Applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 cohort are officially open, offering an opportunity for global scholars to study at the University of Cambridge.
Established in 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge program remains the largest single donation ever made to a UK university.
Each year, the trust awards approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from outside the United Kingdom.
Whether you are aiming for a Master’s degree or a PhD, here is everything you need to know about the 2027 Gates Cambridge Scholarship application cycle, funding benefits, and deadlines.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge.
Core Funding Includes
- Full University Composition Fee
- Annual maintenance allowance (approximately £22,050 for 12 months)
- Full funding for up to four years for PhD students
- One economy-class airfare to the United Kingdom at the start of the programme
- One return economy airfare after completion
- UK visa application costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Additional Funding Available
Scholars may also apply for discretionary funding, including:
- Academic development funding (£500–£2,000)
- Conference attendance support
- Professional training courses
- Fieldwork support
- Maternity and paternity funding
- Hardship funding
- Dependent child allowance
Dependent child support includes:
- Up to £12,184 annually for one child
- Up to £17,375 annually for two or more children
Eligible Degree Programmes
The scholarship supports postgraduate study in almost every academic discipline offered by the University of Cambridge, including:
- PhD
- Master’s Degrees
- Research Programmes
- Professional Postgraduate Degrees
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of countries outside the United Kingdom
- Apply for an eligible postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
- Show outstanding leadership potential
- Be committed to improving the lives of others
- Students from every academic discipline are encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on four key criteria:
Outstanding Intellectual Ability: Applicants should demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and strong intellectual achievement.
Choice of Course: Candidates should clearly explain why their chosen programme aligns with their long-term goals.
Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship seeks individuals who are passionate about creating positive social impact.
Leadership Potential: Applicants should demonstrate the ability to become influential leaders within their professions and communities.
Fields of Study
Scholarships are available across virtually every discipline, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Law
- Economics
- Business
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Climate Studies
- Social Sciences
- Mathematics
- Data Science
- International Development
- Humanities
- Agriculture
- Public Policy
- Biotechnology
- Physics
- Chemistry
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers much more than financial support.
Scholars become part of a global community of exceptional leaders, researchers, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics working to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Application Process
Interested applicants should:
- Apply for admission to an eligible postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge Scholarship application as part of the graduate admissions process.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
Applicants should carefully prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Research proposal (where applicable)
- References
- Other required admission documents
