Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established in October 2000 by a historic donation of US$210 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. This prestigious program represents the largest single donation ever made to a UK university and stands as one of the world’s most competitive postgraduate scholarships.

Each year, Gates Cambridge offers approximately 75-80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The program transforms exceptional individuals into global leaders committed to improving lives worldwide through their chosen fields of study.

Since the first class of scholars came into residence in October 2001, the Trust has awarded over 2,000 scholarships to scholars from more than 100 countries. Today, a vibrant community of approximately 250 scholars from 50 countries studies at Cambridge simultaneously, supported by an alumni network exceeding 1,700 Gates Cambridge graduates across the globe.

Scholarship Overview

Academic Level: Postgraduate study (Master’s, PhD, MLitt programs)
Host Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Annual Awards: Approximately 75-80 full-cost scholarships awarded yearly
Award Distribution: Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 20-25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round
Eligibility: Open to citizens from any country outside the United Kingdom
Competition Level: Highly competitive with an acceptance rate below 2%
Program Duration: Two years for master’s and three years for PhD
Subject Areas: All subjects available at the University of Cambridge (with specific exclusions)
Selection Criteria: Outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential
University Ranking: Cambridge consistently ranks among the top 5 universities globally
Community Size: Approximately 250 Scholars from c. 50 countries studying in Cambridge at any one time

Also read: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for International Students

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Coverage

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship delivers complete financial protection that removes monetary obstacles for world-class scholars pursuing advanced degrees. This comprehensive funding package allows recipients to dedicate their full attention to groundbreaking research and academic excellence without economic stress.

Essential Financial Components:

Complete Tuition Payment: Full coverage of University Composition Fee at appropriate rates for all eligible degree programs
Living Expense Support: Annual maintenance allowance of £21,000 (2024-25 rate), providing comprehensive living cost coverage for 12 months
Extended PhD Funding: Up to 4 years of continuous financial support for doctoral candidates pursuing research degrees
Global Travel Support: Economy class return flights between the home country and Cambridge at program commencement and completion
Immigration Fee Coverage: Complete payment of UK visa application costs and mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge requirements

Additional Discretionary Benefits:

Professional Development Funding: Academic development allowances ranging from £500 to £2,000 based on program duration for conference attendance and specialized coursework
Dependent Child Support: Family allowances providing up to £11,604 for single child households and up to £16,548 for families with multiple children (2024-25 rates)
Research Field Support: Maintenance allowance continuation during approved PhD fieldwork periods is essential for dissertation research
Family Leaves Assistance: Maternity and paternity funding enabling up to 6 months of study intermission while maintaining full financial support.
Crisis Support Fund: Emergency financial assistance program addressing unexpected personal or academic difficulties during study periods

Also read: Yale University Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) for International Students.

Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship maintains rigorous eligibility standards to identify future leaders with exceptional potential. These requirements ensure selected scholars possess both academic excellence and commitment to improving others’ lives.

Fundamental Requirements:

Citizenship Status: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
Academic Level: Applying for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge
Degree Programs: PhD programs, Master’s degrees, MLitt programs (with specific exclusions noted)
Current Students: Cambridge students can apply for new degree programs (example: transitioning from MPhil to PhD)
Academic Excellence: Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability through previous academic achievements
Leadership Potential: Show evidence of leadership capacity in academic, professional, or community contexts
Service Commitment: Display clear dedication to improving the lives of others through future work
English Proficiency: Meet Cambridge University language requirements for chosen program
Age Requirements: No specific age restrictions (most recipients are recent graduates or early-career professionals)

Program Exclusions:

Undergraduate degree programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Finance (MFin)
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
Business Doctorate programs
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
MBBChir Clinical Studies
MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6-year part-time program)
Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
Part-time degree programs
Non-degree courses

Also read: DAAD Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) for International Students.

Required Documents for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Complete and accurate documentation is essential for Gates Cambridge consideration. Missing or incomplete materials result in automatic disqualification from the scholarship competition.

Essential Documentation:

Academic Records: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended worldwide
Degree Verification: Copies of all completed degree certificates and academic diplomas
Academic References: 2 academic references submitted directly by referees through the online system
Personal Statement: Gates Cambridge-specific statement (maximum 3,000 characters) explaining motivation and future goals
Research Proposal: Detailed research proposal required for PhD applications and research-based Master’s programs
Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores if English is not your first language
Citizenship Proof: Valid passport copy showing citizenship from a country outside the United Kingdom
Cambridge Application: Complete the University of Cambridge graduate school application for your chosen program
Curriculum Vitae: Comprehensive academic and professional CV highlighting significant achievements and experiences
Writing Samples: Academic writing samples demonstrating research ability (required by some programs)
Additional Materials: Program-specific documents as mandated by your chosen academic department
Funding Application: Gates Cambridge funding application completed within the main Cambridge application system

Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents

How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge application process requires meticulous preparation and strategic planning. Successful candidates demonstrate exceptional academic credentials while articulating their commitment to improving others’ lives through their chosen field.

Application Steps:

Research Program Selection: Identify your desired postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge through the Graduate Studies directory
Cambridge Application: Complete the University of Cambridge graduate application through their official online portal system
Scholarship Selection: Select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship option in the funding section during the main application process
Program Deadline: Submit the Cambridge application by the program-specific deadline for your chosen course of study
Gates Components: Complete all Gates Cambridge-specific application components integrated within the main application
Academic References: Secure 2 academic references who can evaluate your scholarly potential and personal character
Personal Statement: Write your Gates Cambridge personal statement (maximum 3,000 characters) explaining motivation and goals
Research Proposal: Prepare a detailed research proposal for PhD programs or research-intensive Master’s degrees
Supporting Documents: Submit all required documentation before the specified application deadline
Cambridge Admission: Await University of Cambridge program admission decision (prerequisite for scholarship consideration)
Scholarship Review: If admitted to Cambridge, await the Gates Cambridge selection committee evaluation process
Interview Process: Participate in a scholarship interview if selected as a finalist candidate

Application Deadline

US Citizens Round: Applications open early September 2025, with a final submission deadline of October 15, 2025, at noon in the applicant’s local US time zone.
International Students Round: Deadlines vary by chosen course – either December 3, 2025 or January 7, 2026, depending on specific program requirements detailed in the Cambridge Course Directory. Applicants must verify exact deadlines for their selected programs through the official Cambridge website.

Official Website

Visit the Gates Cambridge official website for complete application details, eligibility verification, and current program information. OR

Apply Now

Also, check other scholarships in UK: Scholarships in UK

Frequently Asked Questions About Gates Cambridge Scholarship

What is the acceptance rate for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship has an extremely low acceptance rate of approximately 1.2%. This makes it one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. Each year, around 75-80 scholarships are awarded from thousands of applications globally. The high competition reflects the scholarship’s prestige and comprehensive funding package.

Can I apply for Gates Cambridge if I am already a Cambridge student?

Yes, current Cambridge students can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. You can apply if you are transitioning to a new degree program, such as moving from MPhil to PhD. However, you must be applying for a different program than your current one. The scholarship supports postgraduate study only.

How much money does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provide?

Gates Cambridge provides full funding worth over £40,000 annually. This includes £21,000 maintenance allowance, complete tuition fee coverage, return flights, visa costs, and health insurance. PhD students receive up to 4 years of funding. Additional discretionary funding includes up to £2,000 for academic development and family allowances up to £16,548.

What GPA do you need for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Gates Cambridge does not specify a minimum GPA requirement. However, successful candidates typically have first-class honors or equivalent (3.7+ GPA in the US system). The scholarship seeks outstanding intellectual ability demonstrated through academic excellence. Strong academic records are essential, but leadership potential and commitment to helping others are equally important.

When is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship deadline?

Application deadlines vary by applicant type and program. US citizens must apply by October 15, 2025. International students have deadlines of either December 3, 2025 or January 7, 2026, depending on their chosen course. Check the Cambridge Course Directory for your specific program deadline, as dates vary by department.

Do I need to take IELTS for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

IELTS requirements depend on your background and chosen program. If English is not your first language, you typically need IELTS scores meeting Cambridge University requirements. Most programs require IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5. However, some applicants may be exempt based on previous education in English. Check specific requirements for your chosen program.

What questions are asked in the Gates Cambridge interview?

Gates Cambridge interviews typically include questions about your research interests, career goals, and commitment to improving others’ lives. Common questions include: Why do you want to study at Cambridge? How will you use your education to help others? What are your leadership experiences? Interviews assess intellectual ability, course choice reasoning, leadership potential, and social commitment.

Can I apply for Gates Cambridge for a second Master’s degree?

Yes, you can apply for Gates Cambridge for a second Master’s degree. The scholarship supports postgraduate study in any eligible program at Cambridge. Having a previous Master’s degree does not disqualify you. However, you must demonstrate clear academic and career progression reasons for pursuing additional study. A strong justification for the new degree is essential.

Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship only for developing countries?

No, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is not limited to developing countries. The scholarship is open to citizens from any country outside the United Kingdom. This includes students from developed nations like the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and others. Geographic diversity is valued, but eligibility is based on citizenship outside the UK, not development status.

How long does it take to hear back from Gates Cambridge?

The Gates Cambridge selection process takes several months. Applications are first reviewed by Cambridge departments, then by the Gates Trust. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews in January or February. Interview results are typically announced within days of the interview weekend. Final decisions are usually communicated by March for the following academic year’s intake.