The prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a fully funded academic journey at the University of Cambridge for talented students from around the world (excluding the UK). This globally respected scholarship program, established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, supports outstanding future leaders as they pursue master’s, MLitt, and PhD programs at one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished universities
Why Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?A
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship stands out not just for its comprehensive funding, but for its unique vision—bringing together a diverse community of academically brilliant, socially committed scholars who strive to improve the lives of others. The scheme offers opportunities to network, develop leadership skills, and become part of a lifelong international community of change-makers. Gates Cambridge alumni can be found excelling across the arts, sciences, human rights, technology, policy, and more.
Number of Scholarships
Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded each year for postgraduate study.
Programs Covered
Eligible Degrees:
Master’s (e.g., MSc, MLitt – including one-year postgraduate courses)
PhD (full-time only)
Not Eligible:
Undergraduate degrees (BA)
Part-time degrees
Most professional degrees (e.g., MBA, MFin, certain medicine degrees)
Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition fees are covered for the duration of your program.
Generous maintenance allowance: £21,000 per year for living expenses.
Economy airfare: at the start and end of the program.
Visa costs and UK immigration health surcharge covered.
Academic development funding: £500–£2,000 for conferences and courses.
Family allowance: up to £11,604 for one child or £16,548 for two or more children.
Additional funding: for hardship, parental leave, or fieldwork if needed.
Comprehensive support: Access to academic mentorship, networking, and professional development resources.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must:
Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
Apply for a full-time master’s, MLitt, or PhD program at the University of Cambridge.
Demonstrate exceptional academic ability and leadership potential.
Show a strong commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Meet all requirements for admission to their chosen postgraduate course.
Note: Applicants must apply to an eligible course—see the list of excluded courses above.
Documents Required
Personal statement (up to 3,000 characters / 500 words)
Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Reference letters (including at least one specifically for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship)
How to Apply
Access the Online Portal: Apply through the University of Cambridge’s application portal.
Complete Scholarship Application: Fill out both the admission and Gates Cambridge funding sections.
Submit Documents: Upload all required materials, ensuring your application is error-free and complete.
PhD applicants: Be sure to include a detailed research proposal.