Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027-28
About this scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with a donation of US$210 million. It is one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, enabling outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Approximately 80 scholars are selected each year from a pool of over 6,000 applicants. The programme prioritises candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. Must be applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge (PhD, MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course). Must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to improving the lives of others, and a strong fit between the applicant's qualifications and their proposed course of study. There is no age limit.
Benefits & Coverage
Full university tuition fees and college fees, maintenance allowance (approximately £19,100 for 12 months in 2026-27), one return economy airfare per year, inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge, discretionary funding for academic development (conferences, research trips, courses), access to Gates Cambridge community and scholars network, family allowance for dependants where applicable
Required Documents
University of Cambridge graduate application form, Gates Cambridge-specific statement of purpose, Research proposal (for PhD applicants), Academic transcripts and degree certificates, Two or three academic references, CV/Resume, English language proficiency (IELTS 7.5+ or equivalent for most departments), GRE scores (required or recommended by some departments), Passport copy
How to Apply
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK applying for an eligible full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge
- Submit your Cambridge admission application by the relevant deadline (October for US citizens resident in the US, early January for all others)
- Complete the Gates Cambridge section (a statement and a reference); you are considered as part of the admissions process
