Fully Funded Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2026 for Diploma, Masters & PhD International Students

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2026 for Diploma, Masters & PhD International Students

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program $\text{2026}$ continues its legacy of nurturing the next generation of global leaders. Offering approximately $\text{80}$ full-cost scholarships annually, this prestigious opportunity is open to outstanding international applicants outside the $\text{UK}$ who seek to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

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Established in $\text{2000}$ through a landmark $\text{\$210}$ million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship selects exceptional scholars based on four key criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choosing their course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. Approximately two-thirds of the awards are granted to $\text{PhD}$ students. Since the scholarship is highly competitive, it is crucial to understand the expectations; exploring International Student Resources can provide context on the high standards of global applicants.

The scholarship also supports a vibrant global network of over $\text{1,700}$ alumni who remain committed to the Gates Cambridge mission of making a meaningful impact on the world. This award covers all aspects of your studies, making it one of the most comprehensive funding packages globally. To ensure your application meets the bar for this level of excellence, review guides like How to Write a Chevening Scholarship Essay that Wins for inspiration on structuring highly persuasive essays.

Program Summary

• Host Institution: University of Cambridge
• Location: United Kingdom ($\text{UK}$)
• Category: Masters Scholarships | $\text{PhD}$ Scholarships | Fully Funded
• Eligible Countries: All International Students (Non-UK citizens)
• Reward: Full Scholarship (Tuition + Stipend + Travel + $\text{Visa}$ Costs)
• Awards Available: Approximately $\text{80}$ per year ($\text{25}$ for $\text{US}$ applicants; $\text{55}$ for International applicants)
• Application Deadlines: Different for each course; generally $\text{15}$ October $\text{2025}$ (US applicants) or $\text{2}$ December $\text{2025}$ / $\text{7}$ January $\text{2026}$ (International applicants).

 

Available Subjects and Degree Level

• Degree Levels: Master’s ($\text{MLitt}$), $\text{PhD}$ (full-time or part-time, for $\text{PhD}$ pilot program only), and One-year postgraduate course (full-time).
• Subjects: All Subjects available at the University of Cambridge are eligible.
• Ineligible Courses (Examples): Undergraduate degrees ($\text{BA}$, affiliated $\text{BA}$), specific Master’s programs ($\text{MASt}$, Business related), most part-time degrees, and non-degree courses (consult the Gates Cambridge website for full details).

Scholarship Benefits

• University Composition Fee: Covers the full cost of your studies at Cambridge.
• Maintenance Allowance: Provides a fixed amount for living expenses: $\text{PhD}$ Students receive up to $\text{£21,000}$ per year for up to four years; other students’ amounts are pro-rated.
• Travel and $\text{Visa}$ Costs: Covers one economy single airfare for travel to and from Cambridge, along with inbound $\text{visa}$ fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Discretionary Funding: Includes up to $\text{£2,000}$ for academic development (conferences/courses), dependent children allowance (up to $\text{£16,548}$), fieldwork funding, maternity/paternity funding, and hardship funding.
• Important Note: The Trust may reduce or eliminate your maintenance allowance if you receive a salary or other substantial scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship has strict criteria based on citizenship and the type of degree sought at Cambridge.

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Course of Study: You must be applying for a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge ($\text{PhD}$, $\text{MLitt}$, or a one-year postgraduate course).
• Current Cambridge Students: You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship for a new postgraduate course (e.g., $\text{MPhil}$ to $\text{PhD}$). You cannot apply to fund the remaining part of a course you’ve already started.
• Selection Criteria: Selection is based on the four main criteria: intellectual ability, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
• Alternative Funding: If ineligible for Gates Cambridge, check the University of Cambridge’s graduate funding website at www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk for other options.

Application Procedure

The application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is integrated into the University of Cambridge’s standard graduate application process. There is no separate portal.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Requirements

You must submit the following documents/statements within the single application form:

1. Gates Cambridge Statement ($\text{500}$ words): A crucial essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship and how you meet the four key criteria (intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to improving lives, and course justification).
2. Research Proposal ($\text{PhD}$ only): Required if not already part of your admission application.
3. Gates Cambridge Reference: A reference specifically addressing the scholarship criteria. This referee cannot be a friend, family member, or someone unfamiliar with the program.

How to Apply

1. Use Single Portal: Apply through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal through the link provided below.
2. Complete Admission Section: Choose your course, College preference, and provide academic background details.
3. Complete Funding Section: Select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and complete the required sub-section, including the $\text{500}$-word statement.
4. Meet Deadlines: Deadlines vary by applicant course type

 

Application Deadlines: Different for each course; generally $\text{15}$ October $\text{2025}$ (US applicants) or $\text{2}$ December $\text{2025}$ / $\text{7}$ January $\text{2026}$ (International applicants).

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the scholarship is fully funded, covering the University Composition Fee, a living maintenance allowance ($\text{£21,000}$ for $\text{PhD}$), travel costs, and $\text{visa}$ fees.

2. Can students from any country apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Yes, the scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities except citizens of the United Kingdom.

3. What degree levels are covered by this scholarship?

The scholarship covers most postgraduate degrees: Master’s ($\text{MLitt}$), $\text{PhD}$, and one-year postgraduate courses.

4. What are the four key selection criteria for the scholarship?

The four key criteria are outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

5. What is the approximate number of scholarships awarded annually?

Approximately $\text{80}$ full-cost scholarships are awarded each year.

6. Do I need to fill out a separate application form for the scholarship?

No, there is a single application form for both admission to Cambridge and application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

7. What is the word limit for the Gates Cambridge Statement?

The Gates Cambridge Statement has a word limit of $\text{500}$ words.

8. Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already halfway through my $\text{PhD}$ at Cambridge?

No, you cannot apply for a scholarship to fund the remaining part of a course you have already started. You must be applying for a new course.

9. What is the application deadline for US citizens?

The application deadline for $\text{US}$ citizens living in the $\text{USA}$ is typically $\text{15}$ October $\text{2025}$.

10. Does the scholarship cover bench fees or equipment costs?

No, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not cover bench fees or equipment costs; these are expected to be covered by the academic department.