Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded for International Students at University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate awards. Funded by a historic US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program offers around 80 full‑cost scholarships each year to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Scholars pursue any postgraduate degree (full‑time or part‑time) at the University of Cambridge.

The selection criteria emphasize outstanding intellectual ability, a commitment to improving the lives of others, leadership potential, and a strong fit with the chosen course. Approximately two‑thirds of awards go to PhD students, with about 25 awards available in the US round and 55 in the International round. If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United Kingdom, explore fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Host University: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

• Study Level: Postgraduate (PhD, Master’s, or second Bachelor’s)

• Number of Scholarships: Approximately 80 per year

• Eligible Applicants: Citizens of any country outside the UK

• Application Rounds: US round (~25 awards) and International round (~55 awards)

• Funding Coverage: Full cost of study (tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa, health surcharge) + discretionary funding

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Outstanding intellectual ability – strong academic record and potential

• Reasons for choice of course – clear, motivated fit between your background and your chosen program

• A commitment to improving the lives of others – demonstrated through service, advocacy, or community engagement

• Leadership potential – evidence of influencing and inspiring others

Scholarship Benefits – Core Components

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including:

• Full University Composition Fee (tuition) at the appropriate rate for your program

• Maintenance allowance for a single student – £22,050 for 12 months (2025‑26 rate; pro rata for shorter courses). For PhD scholars, the award is for up to 4 years.

• One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course

• Inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge

For applicants interested in other UK government scholarships, see United Kingdom's latest scholarships in 2026.

Discretionary Funding (Additional Support)

The Trust also considers applications for:

• Academic development funding – from up to £500 to up to £2,000 (depending on course length) to attend conferences and courses

• Dependent Children Allowance – up to £12,184 per year for one child and up to £17,375 per year for two or more children. No funding is provided for a partner.

• Fieldwork – you may apply to keep your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (fieldwork costs themselves should be funded by the University Composition Fee)

• Maternity/paternity funding – if you need to intermit studies for up to 6 months, you may continue to receive your maintenance allowance

• Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties

What is NOT Covered

• Bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources. The Trust expects such core course costs to be covered by the academic department at Cambridge.

Important Notes on Other Funding

If you are receiving a salary from an employer or have another substantial scholarship, the Trust reserves the right to reduce or not pay the standard maintenance allowance. You should let the Trust know as soon as possible if you are awarded any other funding towards your degree at Cambridge.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Choose a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge. Review the graduate studies prospectus for specific course requirements and application deadlines.

Step 2: Complete the online application for admission to Cambridge via the University’s Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Step 3: In the funding section of the application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. You must apply by the relevant funding deadline for your course.

Step 4: Submit your application, including all required supporting documents (transcripts, CV, research proposal or statement of purpose, two to three academic references, and English proficiency proof if applicable).

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (conducted via video conference for international applicants).

Step 6: Successful applicants receive a letter of offer from both the University and the Gates Cambridge Trust.

Application Deadlines (varies by course)

• US round: Approximately October (for US citizens studying in the US)

• International round: Approximately December – January

Check the official Gates Cambridge website for exact deadlines for your intended course.

For additional financial aid options across Europe, explore financial aids for students in Europe.

Why Choose the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

• Full cost coverage – tuition, living allowance, airfare, visa, and health surcharge

• Prestige – Gates Cambridge Scholars are part of a global network of future leaders

• Community – Join over 1,700 alumni from 112 countries and approximately 250 current scholars

• Discretionary funding – Additional support for conferences, children, fieldwork, and hardship

• Cambridge experience – Study at one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities

Final Thoughts

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a life‑changing opportunity for exceptional international students who want to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. With full funding, generous allowances, and a community of like‑minded leaders, you can focus on your studies and your mission to improve the lives of others. Applications open approximately one year before the course start date. Prepare your academic records, craft a compelling application, and apply by the relevant funding deadline.

For a complete list of open scholarships in the United Kingdom, visit list of all open scholarships in United Kingdom.

Apply Now for Gates Cambridge Scholarship