Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027

Overview

Fully funded scholarship for outstanding non-UK citizens to pursue a PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge. Covers fees, a stipend of £22,050/year, travel, and more.

Application Process

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded, highly competitive postgraduate scholarship that enables outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.

Opportunity

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Entry

Type

Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship

University

University of Cambridge

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Cambridge, England

Study Level

• PhD (full-time)
• MLitt (full-time)
• Eligible one-year postgraduate courses (full-time)

Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees (except PhD), and professional degrees such as MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, and medical qualifications are not eligible.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom, applying to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge that qualifies for the scholarship. Current Cambridge students may apply for a new postgraduate degree, but cannot receive funding for a course already in progress.

Fields of Study

Open to all subjects taught at the University of Cambridge — the scholarship is not restricted to a specific field, as long as the applicant is admitted to an eligible postgraduate course.

Funding

• University Composition Fee, covered at the appropriate rate
• Maintenance (stipend): £22,050 per year (2025–26 rate; PhD scholars receive this for up to 4 years)
• One economy return airfare at the start and end of the course
• Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
• Academic development allowance: £500–£2,000 depending on course length
• Dependent children allowance: up to £12,184/year (one child) or £17,375/year (two or more)
• Fieldwork maintenance for PhD students, and maternity/paternity leave (up to 6 months with maintained stipend)

Bench fees and scientific equipment costs are not covered and remain the responsibility of the student’s department.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed against four criteria:

• Academic excellence — evidence through transcripts, references, and potential to succeed on the chosen course
• Reasons for choice of course — a strong, well-argued case for that specific postgraduate degree at Cambridge
• Commitment to improving the lives of others — evidence of dedication to the societies the applicant will live and work in
• Capacity for leadership — demonstrated leadership experience and its potential future impact

Gates Cambridge uses a needs-blind admissions process: candidates are evaluated solely on academic qualifications, commitment, and potential, without regard to financial circumstances.

2027 Application Deadlines

US citizens resident in the USA: 14 October 2026 (by 12:00am GMT on the date given)

All other eligible applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the Cambridge course applied to — check the University’s Course Directory to confirm which deadline applies.

How to Apply

Apply through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal for your chosen postgraduate course, and complete the Gates Cambridge Scholarship application as part of that same process, by the relevant deadline above.