About the opportunity
Established in 2000 by a foundational gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme enables outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship builds a global network of future leaders dedicated to social leadership, community, learning, internationality, compassion, and change.
Funding and benefits
- University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- Maintenance allowance for a single student (£21,000 for 12 months or pro rata for shorter periods; for PhD scholars, the award is up to 4 years)
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge costs
- Academic development funding ranging from £500 to up to £2,000, depending on the length of the course, to attend conferences and courses
- Family allowance of up to £11,604 for a first child and up to £4,050 for a second child (no funding provided for a partner)
- Discretionary fieldwork and maternity/paternity funding where appropriate
Who can apply?
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- Be applying to pursue one of the eligible full-time postgraduate courses: PhD, MSc or MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course (with certain exclusions such as undergraduate degrees, Master_s degrees like the MBA or Master of Finance where conditions vary, or non-degree courses)
- Demonstrate academic excellence, reasons for choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential
Required documents
- University of Cambridge application form (including admission, college choice, and funding sections)
- Gates Cambridge reference
- Transcripts and other standard University admission requirements
When to apply
- Applications open in September for entry in the next academic year
- Deadlines vary depending on the course and fall typically in December or January (e.g., January 6, 2027 or December 3, 2026 depending on the US/UK deadlines and course selection)
How to apply
- Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge via the Applicant Portal
- Complete the Gates Cambridge section within the application form to apply for admission and funding simultaneously
- Submit a dedicated Gates Cambridge reference along with your application materials by the specified funding deadline
Additional information
- Certain courses are ineligible for Gates Cambridge scholarships, including undergraduate degrees, Business Doctorates (BusD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance (MFin), PGCE, MBBChir Clinical Studies, VetMB Veterinary Studies, and part-time degrees.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Non-UK citizens applying for eligible full-time postgraduate courses.
- Students who can demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Candidates with a record of academic excellence and leadership potential.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship is only open to non-UK citizens.
- Certain high-profile courses, such as the MBA and Master of Finance, are explicitly ineligible.
- Applicants must apply for admission to the University of Cambridge and the scholarship simultaneously.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a premier opportunity for scholars aiming to achieve a PhD, MSc, or MLitt at one of the world's top universities while building a global network of future leaders dedicated to social change.
Our take
Highly recommended for non-UK citizens with outstanding academic records and a commitment to social leadership who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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