The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded postgraduate study opportunities at the University of Cambridge, UK, for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. The scholarship supports eligible postgraduate degrees and provides funding that can include the University Composition Fee, annual maintenance allowance, airfare, visa costs, and Immigration Health Surcharge. The programme was established in 2000 through a US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and aims to develop a global community of scholars committed to improving the lives of others.
This guide covers the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, application process, deadline, and FAQs.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 – Key Details
- Scholarship Name: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Host University: University of Cambridge
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: Postgraduate | Master’s | PhD
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of countries outside the UK
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Annual Maintenance Allowance: £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate
- Travel Support: Economy-class airfare
- Health Support: Immigration Health Surcharge
- Visa Support: Inbound visa costs
- Application Deadline: January 6, 2027 for the relevant general funding round; course-specific deadlines may differ.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the University of Cambridge’s major postgraduate funding programmes. It was created in October 2000 following a historic US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.
The programme aims to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. Scholars receive financial support as well as opportunities to become part of the wider Gates Cambridge community.
Around 80 full-cost scholarships are offered annually, although the number of awards can vary by year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants generally must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.
- Apply to an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Eligible study options include:
- PhD – full-time or part-time
- MLitt – full-time
- One-year postgraduate course – full-time, subject to certain exceptions.
- Current Cambridge students may apply if they are seeking admission to a new eligible postgraduate course.
- Meet the academic and admission requirements of the selected Cambridge programme.
- Demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Applicants should always check the eligibility requirements of their specific Cambridge course because course requirements and funding deadlines can vary.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed to cover the major costs of postgraduate study at Cambridge.
Core Benefits
- University Composition Fee: Covers the University Composition Fee at the applicable rate.
- Maintenance Allowance: £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate, pro-rated for courses shorter than 12 months.
- PhD Funding: The scholarship can provide funding for up to four years for PhD scholars, subject to the applicable award conditions.
- Airfare: One economy-class single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa Costs: Covers applicable inbound UK visa costs.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Covers the required Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Additional Funding: Scholars may also receive discretionary funding for approved additional expenses.
The exact University Composition Fee depends on the student’s fee status and course, so applicants should check the Cambridge Graduate Studies information for the applicable amount.
Additional Family and Discretionary Support
Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, Gates Cambridge Scholars may also be considered for additional funding, including support related to dependants, academic development, conferences, and other approved activities.
These additional allowances are discretionary rather than automatically guaranteed and depend on the relevant Gates Cambridge funding rules.
Eligible Courses
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports a wide range of postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Applicants should check the official Cambridge course directory to confirm whether their intended programme is eligible.
Common eligible study routes include:
- PhD programmes
- MLitt programmes
- Eligible one-year postgraduate courses
- Other qualifying postgraduate programmes listed by Gates Cambridge
Some postgraduate courses are specifically excluded, so applicants should verify eligibility before submitting an application.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to provide documents required for their chosen Cambridge course and Gates Cambridge funding application, which may include:
- Academic transcripts
- CV or resume
- Academic or professional references
- Personal or statement of purpose materials
- Evidence of English-language proficiency, where required
- Course-specific supporting documents
- Gates Cambridge Reference
- Research proposal for PhD applicants, where required.
The exact documents depend on the programme, so applicants should carefully follow the requirements shown in the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Cambridge Course
Search the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and select an eligible programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Review the Course Requirements
Check the academic qualifications, English-language requirements, supporting documents, and application deadline for your selected course.
Step 3: Complete the Cambridge Application
Submit your postgraduate application through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.
Step 4: Apply for Funding
When completing your application, indicate that you wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge funding and provide the additional information requested.
Step 5: Submit the Required Gates Documents
Complete the Gates Cambridge-specific requirements, including the Gates Cambridge Reference and, where applicable, the research proposal for PhD applicants.
Step 6: Submit Before the Funding Deadline
Make sure your complete application and references are submitted before the applicable funding deadline. For many non-US applicants applying for 2027 entry, January 6, 2027 is the relevant funding deadline, although individual courses may have different deadlines.
Step 7: Selection and Interview
Shortlisted applicants proceed through the Gates Cambridge selection process and may be invited for an interview before final decisions are made.
Application Deadline
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 deadline is January 6, 2027 for the relevant general funding round for many non-US applicants.
However, deadlines vary by course, and US citizens ordinarily resident in the USA have a separate earlier Gates Cambridge funding round. Applicants should therefore check the funding deadline listed on their specific Cambridge course page.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge in the UK for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom.
Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Citizens of countries outside the UK who are applying for eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge can apply, provided they meet the scholarship and course requirements.
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship is designed to cover the major costs of studying at Cambridge, including the University Composition Fee, maintenance allowance, qualifying airfare, visa costs, and Immigration Health Surcharge.
How much is the Gates Cambridge maintenance allowance?
The maintenance allowance is £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate, with the amount pro-rated for courses shorter than 12 months.
Does Gates Cambridge cover PhD study?
Yes. Eligible PhD applicants can apply, and the scholarship can provide funding for up to four years, subject to the applicable award conditions.
Does Gates Cambridge cover travel expenses?
Yes. The core scholarship includes an economy-class single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
Does the scholarship cover UK visa costs?
Yes. The scholarship includes applicable inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Do current Cambridge students qualify?
Current Cambridge students can apply if they are seeking admission to a new eligible postgraduate course.
Is IELTS required for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
There is no single scholarship-wide IELTS requirement. English-language requirements are determined by the University and the specific Cambridge course, so applicants should check the requirements of their chosen programme.
What is the application deadline for Gates Cambridge 2027?
For many non-US applicants, the relevant general funding deadline is January 6, 2027. However, applicants must check their specific Cambridge course because funding deadlines can differ. US citizens ordinarily resident in the USA have an earlier funding round.
Can I apply for any Master’s programme at Cambridge?
Not every postgraduate programme is eligible for Gates Cambridge funding. Applicants should check the official Gates Cambridge eligibility rules and their specific Cambridge course before applying.
What documents are required for Gates Cambridge?
Documents vary by course but commonly include academic transcripts, references, a CV, English-language evidence where required, and Gates Cambridge-specific materials. PhD applicants may also need a research proposal.
