Gates Cambridge Scholarship (postgraduate, 2027-28 entry)

Full cost: University Composition Fee + maintenance allowance (£23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate; pro rata for shorter courses; PhD up to 4 years) + one economy airfare at start and end of course + inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge. Discretionary extras: academic development funding (£750-£4,000), dependent child allowance, hardship funding. Around 70 awards a year.

Fully funded

citizens of any country outside the UK applying for a PhD (full-time, or part-time under the pilot), a full-time MLitt, or a full-time one-year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil) at Cambridge; apply in the funding section of the Cambridge postgraduate application (Gates questions + Gates reference). NOT considered: undergraduate degrees, MASt, part-time degrees other than the PhD, MBA, EMBA/Global EMBA, MFin, Executive MAcc, BusD, PGCE, MBBChir, MD, Graduate Course in Medicine (A101), Master of Conservation of Easel Painting. Selection criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, commitment to improving the lives of others, leadership potential. Current Cambridge students may apply for a NEW course.

For Indian students: Yes - Indian citizens apply in the 'all other eligible applicants' (international) round.

8 Dec 2026 · 54 days left

2027-28: applications opened 11 Sep 2026; deadline 8 Dec 2026 OR 6 Jan 2027 (11:59pm UK) depending on course - check the Cambridge Course Directory; outcome by 8 Mar 2027; panels 22-23 Mar 2027; offers by early April 2027. (14 Oct 2026 round is only for US citizens resident in the US)

How to apply: Separate application

Essays this award asks for:

Most awards also ask for transcripts, ID and an admission offer. Check the official page for the exact list.

• gatescambridge.org
• gatescambridge.org

Last verified: 13 Oct 2026