The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships for outstanding international students. Funded by the Gates Cambridge Trust through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it enables talented students to pursue a PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a generous maintenance stipend, return airfare, visa costs, and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS). It is awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of others. If you’re planning to study at Cambridge for the 2027–2028 academic year, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Host Country | United Kingdom |
| 🏛️ University | University of Cambridge |
| 🎓 Scholarship Name | Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 |
| 📚 Degree Level | PhD, MLitt, and eligible one-year Master’s courses |
| 💰 Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| 🏢 Funded By | Gates Cambridge Trust (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) |
| 📝 Application Fee | Free |
| 📅 Applications Open | September 2026 (exact date to be confirmed) |
| ⏰ Deadline (US Applicants) | 14 October 2026 |
| ⏰ Deadline (International Applicants) | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (depending on the course) |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://www.gatescambridge.org |
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Established in 2000, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s leading postgraduate scholarship programmes. It supports outstanding students from countries outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Around 80 scholarships are awarded each year, with approximately 25 offered to applicants from the United States and 55 to applicants from other countries.
Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is then considered as part of the same application process.
Successful scholars are selected based on four key criteria:
- ✔ Outstanding academic achievement
- ✔ Leadership potential
- ✔ A commitment to improving the lives of others
- ✔ A strong academic fit between the applicant and their chosen Cambridge programme
Financial Benefits of Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 provides comprehensive financial support, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research at the University of Cambridge.
Successful applicants will receive:
- ✔ Full University Composition Fee (Tuition Fee)
- ✔ Annual maintenance allowance of £22,050 at the current published rate (pro-rated for shorter courses and available for up to four years for PhD scholars)
- ✔ One economy-class return airfare to and from the UK
- ✔ UK Student Visa costs
- ✔ Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS)
- ✔ Academic development funding of up to £2,000
- ✔ Discretionary family allowance for eligible scholars with children
Note: The maintenance stipend is reviewed annually. Applicants should check the official Gates Cambridge website for the latest published amount.
Related Scholarships: 🎓 Chevening Scholarship 2027.
Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
You may apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 if you:
- ✔ Are a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- ✔ Apply for a full-time PhD, full-time MLitt, or an eligible one-year postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge (part-time PhD applications are currently being piloted)
- ✔ Meet the academic admission requirements of your chosen University of Cambridge course
- ✔ Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
- ✔ Show leadership potential
- ✔ Have a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others
Who Cannot Apply?
You are not eligible if you are applying for:
- ❌ An undergraduate degree
- ❌ Most part-time postgraduate programmes
- ❌ Non-eligible postgraduate courses
- ❌ Professional programmes such as the MBA, Executive MBA, MFin, PGCE, and certain medical degrees
Required Documents for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:
- 📄 Completed University of Cambridge postgraduate application
- 🎓 Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- 👨🏫 Two academic references
- ✍️ One Gates Cambridge-specific reference
- 📝 Gates Cambridge Statement explaining how you meet the scholarship selection criteria
- 📚 Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Related Scholarships: 🎓 Commonwealth Scholarship 2027.
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Course
Select an eligible postgraduate programme from the University of Cambridge. Search the course directory.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Complete the University of Cambridge postgraduate application online.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Section
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship application is completed within the same Cambridge application. There is no separate scholarship portal.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Submit all required academic documents, references, and the Gates Cambridge Statement. PhD applicants must also upload a research proposal.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline applicable to your applicant category.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 📅 Applications Open | September 2026 (exact date to be confirmed) |
| 🇺🇸 US Applicants Deadline | 14 October 2026 |
| 🌍 International Applicants Deadline | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (depending on the course) |
| 🎤 Interview Stage | Late January 2027 (US) / Late March 2027 (International) |
| 📢 Results | According to the official Gates Cambridge selection timeline |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers full tuition fees, an annual maintenance stipend, return airfare, visa costs, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS), and additional discretionary funding for academic development and eligible family members.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open to applicants from any country outside the United Kingdom who meet the eligibility requirements and apply for an eligible postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge.
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship application is completed as part of your University of Cambridge postgraduate application. There is no separate scholarship application portal.
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
Yes. Holding a Master’s degree does not prevent you from applying. However, you must apply for an eligible postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge and satisfy both the course admission requirements and the Gates Cambridge selection criteria.
Is there an age limit?
The official Gates Cambridge eligibility guidance does not specify an age limit. Applicants should refer to the official website for the latest eligibility requirements.
Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful?
Yes. If you remain eligible, you may submit a new application in a future scholarship cycle.
Official Links
🌐 Official Website:
https://www.gatescambridge.org
📝 Apply Here:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/
📄 Eligibility Criteria:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/
📅 Application Timeline:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/timeline/