Applications are open for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027-2028 - a fully funded international scholarship programme at the University of Cambridge for outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK who show leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Each year Gates Cambridge offers around 70 full-cost scholarships in any subject available at Cambridge. Roughly two-thirds go to PhD students. Applications opened 11 September 2026 for 2027/8 entry. US round deadline: 14 October 2026; International round: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (course-dependent).
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Gates Cambridge pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027-2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
| Host | University of Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Awards | Around 70 full-cost scholarships per year |
| Eligible applicants | Citizens of any country outside the UK |
| Courses | PhD (full-time or part-time pilot), MLitt (full-time), eligible one-year postgraduate courses (full-time) |
| Applications open | 11 September 2026 (for 2027/8 entry) |
| US round deadline | 14 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. UK time |
| International deadlines | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 (by course funding deadline) |
| Maintenance (indicative) | £23,152 for 12 months (2026-27 rate; pro rata for shorter courses) |
| Official site | gatescambridge.org |
| Apply | Cambridge Graduate Application Portal |
What the Scholarship Covers
Core components
- University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- Maintenance allowance for a single student (£23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate; pro rata for shorter courses) - for PhD scholars, up to 4 years
- One economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
If you receive a public fee award (e.g. UKRI), you should accept it; the Trust may not pay the fee or may share fee/maintenance costs.
Discretionary components (application-based)
- Academic development funding (from up to £750 to up to £4,000 depending on course length) for conferences/courses
- Dependent Children Allowance - up to £12,793 p.a. for one child; up to £18,244 p.a. for two or more (no partner funding)
- Fieldwork: keep normal maintenance while on PhD fieldwork (other fieldwork costs not covered by the Trust)
- Maternity/paternity: intermit up to 6 months while continuing maintenance
- Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties
Eligibility
- Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Applying to Cambridge for: PhD (full-time or part-time pilot), MLitt (full-time), or an eligible one-year postgraduate course (full-time; some exceptions apply)
- Current Cambridge students applying for a new postgraduate course may apply (cannot fund the remainder of a course already started)
See the official eligibility page for course exceptions and current-student rules.
Selection Criteria
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Reasons for choice of course
- Commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
How to Apply
- Read How to Apply and the timeline on gatescambridge.org.
- Apply via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal for admission, College place, and funding.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section (including the four selection-criteria questions and a Gates Cambridge reference, plus a research proposal for PhD applicants where required).
- Submit by your round’s deadline (US: 14 Oct 2026; International: course funding deadline - 8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027).
Ensure academic and Gates Cambridge referees submit by the same deadline.
Official Links
Apply - Cambridge Graduate Application Portal
How to apply - Gates Cambridge
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027
- Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships 2027
- Yenching Academy at Peking University 2027
- Browse all scholarships
FAQs - Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027-2028
When is the deadline?
US citizens normally resident in the USA: 14 October 2026 (11:59 p.m. UK time). All other eligible applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on your course funding deadline.
Is it fully funded?
Yes - fees, maintenance, airfare, visa and IHS, plus possible discretionary funding.
Who can apply?
Citizens of any country outside the UK applying for an eligible Cambridge postgraduate course.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Around 70 per year; roughly two-thirds to PhD students.
Where do I apply?
Through the official Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, completing the Gates Cambridge funding section.
