The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious international scholarships, offering fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the program supports outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees in any subject offered at Cambridge.
Designed for future leaders committed to improving the lives of others, the scholarship covers all study costs at Cambridge and provides additional support for research, family, and professional development.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge program aims to:
- Build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
- Support postgraduate study in any discipline available at Cambridge.
- Provide resources beyond academic training, including leadership development and networking opportunities.
Since its founding, the scholarship has supported over 2,000 scholars from more than 100 countries, making it one of the most diverse and impactful funding programs worldwide.
For related postgraduate opportunities, explore Masters Scholarships and PhD Scholarships on ScholyHub.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | Master’s (MPhil/MLitt), PhD, and certain one-year postgraduate courses |
| Eligible Subjects | All courses at Cambridge except MBA, MFin, and certain non-degree programs |
| Eligible Countries | All countries outside the UK |
| Scholarship Coverage | Tuition fees, stipend, airfare, visa costs, family allowance, research support |
| Application Deadline | October–December 2025 (varies by course) |
| Program Start | October 2026 |
Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Recipients are awarded one of the most comprehensive funding packages available:
- Full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge.
- Annual stipend to cover living expenses.
- One economy return airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa application and immigration health surcharge costs.
- Family allowance for scholars with children.
- Fieldwork and research grants (subject to approval).
- Funding for attending conferences and leadership development opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Apply for one of the following programs at Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate course (MPhil, MLitt, or others, except MBA and MFin)
- Certain professional degrees where funding is approved
- Demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability.
- Show evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to improving lives.
- Apply before the relevant course deadline (which may vary between October and December 2025).
For more international options, also see scholarships by country and fellowships.
Required Documents
Candidates must submit:
- Completed Cambridge postgraduate application form (via University portal).
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship application form (within the same portal).
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- CV or résumé.
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
- Two academic references and one reference for Gates Cambridge (leadership/personal statement).
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if required).
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: September 2025
- Deadline for US applicants: Mid-October 2025
- Deadline for all other applicants: December 2025 (varies by course)
- Shortlisting and Interviews: February–March 2026
- Final Results: March 2026
- Program Start: October 2026
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026
- Apply online via the Cambridge postgraduate application portal.
- Select an eligible course and college preference at Cambridge.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge application section (separate essay and reference required).
- Upload all required documents (transcripts, CV, personal statement, research proposal).
- Submit before the deadline (varies by nationality and program).
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (virtual or in-person).
For additional resources, explore other postgraduate opportunities on ScholyHub.
Explore More Opportunities
FAQs – Gates Cambridge Scholarship
1. Who can apply?
Applicants from any country outside the UK.
2. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, visa fees, and more.
3. Which courses are not eligible?
The Cambridge MBA, MFin, and certain non-degree or part-time programs.
4. How many scholarships are awarded?
Around 80 scholarships annually, with approximately two-thirds for PhD applicants.
5. When will results be announced?
Final results are released in March 2026 after interviews.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is one of the most competitive and fully funded awards in the world. By offering not just financial support but also leadership development and global networking opportunities, it empowers outstanding individuals to create lasting social impact.
If you are an ambitious student with a vision to contribute to your community and the world, apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship before the deadline and take your next step toward academic excellence at the University of Cambridge.