🎓 Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026: Your Pathway to a Fully Funded Postgraduate Degree at Cambridge University

Are you an ambitious international student dreaming of studying at one of the world's most prestigious universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, fully funded. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open. Here's everything you need to know to take the first step toward your future.

🌟 What Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship aims to build a global community of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Each year, approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. (Gates Cambridge)

📅 Key Dates for 2026 Entry

• Application Opens: September 10, 2025

• Application Deadlines:

  • US Round: December 2, 2025

  • International Round: January 7, 2026

• Note: Deadlines vary depending on your course. Always check the specific deadline for your chosen program. (Gates Cambridge)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if you are:

• A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom

• Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential degrees at the University of Cambridge:

  • PhD

  • MLitt

  • MSc

  • One-year postgraduate course (e.g., LLM, MRes, MASt)

• Not applying for:

  • Undergraduate degrees

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

  • Master of Finance (MFin)

  • Executive Master of Accounting

  • Business Doctorate (BusD)

  • PGCE

  • MBBChir Clinical Studies

  • MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time, Home students only)

  • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)

  • Part-time degrees other than the PhD (Gates Cambridge)

📝 How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge's Graduate Application Portal. To be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:

1. Apply for admission to your chosen course and a College place.

2. Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section, which includes:

   • Gates Cambridge Selection Questions: Four questions that assess your academic excellence, reasons for choosing your course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

   • PhD Applicants: Submit a research proposal as part of your application. (Gates Cambridge)

💰 What the Scholarship Covers

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost award, covering:

• University tuition fees

• College fees

• Maintenance allowance

• Travel costs

• Visa fees

This comprehensive support ensures that financial barriers do not hinder your academic and professional aspirations.

🌍 Why Apply?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is more than just financial support; it's a gateway to:

• Studying at one of the world's leading universities

• Joining a vibrant community of scholars from diverse backgrounds

• Accessing unparalleled academic resources and networks

• Contributing to global change through research and innovation

📌 Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin your application well in advance to ensure you meet all deadlines.

• Be Authentic: Reflect on your personal experiences and how they align with the scholarship's values.

• Demonstrate Impact: Showcase how your work has positively affected others and your commitment to making a difference.

• Seek Feedback: Have mentors or peers review your application materials before submission.

📢 Spread the Word

Know someone who might be interested in this opportunity? Share this post on social media or forward it to a friend. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship could be the key to unlocking a world of possibilities.