- Fully FundedScholarship type
- University of CambridgeHost institution
- ~80 / yearAwards
- ~110 countriesScholar community
- Masters & PhDStudy level
- Improving others’ livesCore criterion
At a glance
full
Funding
€70k
Max amount
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
Any country outside the United Kingdom
Country
Gates Cambridge Trust
Provider
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international postgraduate awards in the world, established in 2000 by a ~US$210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation — the largest single donation ever made to a UK university. It funds a full postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge for outstanding scholars from outside the UK who show the capacity and the desire to use their knowledge to improve the lives of others. Around 80 scholars join each year — roughly 25 from the United States (selected in a dedicated round) and 55 from the rest of the world. Beyond full funding, Gates Cambridge offers a defining community: scholars come from ~110 countries and form a lifelong network supported by the Gates Cambridge Trust, with dedicated events, leadership programmes, and academic and social activities. The scholarship is tenable for the full duration of a PhD (typically three to four years) or for one- or two-year master's and postgraduate courses. It is open to almost every subject area Cambridge offers, and selection is need-blind and based purely on the strength of the candidate.
What's covered
- University Composition Fee — The full University tuition fee at the appropriate rate for your course (~£25,000–£35,000/year for international students).
- College fees — Cambridge College fees are paid in full.
- Maintenance stipend — ~£20,500/year for a single scholar (12-month rate), adjusted periodically.
- Airfare — One discretionary return economy airfare at the start and end of the course.
- Visa & health surcharge — The UK visa application cost and the Immigration Health Surcharge are reimbursed.
- Family allowance — ~£11,000/year for a first child and ~£4,800 for a second (for scholars with a family).
- Academic development funding — Discretionary funds for conferences, fieldwork, and academic travel.
- Family/maternity & fieldwork support — Additional discretionary funding for hardship, maternity/paternity, and academic needs.
How to apply
There is no separate Gates Cambridge application form. You apply through the standard University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal and tick the box to be considered for Gates Cambridge, completing the additional Gates Cambridge statement within the same form by the relevant deadline.
- Choose your course — Select an eligible full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge and check its specific funding deadline.
- Submit the Cambridge application — Apply via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal, ticking the Gates Cambridge funding box.
- Write the Gates Cambridge statement — Complete the ~3,000-character statement on why Gates Cambridge and how you will use your degree to improve the lives of others.
- Provide references — Secure academic references plus a Gates Cambridge personal reference speaking to your commitment to others.
- Shortlisting & interview — Shortlisted candidates are interviewed (in person or online) by an interdisciplinary panel.
- Results — Offers are confirmed after interviews; scholars take up the award the following Michaelmas (October).
Eligibility
NationalityCitizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
Degree soughtFull-time PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year master's (e.g. MPhil) at the University of Cambridge.
Academic standingAn outstanding academic record (typically first-class / high-GPA) and admission to the qualifying Cambridge course.
Excluded coursesPart-time degrees, most undergraduate degrees, PGCE, MBA, and a few other courses are not eligible.
Commitment to othersDemonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others is a core, assessed criterion.
Applicants who are ordinarily resident in the UK for fee purposes are generally not eligible. There is no separate quota by country other than the US / non-US round split.
Eligible countries
Any country outside the United Kingdom
Deadlines
US citizens (in the US)2026-10-14
Rest of world (2027 entry)2026-12-03
Selection
Candidates are assessed on four criteria: outstanding intellectual ability; reasons for choosing the specific Cambridge course (fit); a commitment to improving the lives of others; and leadership potential. Shortlisting is done by academic departments and the Trust; final selection is by interview with an interdisciplinary panel. The process is need-blind — financial circumstances play no part in selection.
Verified sources
- Gates Cambridge — How to Applygatescambridge.orgofficial
About the provider
The Gates Cambridge Trust administers the Gates Cambridge Scholarship on behalf of the University of Cambridge, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others, selecting scholars on intellectual ability, leadership potential, fit with Cambridge, and a demonstrated commitment to social impact.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
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A full-cost postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge, established in 2000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through a ~US$210 million gift. ~80 scholars are selected each year from outside the UK.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Any citizen of a country outside the UK applying for a full-time PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's at Cambridge. There are no age limits. A few courses (MBA, PGCE, part-time degrees) are excluded.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The full University Composition Fee, College fees, a maintenance stipend (~£20,500/year for a single scholar), one return airfare, UK visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs, and discretionary family, academic development, and hardship funding.
How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded?
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~80 per year — roughly 25 to US citizens (in a dedicated round) and ~55 to scholars from the rest of the world, drawn from around 110 countries.
When is the application deadline?
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US applicants: ~mid-October. Rest of the world: ~early December to early January depending on the course. Always verify your specific course deadline on the Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
Is there a separate application form?
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No. You apply through the standard University of Cambridge postgraduate application and tick the Gates Cambridge funding box, then complete the additional Gates Cambridge statement within the same form.
How competitive is it?
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Extremely — roughly 6,000 applicants compete for ~80 places each year (~1.3% success). Selection weighs academic excellence, course fit, commitment to improving others' lives, and leadership.
What is the Gates Cambridge statement?
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A ~3,000-character personal statement explaining why you are applying to Gates Cambridge and how you intend to use your Cambridge degree to improve the lives of others — a central, assessed part of the application.
Can I bring my family?
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Yes. Scholars with families may receive a family allowance (~£11,000/year for a first child, ~£4,800 for a second). A partner can accompany you, though the stipend is calculated for a single scholar.
Does financial need affect selection?
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No — selection is need-blind. Your financial circumstances are not considered; awards are made purely on the strength of the candidate and fit with the course.
What can I study?
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Almost any subject Cambridge offers at postgraduate level — sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and more — except a short list of excluded courses (MBA, PGCE, part-time degrees).
What is the Gates Cambridge community like?
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A close, interdisciplinary community of ~2,000+ scholars and alumni across ~110 countries, supported by the Trust with orientation, an annual symposium, leadership and outreach programmes, and lifelong networking.