The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 stands among the world’s most prestigious and fully funded UK scholarships, empowering exceptional minds to pursue their postgraduate dreams at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this program offers around 80 full-cost scholarships each year, inviting outstanding international applicants to join one of the world’s leading academic communities.
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Established in 2000 through a historic $210 million donation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. It supports Master’s and PhD students from any country outside the UK, across all fields of study available at the University of Cambridge.
Every year, 25 awards are offered to US applicants and 55 to international students, providing opportunities across Cambridge’s diverse departments and colleges. Scholars benefit not only from financial support but also from an inspiring community of over 1,700 alumni working to make a meaningful global impact.
Selection Criteria:
Selection for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is based on four core criteria:
- Outstanding intellectual ability – a proven record of academic excellence.
- Reasons for choosing the course – clear alignment between your goals and your chosen program.
- Commitment to improving the lives of others – genuine dedication to making a social impact.
- Leadership potential – evidence of initiative and motivation to drive change.
These values guide the Gates Cambridge Trust in selecting scholars who can lead with purpose and contribute to global betterment.
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The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost award, meaning it covers all major expenses associated with studying at the University of Cambridge.
Core Funding Components:
- University Composition Fee – full tuition coverage.
- Maintenance Allowance – up to £21,000 per 12 months (2024–25 rate), pro-rated for shorter courses, and up to four years for PhD students.
- Travel Costs – one economy-class airfare to and from the UK.
- Visa Costs – includes visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Additional (Discretionary) Funding:
- Academic Development Funding – up to £2,000 for conferences or courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance – up to £16,548 for two or more children.
- Fieldwork Funding – maintenance allowance continues during approved fieldwork.
- Maternity/Paternity Funding – up to six months of study leave.
- Hardship Funding – for unexpected financial challenges.
This comprehensive package ensures scholars can focus entirely on their research and personal development while at Cambridge.
Eligibility Criteria
ou’re eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 if you meet the following conditions:
- You are a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- You are applying to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge — including:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year postgraduate courses (full-time)
If you’re already studying at Cambridge, you may apply for a new degree (for example, MPhil to PhD). However, funding for the remainder of an ongoing course is not available.
Key Dates and Application Deadlines
| Applicant Type | Applications Open | Deadline | Results Announcement |
| U.S. Citizens (living in USA) | 10 September 2025 | 15 October 2025 (23:59 GMT) | by 10 December 2025 |
| All Other Eligible International Applicants | 10 September 2025 | 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depends on course) | by 4 March 2026 |
Selected candidates are invited to interviews in January or March 2026, depending on their application round. Final offers are typically released within days of the selection panels.
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
All applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, where you’ll apply for both admission and funding simultaneously.
Step-by-step process:
- Select your graduate course and preferred Cambridge College.
- Complete the admission section with your academic details and personal statement.
- In the funding section, select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- Submit your Gates Cambridge Statement (500 words) explaining:
- Your intellectual strengths
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to improving others’ lives
- Why you chose your specific course
- For PhD applicants, include a research proposal.
- Provide a Gates Cambridge Reference, written by someone who can assess your personal qualities (not just academics).
Life as a Gates Cambridge Scholar
Becoming a Gates Cambridge Scholar means joining an active community of changemakers. Scholars participate in academic events, leadership programs, and global outreach activities designed to inspire collaboration and lifelong connections.
With access to Academic Development Funding, conference support, and a strong alumni network, Gates Cambridge Scholars continue to contribute to education, research, and policy around the world long after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply?
Anyone from outside the UK who wishes to study an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge. - What should I include in my 500-word Gates Statement?
Focus on your intellectual ability, reasons for your chosen course, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others - Are tuition fees and living costs covered?
Yes, the scholarship covers full tuition (University Composition Fee) plus a maintenance allowance of up to £21,000 per year, along with travel and visa expenses.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is more than just a fully funded academic opportunity — it’s a gateway to becoming part of a global network of visionary leaders dedicated to positive change. By offering comprehensive financial support, world-class education, and a community that values leadership and service, the scholarship empowers talented individuals from all corners of the world to turn their ideas into real impact.
For aspiring scholars with exceptional academic records, a passion for improving lives, and the drive to lead, this is one of the most transformative opportunities available in the UK. If you dream of studying at the University of Cambridge and making a lasting difference in the world, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship could be your path to achieving that vision.
Disclaimer:
This article on ScholarshipAlert4u is intended for informational purposes only. Scholarship details such as deadlines, funding amounts, and eligibility may change—please verify all information through the official Gates Cambridge Scholarship website before applying.
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