The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/28 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded postgraduate awards, offering outstanding international students the opportunity to pursue a PhD, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program selects scholars based on intellectual ability, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Key Details
- Award covers: Full University Composition Fee (tuition); annual maintenance stipend (~£23,152 for 2026/27 — confirm current rate); return economy airfare; inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Duration: Up to 4 years for PhD students; duration of the course for other postgraduate degrees
- Additional funding: Discretionary funding available for fieldwork, family allowances, and academic development
- Eligible degrees: PhD, MLitt, or selected one-year postgraduate courses at Cambridge
- Eligibility: Open to citizens of any country outside the UK who are applying to a postgraduate degree at Cambridge; US citizens residing in the US have a separate, earlier deadline
- Deadline (International Round): 8 December 2026 (or 6 January 2027 for some courses — check your specific course deadline)
- US citizens deadline: 14 October 2026 (closed)
How to Apply
Applications are made through the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions portal. There is no separate Gates Cambridge application — candidates tick a box indicating they wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship during the university application. Departmental ranking takes place December 2026 to February 2027, with scholarship outcomes by early March 2027.
Apply and learn more at the official Gates Cambridge website →
Always verify deadlines and details on the official Gates Cambridge and University of Cambridge websites before applying.