Gates Cambridge University Scholarship offers full funding for outstanding international postgraduate students to pursue study at the University of Cambridge and join a global scholars community.
The scholarship is administered by the Gates Cambridge Trust in partnership with the University of Cambridge and supports applicants applying for full-time residential postgraduate degrees at Cambridge.
Gates Cambridge University Scholarship Benefits
- University composition fee (varies according to the Graduate program)
- maintenance allowance, £21,000/year
- Economy class return tickets from Home country to UK and from UK to Home country at the end.
- Inbound visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge cost.
- Academic development funding (£500 to £2,000)
- Family allowance (from £11,604 to £16,548 for 1st and second child)
- Fieldwork allowance for PhD
- Maternity/Paternity funding
- Hardship funding
Gates Cambridge University Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
- Apply for a full-time residential postgraduate degree at Cambridge
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Show commitment to improving the lives of others
- Demonstrate leadership capacity
Documents Required
- Online Application
- Statement of Purpose.
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Gates Cambridge Reference
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge University Scholarship?
- Apply via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal
- Complete admission to a course and secure a college place
- Fill in the Gates Cambridge funding section (four selection questions) in the application
- Submit required references including a Gates Cambridge reference plus academic references
- PhD applicants must include a research proposal where required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Gates Cambridge University Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, application rounds, deadlines, and how selection is carried out.
Who should apply in the US citizens earlier round?
The official timeline states that applicants who are US citizens and currently resident in the United States must apply in the October round. They must submit all application documents, including references, by the October deadline and are not eligible for the later round.
When do applications open for entry in 2027-2028?
According to the official Gates Cambridge timeline, applications open on 11th September 2026 for entry in the academic year 2027/8. This opening date applies to both the US-specific and the main application rounds.
What is the deadline for US citizens resident in the USA?
The Gates Cambridge timeline specifies that the application deadline for US citizens resident in the USA is Wednesday 14th October 2026, with full applications to be submitted by 11:59pm UK time on that date.
What are the deadlines for all other eligible applicants?
For most other applicants there are two course-dependent deadlines: either Tuesday 8th December 2026 or Wednesday 6th January 2027. Applicants should follow the Course Funding Deadline in the University Course Directory and submit all documents by 11:59pm UK time on the stated date.
What selection stages follow application submission?
The official page notes departmental ranking, review and selection by panels, and interviews. For US applicants, departmental ranking occurs late October–November 2026, panel review in January 2027, and scholarships are offered by early February 2027. For others, ranking and panel review occur between December and March with offers by early April 2027.
Are PhD applicants required to submit a research proposal?
Yes. The supplementary applicant guidance specifies that PhD (doctoral research) applicants are required to submit a research proposal as part of their application to the University and Gates Cambridge funding process.
What documents are required for a Gates Cambridge application?
Applicants must submit the Cambridge Graduate Application (admission and funding), complete the Gates Cambridge funding section with four selection questions, provide two academic references plus one Gates Cambridge reference, and include a personal statement. PhD applicants additionally provide a research proposal.
Who is eligible to apply overall?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to citizens of any country outside the UK who apply for full-time residential postgraduate degrees at Cambridge and who demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
How long does the Gates Cambridge University Scholarship last?
The scholarship funds scholars for the full duration of their postgraduate programme, typically ranging from one to four years depending on the course, as noted in the programme information and supplementary details.
Where can I find course-specific deadlines and more application details?
The official timeline directs applicants to the University Course Directory and the postgraduate admissions web pages for course-specific funding deadlines and up-to-date application information. Applicants should refer to those pages and the Gates Cambridge site for full guidance.
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