Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026: How to Apply & Eligibility Guide

Status: Open
Application Opens: September 10, 2025
U.S. Deadline: October 15, 2025
International Deadlines: December 2, 2025 or January 7, 2026 (depending on course)

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-cost scholarship awarded to exceptional international students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports students who not only demonstrate academic excellence, but also leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Each year, around 80 scholarships are awarded. The majority go to PhD applicants, with some available for master’s level study. Since its founding in 2000, the program has supported over 2,000 scholars from 100+ countries.

What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover?

This is a full-cost scholarship, meaning it covers virtually all major expenses for the duration of your study.

Core Funding:

• Full University Composition Fee
• Maintenance allowance: £21,000/year (2024–25 rate) for single students
• One round-trip economy airfare
• Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees

Additional (Discretionary) Support:

• Academic development: up to £2,000 for conferences, training
• Dependent children allowance: up to £16,548
• Paid fieldwork time (PhD only)
• Maternity/paternity leave (up to 6 months paid)
• Emergency hardship funding

Note: The scholarship does not cover bench fees, lab equipment, or partner support.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
• Apply for one of the following full-time degrees at Cambridge:
  • PhD (full-time or part-time*)
  • MLitt
  • One-year postgraduate program (with exceptions)
• Submit your Cambridge admission and funding application by the relevant deadline.

Part-time PhDs are currently being piloted as of October 2024.

How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you need to go through the University of Cambridge’s graduate application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Check Eligibility

• You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• You should be applying for a PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
• The scholarship is open to full-time students. If you’re applying for a part-time PhD, you must confirm your eligibility.

2. Prepare Your Documents

• You will need to submit your graduate application to the University of Cambridge through their Graduate Application Portal.
• Be sure to provide the required academic references (two for admission + one for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship).
• If you’re applying for a PhD, you’ll need to submit a research proposal as part of your application.

3. Complete the Gates Cambridge Application Section

• In the Graduate Application Portal, make sure to select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship section for funding.
• Answer the Gates Cambridge selection questions, which address:
  • Academic excellence
  • Your choice of course at Cambridge
  • Commitment to improving lives
  • Demonstrated leadership

4. Gates Cambridge Reference

• One of your referees (not one of your academic references) must provide a Gates Cambridge reference, which addresses how you meet the scholarship’s criteria.

5. Submit Your Application

• Once everything is ready, submit your application by the deadline specified for your course. Be sure to meet both the admission deadline and the Gates Cambridge deadline (they may differ).
• For US citizens: the deadline for this round is 15 October. For all other applicants, deadlines may vary depending on your course (typically December or January).

6. Interviews and Selection

• If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview to discuss your qualifications and fit for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
• Following the interview, successful candidates will be notified by email and offered the scholarship.

Visit the above link to start your application for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

Ineligible Courses Include:

• Undergraduate degrees (e.g., BA)
• MBA / EMBA / MFin / MASt / BusD
• PGCE
• Medicine (MBBChir, MD, A101)
• Non-degree or part-time programs (except PhD)

Selection Criteria: What Gates Cambridge Looks For

This is a highly competitive process. You’ll need to meet four core criteria:

1. Outstanding academic ability: Top academic performance, strong references, and clear research potential.
2. Justification for course choice: A compelling explanation for your specific program at Cambridge.
3. Commitment to improving the lives of others: Clear evidence of impact in your community or field.
4. Leadership potential: Proven ability to lead, initiate, or influence others positively.

Also Read: How to win Gates Scholarship

How Many Gates Cambridge Scholarships Are Awarded?

Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded annually:

• 25 in the U.S. round
• 55 in the International round

Gates Cambridge Essay & Application Components

The application includes both academic materials and Gates-specific questions. Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Documents:

• Online Cambridge graduate application via Graduate Portal
• Research proposal (PhD only)
• Three references:
  • Two academic
  • One Gates Cambridge reference addressing scholarship-specific criteria

Gates Cambridge Questions (New Format for 2025–26):

You’ll respond to four short essays, each aligning with one of the scholarship criteria:

1. Academic Excellence (200 words)
2. Why Cambridge & This Course (200 words)
3. Commitment to Improving Lives (300 words)
4. Leadership Capacity (300 words)

Be sure to use specific, personal examples in each response. Avoid generic answers.

Timeline: Key Dates for 2026–27 Entry

U.S. Round (U.S. citizens living in the U.S.)

• Applications Open: September 10, 2025
• Deadline: October 15, 2025
• Outcome Notification: December 10, 2025
• Interviews: January 23–24, 2026
• Final Results: February 2, 2026

International Round (All other applicants)

• Deadline: December 2, 2025 or January 7, 2026 (varies by course)
• Outcome Notification: March 4, 2026
• Interviews: March 23–24, 2026
• Final Results: April 6, 2026

Decisions must be accepted within 72 hours of receiving your offer.

The Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants are invited for a 25–30 minute interview with a panel of experts. The interview is structured in four parts:

1. Introduction
2. Discussion about Gates Cambridge
3. Your academic and career plans
4. Final questions or closing remarks
5. Panels are organized by field: Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, etc.

If you aren’t selected for an interview, you’ll be notified via email.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start early: The application is detailed and competitive.
• Tailor your essays: Speak directly to the four Gates Cambridge criteria.
• Choose your referee wisely: Your Gates reference must understand and speak to the scholarship’s mission.
• Demonstrate global impact: Show how your work contributes beyond just academia.

Conclusion

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers more than just full funding, it connects you to a global community of scholars dedicated to leadership and public service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)