Fully Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026/2027

September 15, 2025

Are you an ambitious scholar with dreams of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is your golden opportunity to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Each year, the programme selects approximately 80 high-achieving individuals from outside the UK, offering them the chance to embark on a transformative academic journey in any field of study available at Cambridge.

Organized and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious award focuses on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. It is one of the most competitive and comprehensive scholarship programs globally, supporting students at both master’s and PhD levels and for the 2026/2027 academic year, part-time PhD applicants are also welcome.
Whether you’re a future policymaker, scientist, entrepreneur, or social leader, this is your chance to fast-track your impact on the world — fully funded.

Each year Gates Cambridge offers 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 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
leadership potential

There are approximately 250 Scholars from 50 countries studying in Cambridge at any one time who pursue the full range of subjects available at the University and are spread across its departments and Colleges, as well as forming their own distinctive community.

For October 2024 entry, Gates Cambridge is continuing to pilot a scheme which allows applicants to apply for funding for a part-time doctoral degree (PhD)

Name of Organizer

Gates Cambridge Trust (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

Requirements/ Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
Academic Admission: Must be applying to pursue one of the following full-time or part-time postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (Master of Letters – full-time only)
- One-year postgraduate courses (full-time only, with some exceptions. Check Gates Cambridge official website for restricted courses.)
Outstanding Intellectual Ability: A proven record of academic excellence is required.
Justification of Course Choice: Applicants must demonstrate compelling reasons for selecting their course.
Leadership Potential: A strong display of leadership qualities and future leadership plans is essential.
Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: Your goals must reflect a dedication to societal progress or solving global challenges.
Application Process: Must apply to the University of Cambridge for admission and funding (including the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section).