with an October deadline. The international round applies to all other eligible applicants and aligns with the University of Cambridge postgraduate funding competition, with deadlines in December or January.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Provides full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for postgraduate study at Cambridge
Offers generous discretionary allowances for dependents, fieldwork, and academic conferences
Connects you with an active global alumni network of more than 1,700 scholars across 112 countries
Maintains a needs-blind selection process focused purely on academic merit, leadership, and social commitment
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge through the applicant portal
Complete the Gates Cambridge section within the application form to be considered for the scholarship
Submit all supporting documents including transcripts and references by the specified deadline for your applicant track
Application Timeline
11 September 2026
Applications Open
14 October 2026
US Citizen Application Deadline
For US citizens resident in the USA
14 December 2026
US Citizen Outcome Notification
8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027
International Application Deadline
Depends on the specific course
8 March 2027
International Outcome Notification
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Contact potential academic supervisors early to develop a strong research proposal if you are applying for a PhD
Carefully check the University Course Directory for your specific course funding deadline, as international round deadlines vary by subject
Clearly articulate your past and future commitment to improving the lives of others in your personal statement
Ensure your referees submit their letters before the deadline, as incomplete applications are not considered
Verify that your chosen course is not on the exclusion list, such as the MBA or PGCE
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
Yes. Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom, including Pakistan, are eligible to apply for the international round.
The scholarship provides a Dependent Children Allowance of up to 12,793 pounds per year for one child and up to 18,244 pounds for two or more children. No funding is provided for a partner.
Yes. Current Cambridge students studying for a degree like an MPhil can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a new postgraduate course like a PhD.
No. One-year postgraduate courses are generally eligible, but professional and non-standard degrees such as the MBA, MFin, PGCE, and clinical medical studies are excluded.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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Deadline: US Citizens in US: 14 October 2026. All other applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 depending on the course.