The goal of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is still to produce future global leaders. It awards about 80 fully financed scholarships annually to deserving candidates from outside the UK who want to attend the University of Cambridge for postgraduate studies.
The program, which was founded in 2000 thanks to a historic $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, chooses its scholars based on four main factors: outstanding academic ability, a compelling case for the course they have chosen, a commitment to enhancing the lives of others, and proven leadership potential. With 25 seats allotted for the US round and 55 for the international round, PhD applicants receive almost two-thirds of the grants.
Today, Cambridge’s departments and colleges are home to about 250 scholars from over 50 countries who are studying a wide range of subjects. Beyond their studies, they become part of a vibrant international community of more than 1,700 alumni who actively support Gates Cambridge’s objective to bring about long-lasting, constructive change in the world.
Host Country: UK
University: University of Cambridge
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD
Subject: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
Eligible Courses of Study: Must apply for a postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
- One-year full-time postgraduate courses (with some exceptions listed on the official website)
- For Current Cambridge Students
- You may apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship only if you are starting a new postgraduate degree.
- Example: From an MPhil to a PhD.
- Current Gates Cambridge Scholars may apply again for a second scholarship for a new degree.
- You cannot apply to fund the remaining duration of a degree you have already begun (e.g., a PhD already in progress).
Additional Important Points
- Some courses are not eligible, such as
- Undergraduate degrees (BA, affiliated BA)
- Specific master’s programs (MASt, business-related degrees)
- Part-time programs (except for the pilot part-time PhD)
- Non-degree courses
Benefits:
Core Benefits
- University Composition Fee: Full coverage of tuition and academic costs at Cambridge.
- Maintenance Allowance:
- PhD students: Up to £21,000 per year for a maximum of four years.
- Other postgraduate students: Amount adjusted according to the length of the course.
- Travel Support: One economy single flight to Cambridge at the start and one return flight at the end of the course.
- Visa Support: Covers inbound visa application costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Additional (Discretionary) Support
- Academic Development Funding: Up to £2,000 for conferences, workshops, and relevant courses.
- Dependent Children Allowance: Up to £16,548 for scholars with two or more dependent children.
- Fieldwork Funding: Continues the maintenance allowance during approved PhD fieldwork.
- Maternity/Paternity Funding: Maintains the stipend during up to six months of parental leave.
- Hardship Funding: Financial support for unexpected or emergency situations.
Deadline: Varies depending on the course.
