Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 in the UK | Fully Funded

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is a highly competitive and fully funded scholarship program that allows outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. This scholarship was established in October 2000 with a historic donation of 210 million USD from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This is one of the largest single donations ever made to a UK university.

The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others through academic excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Each year, around 80 new scholars are selected based on their intellectual ability, leadership potential, and commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. Till date, the Gates Cambridge Trust has awarded more than 2,000 scholarships to students from over 100 countries, making it one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world.

Through the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026, scholars can pursue postgraduate study in almost any discipline available at Cambridge University, with full financial coverage including tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and additional allowances for academic and personal needs.

The scholarship not only provides access to world-class education but also offers membership in a vibrant and diverse community of scholars who share a common vision of making a positive impact on society.

If you are an ambitious student seeking to advance your academic journey while developing leadership skills in one of the world’s most renowned universities, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 could be the perfect opportunity.

Interested candidates can apply for this scholarship before the deadline 15 October 2025 (USA).

In this article, we have explored every key details regarding this scholarship program.

Details About Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, ensuring scholars can focus on their academic and research goals. Benefits include:

• Full university fees
• Maintenance allowance for living costs
• Economy-class airfare ticket
• Visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge

Additional funding may also be provided for:

• Fieldwork allowance
• Dependent children allowance
• Hardship funding for unforeseen circumstances
• Attending conferences and courses
• Maternity or paternity support

ALSO READ: Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2026 in the UK

Academic Fields Available

The scholarship is available in almost all academic disciplines offered at Cambridge University, except the following:

• MD Doctor of Medicine (6 years, part-time, Home students only)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Business Doctorate (BusD)
• Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
• PGCE
• Any undergraduate degree (BA or affiliated BA)
• Non-degree courses
• MBBChir Clinical Studies
• Part-time degrees (other than PhD)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MASt courses

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements before start the application:

• The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries outside the UK.
• Applicants must apply for one of the following programs at the University of Cambridge:
  • PhD (full-time or part-time)
  • MLitt (full-time)
  • One-year full-time postgraduate course (with some exceptions)
• You must have an excellent academic record and demonstrate strong potential for leadership.
• Applicants are required to complete the combined application form for both admission and funding.
• Current Cambridge students may also apply if they are pursuing a new degree, such as moving from an MPhil to a PhD.

ALSO READ: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2026 at Oxford University

Required Documents

Applicants need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Statement (around 500 words)
• One Gates Cambridge reference
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants only)
• Online application form (Course Directory + funding section)
• Two academic references

Application Process for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

• Submit the combined application form for admission and funding through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
• Select your course from the Cambridge Course Directory and check the deadline (3 December 2025 or 7 January 2026).
• Complete both the admission section and the funding section.
• Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the funding section.
• The Gates Cambridge Trust will review both your admission and funding applications.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to students from outside the UK who are applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.

2. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes, the scholarship includes a maintenance allowance to cover living expenses while studying at Cambridge.

3. Can current Cambridge students apply?
Yes, current students can apply if they are applying for a new postgraduate degree, such as moving from an MPhil to a PhD.

4. What courses are not eligible?
The scholarship does not cover undergraduate degrees, MBA, MFin, MASt courses, MD, PGCE, part-time courses (except PhD), or non-degree courses.

5. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Around 80 scholarships are awarded annually to international students.