Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

About the Company:

The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution known for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program, established in 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, supports outstanding international postgraduate students to pursue their degrees at Cambridge. The program emphasizes leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to improving the lives of others, creating a vibrant network of scholars across diverse disciplines.

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Course Details:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD) from outside the UK. Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded annually, with two-thirds allocated to PhD students. Scholars join a global community of over 1,700 alumni committed to making a positive impact worldwide.

Degree Level:
Master’s, PhD

Available Subjects:
All fields of study at the University of Cambridge

Benefits:

• Core Components:

  • Full tuition coverage (University Composition Fee)

  • Maintenance allowance for living expenses:

    • PhD students: up to £21,000 per year (up to 4 years)

    • Other students: pro-rated based on course length

  • Travel costs: one economy airfare to/from Cambridge

  • Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees

• Discretionary Components:

  • Academic development funding: up to £2,000 for conferences and courses

  • Dependent children allowance: up to £16,548 for two or more children

  • Fieldwork funding: maintain allowance during PhD fieldwork

  • Maternity/paternity funding: continue allowance during up to six months of study leave

  • Hardship funding: support for unforeseen financial difficulties

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK

• Must apply for a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge (PhD, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses)

• Current Cambridge students may apply for a new postgraduate course, but not to fund a course already in progress

• Open to applicants of all nationalities

• Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Outstanding intellectual ability

  • Justification for their chosen course

  • Leadership potential

  • Commitment to improving the lives of others

Application Procedure:

• Single application form via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal

• Sections include:

  1. Admission Section: select course and College preference, provide academic background and suitability

  2. Funding Section: apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Required documents:

  • Gates Cambridge Statement (500 words)

  • Research proposal for PhD applicants

  • Gates Cambridge reference from someone familiar with the candidate and scholarship criteria

Important Notes:

• Deadlines differ depending on the course

• Ensure referees understand the scholarship criteria and provide specific examples

• Alternative funding may be available for applicants ineligible for Gates Cambridge

Link for Application and Details:

Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2026