The Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year represents one of the world’s most prestigious international scholarship programs, offering exceptional students from outside the UK the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Established through a landmark donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship seeks to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
The program selects scholars based not only on outstanding intellectual ability but also on leadership potential, commitment to addressing global challenges, and a strong alignment with the Gates Cambridge mission of creating a better world. Beyond comprehensive financial support, scholars gain membership in a vibrant, multidisciplinary community dedicated to positive social impact.
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Details of Gates Cambridge Scholarship in UK 2026-27
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Funding Source | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Study Level | Master’s, PhD, and other postgraduate degrees |
| Eligibility | Non-UK citizens (international students) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Additional Allowances) |
| Application Deadline | Expected: 15 October 2025 (Confirm via official site) |
| Official Website | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026:
- University Composition Fee: Covers full tuition at the appropriate rate.
- Maintenance Allowance: £20,000 per year for living costs.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class ticket from home country to the UK at the start and end of the degree.
- Immigration Costs: Coverage of inbound visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Academic Development Funding: From £500 to £2,000 for conferences, courses, and other academic activities.
- Family Support: Additional allowances for partners (£11,604) and first children (£16,548).
- Fieldwork Funding: Support for research-related travel.
- Hardship Funding: Emergency support for unexpected difficulties.
- Parental Support: Funding for maternity/paternity leave.
Available Study Fields
The scholarship is open for all postgraduate courses available at the University of Cambridge, including but not limited to:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Technology
- Engineering (all fields)
- Mathematics
- Architecture
- Education
- Business and Management
Eligibility Criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027:
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Be applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time)
- MSc or MLitt (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA)
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, typically evidenced by a first-class or high upper-second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Show leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Articulate how their chosen course of study aligns with their future goals and potential for social impact.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Completed University of Cambridge graduate application form
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship statement (approximately 500 words)
- Research proposal (for research-based programs)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Three academic references (one specifically for Gates Cambridge)
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required by the course)
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 in the UK? A Step-by-Step Guide
- Review Official Information: Thoroughly read all guidelines on the official Gates Cambridge website.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet all criteria, particularly regarding citizenship and course eligibility.
- Choose Your Course: Research and select an appropriate postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required materials, paying special attention to the Gates Cambridge statement and securing strong references.
- Submit University Application: Complete the University of Cambridge’s graduate application via the Applicant Portal.
- Apply for Gates Cambridge: In the funding section of the application, indicate your wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- Meet Deadlines: Ensure your complete application is submitted by the relevant deadline—typically early October for US citizens and early December for other international applicants, though all applicants should verify exact dates on the official website.
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