Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 in the UK

Anybody interested in studying in the UK? Then this platform is conducive for you. Studying in the UK is now open for the academic year 2026-27. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK is a highly prestigious and fully funded international scholarship offered by the University of Cambridge, UK. Interested candidates for a Master’s and a PhD degree are eligible to apply. This scholarship is open to all U.S. citizens and international students.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel costs, and other expenses. It also provides additional discretionary funding, such as family allowance, fieldwork, and hardship funding.

The selection criteria focus on academic excellence, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit with the chosen course at Cambridge. This scholarship aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities and around the world.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are fully funded and also offer additional discretionary funding. They are open to all international students from outside the UK. Each year, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards a total of 90 scholarships. The maximum duration of the scholarship is up to 2 years for most postgraduate courses, while for Ph.D. programs, the scholarship can extend up to 4 years.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship represents the largest single donation ever made to a university in the United Kingdom. We highly encourage you to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the 2026–2026 academic year, as it is one of the most prestigious opportunities to study in the UK. The entire application process is conducted online.

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Details About Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK

  • Country name: USA, United Kingdom
  • University name: Cambridge University
  • Funded by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Degree: Ph.D., Master’s Degree, Diploma
  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 in the UK

U.S. citizens currently living in the United States

This round is specifically for applicants who are U.S. citizens and currently residing in the United States. It applies exclusively to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Eligible candidates must complete their application and submit all required documents, including references, by 16 October. They are not permitted to apply in the later round. However, U.S. citizens who are living, studying, or working abroad at the time of application should apply during the later round (see details below).

What stage? Date
Applications open* 4 September 2026
Application deadline 16 October 2026 (Time noon, noon in local US time zone)
Departmental ranking 21 October 2026 to Thursday 21 November 2026
All applicants are notified of the application outcome by 11 December 2026
Review and selection by panels 24 January and Saturday 25 January 2026
Scholarships offered by 3 February 2026
Scholarships accepted 72 hours after the offer

 

All other eligible applicants

The majority of applicants will apply during this round, which is aligned with the University’s postgraduate funding competition. There are two possible application deadlines, depending on the specific course you are applying to. Please ensure you apply by the Course Funding Deadline listed in the University Course Directory (found in the right-hand column of the webpage). All required documents must be submitted by 23:59 (midnight) UK time on the specified deadline.

What stage? Date
Applications open* 4 September 2026
Application deadline* Dependent on your course – either 3 December 2026 or 7 January 2026 (see Course Directory)
Departmental ranking December – February
All applicants notified of the application outcome 5 March 2026
Review and selection by panels 24 March 2026 and 25 March 2026 (TBC)
Scholarships offered 7 April 2026
Scholarships accepted 72 hours after the offer

 

Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK

Coverage and Benefits

  • University Composition Fee
  • A Maintenance Allowance for a Single Student (£17,500 for 12 months) – for Ph.D. scholars, the award is for up to 4 years
  • Academic Development Funding: From £500 to up to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course.
  • Family Allowance: Up to £10,120 for a first child and up to £4,320 for a second child. No funding is provided for a partner.
  • One Economy Round Airfare Ticket
  • Maternity/Paternity Funding
  • Inbound Visa Costs & the Cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Hardship Funding: For unforeseen difficulties.

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Available Fields

  • IT
  • Arts
  • BioMedical
  • Bio logical
  • Engineering (All Fields)
  • Science
  • Humanities
  • Social Science
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Islamic Studies
  • Astronomy
  • School of Arts and Humanities
  • School of Biological Sciences
  • School of Physical Sciences
  • School of Clinical Medicine
  • School of Technology
  • Institutions independent of any School
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Courses not available

  • Master of Business (MBA)
  • Master of Finance (MFin)
  • MBBChir Clinical Studies
  • Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
  • Part-time degrees
  • Non-degree courses
  • MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
  • Undergraduate degrees such as BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)

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Required Documents for Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK

  • Gates Cambridge Statement (500 words)

  • Research Proposal (Ph.D. applicants only)

  • CV or Resume

  • Academic Transcripts

  • Two Academic References

  • One Gates Cambridge Reference

  • English Language Test Scores (if required)

  • University of Cambridge Course Application

Eligibility Criteria 

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

  1. Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK
  2. Applying for a full-time postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge
  3. Must have excellent academic results
  4. Should show leadership skills
  5. Must be committed to helping others
  6. Course choice should match your goals and background
  7. If already at Cambridge, must be applying for a new degree

Let me know if you want details on which courses are eligible, too!

How to Apply? 

  • Choose a course at the University of Cambridge.

  • Apply online through the University’s Graduate Application Portal.

  • In the application, select “Gates Cambridge Scholarship” when asked about funding.

  • Upload the required documents (e.g., statement, transcripts, CV, references).

  • Submit your application before the course deadline (check the University Course Directory).

  • If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview.

  • Final selection is made after the interviews.

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