Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Offered by Gates Cambridge Trust (University of Cambridge) · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Provider: Gates Cambridge Trust (University of Cambridge)
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Full cost of study: University fees, maintenance stipend, one return airfare, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs; some family and academic allowances.
Deadline: 2027 entry (international round): 8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027 depending on the course funding deadline. Offers early Feb – early Apr 2027.
Expected opening: Open now
Duration: Length of the course (Master's 1 year, PhD up to 4 years).
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website

About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Full-cost scholarships for applicants from outside the UK to any postgraduate degree at Cambridge. Tick the scholarship option in the Cambridge graduate application.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Any country outside the UK (Pakistan qualifies).

Academic requirements

Admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge; outstanding academic record, leadership and commitment to improving others' lives.

Language requirements

Cambridge English requirement (e.g. IELTS 7.5 for many courses).

What the scholarship covers

Full cost of study: University fees, maintenance stipend, one return airfare, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs; some family and academic allowances.

Tuition: Full fees.
Stipend and benefits: About £23,152 per year (2026–27 rate), pro rata for shorter courses.
Duration: Length of the course (Master's 1 year, PhD up to 4 years).

Deadline and opening date

2027 entry (international round): 8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027 depending on the course funding deadline. Offers early Feb – early Apr 2027.

Expected opening: Open now.

Required documents

Cambridge graduate application (tick Gates Cambridge)
Gates Cambridge statement
Research proposal (PhD)
Transcripts
Three references (one about Gates suitability)
CV

How to apply

Apply to a Cambridge course and complete the Gates Cambridge section of the same application by the course's funding deadline.

Find a professor for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in the United Kingdom whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Any country outside the UK (Pakistan qualifies). Admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge; outstanding academic record, leadership and commitment to improving others' lives.

What does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover?

Full cost of study: University fees, maintenance stipend, one return airfare, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs; some family and academic allowances. About £23,152 per year (2026–27 rate), pro rata for shorter courses.

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship deadline?

2027 entry (international round): 8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027 depending on the course funding deadline. Offers early Feb – early Apr 2027. Expected opening: Open now.

Is IELTS required for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Cambridge English requirement (e.g. IELTS 7.5 for many courses).

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?