Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2027/2028 for Study at the University of Cambridge, UK (Fully Funded) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: 6th January 2027

About the Scholarship

The 2027/2028 Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is now accepting applications. An international scholarship programme at the University of Cambridge, Gates Cambridge is intended for outstanding postgraduate students who share a potential for social leadership and a desire to improve the lives of others. Around 70 full-cost scholarships are offered each year by Gates Cambridge to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK so that a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge can be pursued. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately a third of awards available in the US round and the rest available in the international round. The selection criteria are: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential Approximately 250 Scholars are studying in Cambridge at any one time, by whom the full range of subjects available at the University is pursued, and who are spread across its departments and Colleges, as well as forming their own distinctive community.

Eligibility Requirements

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship can be applied for if you are:

• a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
• applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge:

• PhD (full-time or part-time)
• MLitt (full-time)
• one-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions see below.

A scheme which allows applicants to apply for funding for a part-time doctoral degree (PhD) is continuing to be piloted by Gates Cambridge.

Funding

The full cost of studying at Cambridge is covered by a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Additional discretionary funding is also provided.

Core Components

• the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*
• a maintenance allowance for a single student (£22,050 for 12 months at the 2025-26 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months) – for PhD scholars the award is for up to 4 years
• one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
• inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
• The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students; the Graduate Studies prospectus should be seen by applicants for full details about precise amounts. Where a fee award from public authorities (such as the UKRI) has been successfully gained by a student, this award should be accepted and their fee will not be paid by the Trust or their fee and maintenance costs may be shared.

Discretionary Components

Applications for several types of additional funding are also considered by the Trust on a discretionary basis:

• academic development funding from up to £750 to up to £4,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
• Dependent Children Allowance up to £12,793 per annum for one child and up to £18,244 per annum for two or more children. No funding is provided for a partner.
• fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (the Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee).
• maternity/paternity funding should you require it, you may apply to intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time
• hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties facing the scholar

How to Apply

The University of Cambridge postgraduate application process should be used by interested applicants to apply. Full details about the application process, including course-specific deadlines, are available in the Course Directory.

For More Information: Visit the Official Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2027/2028 Page