Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you an outstanding international student with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive global impact? The Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships in the world. This highly competitive scholarship enables exceptional students from outside the UK to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Established through a generous donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship was created to build a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. The programme supports students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership capacity and a strong sense of social responsibility, regardless of their chosen field of study.
The Gates Cambridge International Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, which typically includes full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge, a generous maintenance allowance, a return economy airfare, visa costs, and additional funding for academic development, family support, and fieldwork where applicable. Scholars also benefit from access to exclusive leadership development programmes, networking opportunities, and a vibrant international community of change-makers from across the world.
By applying for the Gates Cambridge International Scholarship 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial support, they become part of an influential global alumni network and receive the tools needed to drive meaningful change in academia, industry, policy, and society at large.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing dates for the Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About Gates Cambridge
The Gates Cambridge International Scholarship was established in 2000 following a historic donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. Valued at US$210 million, this remains the largest single donation ever made to a UK university.
The first cohort of Gates Cambridge Scholars began their studies in 2001, and since then, the programme has supported thousands of talented individuals from around the world, empowering them through world-class education and leadership development.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open to students from outside the UK who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge for the 2026/2024 academic year.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports any postgraduate course available at the University of Cambridge, including:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- Master of Letters (MLitt – full-time)
- One-year postgraduate Master’s degrees (full-time)
Approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded annually to international students. Around two-thirds of the awards are allocated to PhD candidates, with:
- About 25 awards reserved for applicants in the United States
- Approximately 55 awards available to applicants from other countries
Selection Criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Applications are assessed based on four core criteria:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Strong reasons for choice of course at Cambridge
- A proven commitment to improving the lives of others
- Demonstrated leadership potential
Candidates must excel academically while also showing a clear vision for making a positive global impact.
What the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Covers
The Gates Cambridge International Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that covers almost all study-related expenses.
Expenses Fully Covered
- Full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge
- University composition fee (where applicable)
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Student visa costs
- Maintenance allowance (£18,744 per year at the 2026/2026 rate; pro-rated for shorter courses)
- Funding for PhD students for up to 4 years
- One economy return airfare (at the start and end of the course)
Discretionary Funding (Where Applicable)
Additional funding may be granted on a discretionary basis, including:
- Academic development funding (£500–£2,000) for conferences and courses
- Family allowance (up to £10,944 for one child and £15,612 for two or more children)
- Fieldwork funding (maintenance allowance may continue during approved PhD fieldwork)
- Hardship funding for unforeseen circumstances
- Maternity or paternity funding, including the option to pause studies for up to six months while receiving maintenance support
Eligibility Requirements for Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must not be a UK citizen
- Must plan to study at the University of Cambridge
- Must apply for an eligible postgraduate qualification
- Must demonstrate an excellent academic record
- Must be willing to relocate to the UK
- Must show a strong commitment to social impact
- Must demonstrate leadership ability
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge International Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
Applicants are required to complete:
- The course admission section (applying for a graduate course and College place)
- The funding section, selecting the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Required Application Documents
When applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must submit:
- A personal statement (approximately 500 words) explaining how they meet the Gates Cambridge criteria
- A research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- One reference specifically for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Additional Important Information
- Applicants are encouraged to watch the Gates Cambridge application process video on the University’s website
- A part-time PhD funding route may be available for October 2026 entry
- There are two application deadlines, depending on the chosen course
- Departmental ranking takes place between December 2026 and February 2026
- Applicants are notified of outcomes by 3 March 2026
- Final selections are made in March 2026
- Scholarships must be accepted within 72 hours of being offered
Closing Dates for Gates Cambridge International Scholarship Application 2026/2027
The application deadline is either:
- 1 December, or
- 5 January (23:59 UK time)
This depends on the specific course applied for. Applicants should consult the University of Cambridge course directory to confirm their deadline.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details of Gates Cambridge International
For further information or application support, contact the University of Cambridge:
Graduate Admissions Help Portal
- Email: pg.admissions@admin.cam.ac.uk
- Scholarship Queries: info@gatescambridge.org