Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 in the UK (Fully Funded) — Master’s & PhD at the University of Cambridge

Looking for a fully funded scholarship in the UK? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge—including tuition fees, a living stipend, round-trip airfare, UK visa fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)—with additional discretionary support for families, conferences, and fieldwork. Around 80 scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding applicants from outside the UK, with about two-thirds going to PhD candidates.

At a glance

• Host country: United Kingdom

• Host institution: University of Cambridge

• Levels: One-year Master’s (full-time), MLitt (full-time), PhD (full-time or part-time for the pilot)

• Number of awards: ~80 annually (≈25 in the US round, ≈55 in the International round)

Read also: PhD Scholarships For International Students In UK

What the Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers

Core funding

• University Composition Fee (tuition) at the appropriate rate

• Maintenance allowance (living stipend) for a single student — £21,000 for 12 months at the 2024/25 rate (pro-rated for shorter courses; up to 4 years for PhD)

• One economy airfare to and from the UK

• Inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Discretionary funding (case by case)

• Academic development (conference/course costs)

• Dependent Children Allowance (2024/25 reference amounts published)

• Fieldwork (ability to retain stipend during approved PhD fieldwork)

• Paid maternity/paternity intermission

• Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties

Note: Bench fees and specialized equipment are not covered; departments are expected to fund core course costs of that type.

Who can apply (Eligibility)

You’re eligible if you are a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom and you’re applying to one of the following at Cambridge:

• PhD (full-time or part-time*)

• MLitt (full-time)

• One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with specific exceptions below

Not eligible / excluded courses: MBA, MFin, BusD, EMBA/Global EMBA, Executive Master of Accounting, MASt, PGCE, MBBChir Clinical Studies, MD (6-year, part-time, Home students only), Graduate Course in Medicine (A101), any undergraduate degree (BA/second BA), non-degree courses, and part-time degrees other than the PhD. Current Cambridge students can apply only if they are starting a new postgraduate degree.

Read also: Study Masters In UK For Free 2025 Guide

Selection criteria (what the Trust looks for)

1. Outstanding academic excellence

2. Strong reasons for choice of course (clear fit and impact)

3. Commitment to improving the lives of others

4. Leadership potential (evidence of initiative and influence)

Deadlines for 2026 entry

• US citizens resident in the USA (US round): 15 October 2025 (complete application incl. references by 23:59 GMT)

• All other eligible applicants (International round): Course-based deadline — either 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (see your course page; submit by 23:59 UK time)
  Applications open 10 September 2025. Always verify your Course Directory deadline.

How to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (step-by-step)

1. One combined application via Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal—this covers course admission + college placement + funding (including Gates Cambridge).

2. Admission section: choose your course and college; upload academic history, CV, transcripts, statements, and (where required) a research summary/supervisor info.

3. Funding section (Gates Cambridge subsection): instead of the old “statement,” you’ll answer four short-answer questions aligned to the Gates criteria (academic excellence; course fit; commitment to improving others’ lives; leadership). Word limits range 200–300 words per question.

4. Research proposal: PhD applicants only (required for funding if not already supplied in the admissions part).

5. References: in addition to two academic references for admission, arrange one Gates Cambridge reference focused on the four criteria (the form asks explicit questions and a rating). Ensure all references are submitted by your round’s deadline.

English language & academic requirements

Language and minimum academic thresholds depend on the course. Many programmes confirm language later at the conditional offer stage, while some (e.g., certain Law programs) may require proof at application; always check your Course Directory entry for precise requirements.

Practical tips to strengthen your application

• Calibrate your “course fit”. Show a tight match between your background, Cambridge’s faculty/resources, and your career impact plan.

• Evidence over claims. Use concrete examples for leadership and societal impact in the four short answers.

• Line up your Gates referee early. Brief them on the four criteria so the reference goes beyond a generic letter.

FAQs

Is the scholarship really fully funded?
Yes—tuition, a single-student living stipend, airfare, visa, and IHS are covered, plus discretionary support for dependants, conferences, and fieldwork. Bench fees/equipment are not covered.

Can I apply for MBA or MFin with Gates Cambridge?
No. MBA, MFin, BusD, MASt, EMBA/Global EMBA, Executive Master of Accounting, and several medical/teaching routes are ineligible.

Can I apply part-time?
Only the PhD is eligible part-time (pilot). Other degrees must be full-time.

How many awards are there each year?
Around 80, with a majority for PhD.

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