Introduction — University of Cambridge & Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is world renowned for research leadership, academic excellence, and global impact. Its colleges and departments attract top international students studying sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, awards fully funded postgraduate degrees to outstanding applicants from outside the UK. It supports academic rigour, leadership, innovation, and service to society.
Search Snapshot — Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27
Host Country & Institute
Host country: United Kingdom — University of Cambridge, England.
Host institute: University of Cambridge's colleges and departments offering PhD, MLitt, one-year postgraduate programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK.
- Degree: Applying for full-time postgraduate degree: PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year course; some professional degrees excluded.
- Academic merit: Meet Cambridge department’s academic standards; be among top applicants.
- Application tracks: US Round (for US citizens resident in USA), International Round (all other applicants).
- Opening date: Applications open 10 September 2025 for entry 2026-27.
Benefits — Funding & Support
- Tuition fees: Fully covered (University Composition Fee).
- Maintenance allowance: £21,000 for 12 months (2024-25 rate), pro rata for shorter courses; up to 4 years for PhD scholars.
- Flights & visa: One economy airfare at start & end, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) expenses paid.
- Academic development fund: £500-£2,000 for conferences, training etc.
- Dependent allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child; £16,548 for two or more children.
- Family & hardship: Maternity/paternity support, hardship funding, and maintaining allowance during approved fieldwork for PhD studies.
Fields to Study
Open across nearly all postgraduate disciplines at Cambridge: sciences, medicine, engineering, law (where eligible), humanities, social sciences, arts, interdisciplinary research. Check course pages for exclusions.
Documents Required
- Official transcripts from all universities attended.
- CV/Resume with education, work, leadership & research experience.
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
- References: Two academic references + one Gates Cambridge reference highlighting leadership & service.
- Scholarship statement: Gates Scholarship questions (~500 words).
- English proof: IELTS/TOEFL scores or Medium-of-Instruction letter (if claiming exemption).
- Writing sample / portfolio if required by course.
- Passport details & any course-specific test (e.g. GRE/GMAT).
English Language Requirements
The University of Cambridge requires evidence of English proficiency unless you qualify for an exemption. Below are all the details:
List A Countries (Majority English-Speaking):
- Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Exemptions: If you are from a List A country, or completed a recent degree entirely taught in English (with official MOI proof), or earned a qualification in a List A country within the last 2 years.
When test is required: If no exemption applies, provide one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall with ≥7.0 in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: 110 overall with minimum ~25 in each section.
- Other accepted tests: Cambridge C1/C2, PTE Academic — check specific department requirements.
Validity period: Tests or MOI letters must be valid — generally within 2 years of the course start date.
How to Apply
- Select course: Choose your postgraduate course and confirm its deadlines.
- Gather documents: transcripts, proposal, references, English proof, etc.
- Submit online application: Through Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, indicating Gates Cambridge funding.
- Scholarship statement: Answer Gates-specific questions (~500 words); shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
Application Dates 2026-27:
- Applications open: 10 September 2025
- US Round deadline: 15 October 2025 (23:59 GMT)
- International Round deadlines: 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depending on the course)
Frequently Asked Questions — Gates Cambridge Scholarship
What does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover?
Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa, and additional family/academic support.
Can I apply if I already studied in the UK?
Yes: You can apply for a new eligible course, such as a PhD, even if you completed a Master’s in the UK.
Is IELTS mandatory for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
IELTS/TOEFL: Required unless exempt via List A country nationality or an English-medium degree accepted by Cambridge.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Numbers: About 80 new Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded annually across all disciplines.
When will results be announced?
Timeline: Shortlisting in February; interviews in March; final results announced shortly after interviews.
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