One of the most prominent fully financed postgraduate scholarships in the world, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/28, is now officially accepting applications from the University of Cambridge. With the help of this scholarship, overseas students can attend one of the best colleges in the world and become part of a community of future world leaders.
Application Deadlines:
- US citizens resident in the USA: October 2026 (23:59 GMT).
- All other eligible applicants: Course‑specific deadlines in December 2026 or January 2027 (23:59 GMT).
Tell Me About the Scholarship Program:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships, supporting outstanding applicants to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It covers the full cost of study and provides additional funding for academic development, family support, and fieldwork. Scholars also join a global network committed to improving the lives of others.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Available for all Cambridge postgraduate degrees, including:
- Master’s (MPhil, MSc, MLitt, etc.)
- PhD (Doctoral research)—requires a research proposal.
- One‑year postgraduate courses (except certain excluded programs).
Type:
- International Postgraduate Scholarship | University of Cambridge, UK
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of any country outside the UK.
- Apply for a full‑time residential postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
- Demonstrate excellence in:
- Academic ability.
- Choice of course justification.
- Commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Leadership capacity.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence (transcripts, references).
- Four Gates Cambridge selection questions (academic excellence, course choice, commitment to others, leadership).
- A Gates Cambridge reference (in addition to academic references).
- Departmental nomination and panel interviews.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All countries worldwide (except the UK).
Where is the scholarship taken?
- University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
How Many Scholarships?
- Around 80 scholarships are awarded annually.
What is the benefit of the scholarship program?
- Full cost of study at Cambridge (tuition, fees, living costs of £20,000+ per year).
- Additional discretionary funding (academic development, family allowance, fieldwork, etc.).
- Membership in the Gates Cambridge Scholars community.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- For the full duration of the postgraduate program (1–4 years depending on course).
Required Documents:
- Cambridge Graduate Application (admission + funding).
- Gates Cambridge application section (four selection questions).
- Research proposal (PhD applicants only).
- Two academic references + one Gates Cambridge reference.
- Personal statement (within application form).
How to Apply:
- Apply via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
- Complete admission to a course and college place.
- Fill in the Gates Cambridge funding section (four selection questions).
- Submit required references (academic + Gates Cambridge).
- Deadlines:
- US citizens resident in the USA: October 2026.
- All other applicants: December 2026 or January 2027 (course‑specific).
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in January–March 2027.
- Scholarships offered by February–April 2027.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
