The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive postgraduate scholarships. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it offers approximately 80 full-cost awards annually to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree — including PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year postdoctoral programmes — at the University of Cambridge. Applications for the 2027/28 academic year will open in September 2026.
Key Benefits
- Full University of Cambridge tuition fees
- A maintenance allowance for living costs (currently ~£21,000/year)
- Airfare to and from Cambridge
- Funding for academic development, including conferences and fieldwork
- Family allowance for scholars with dependents
- Access to the global Gates Cambridge community of scholars and alumni
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Apply to a full-time residential postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge (any subject)
- Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability and academic excellence
- Show a commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential and a desire to be part of a diverse community
Key Dates
- Applications open: September 2026
- US citizens deadline: October 2026
- All other international applicants: December 2026 / January 2027 (course-dependent)
How to Apply
- Apply simultaneously to the University of Cambridge via the Gates Cambridge online application portal
- Indicate your interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship on the Cambridge Graduate Admissions application
- Submit academic references, a personal statement, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview
Each year, approximately two-thirds of awards go to PhD students. The scholarship is awarded not just on academic excellence, but on leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official Gates Cambridge website before applying.