The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships to outstanding international students who want to study at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge program selects approximately 80 scholars each year from around the world.
The scholarship supports postgraduate study in a wide range of academic fields at Cambridge. The funding package covers the full cost of studying at the university and also provides additional support for eligible expenses such as airfare, visa costs, conferences, fieldwork, and unforeseen financial difficulties.
More than 2,000 scholarships have been awarded to students from over 100 countries since the program began.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 – Quick Details
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000 following a major donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.
The program aims to support outstanding postgraduate students from outside the United Kingdom who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and the potential to make a positive contribution beyond their studies.
Each year, around 80 new scholars are selected from different countries and academic backgrounds.
The scholarship allows successful applicants to study at one of the world’s leading universities while becoming part of the international Gates Cambridge community.
Financial Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for successful scholars.
💰 University fee: The scholarship covers the full University Composition Fee.
💷 Maintenance allowance: Scholars receive funding toward their living expenses.
✈️ Airfare: An economy-class return airfare is provided.
🛂 Visa costs: Eligible visa expenses are covered.
🏥 Immigration Health Surcharge: The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge is covered.
In addition to the core funding package, the Gates Cambridge Trust can provide additional funding for eligible circumstances:
🎓 Conference and course funding for attending conferences and courses.
👨👩👧 Dependent children allowance for eligible scholars with dependent children.
🔬 Fieldwork allowance for eligible research-related fieldwork.
👶 Maternity and paternity funding for eligible scholars.
💰 Hardship funding to help with unforeseen difficulties faced during the scholarship.
Academic Fields
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is available across a broad range of academic disciplines offered by the University of Cambridge.
However, some courses are excluded from the scholarship.
The source lists the following exclusions:
Applicants should therefore check whether their intended Cambridge course is eligible before submitting an application.
Who Can Apply?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is intended for applicants from outside the United Kingdom.
Applicants must:
Eligible courses listed in the source include:
Can Current Cambridge Students Apply?
Yes. Current students at the University of Cambridge can also apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship when applying for a new eligible postgraduate course.
For example, a student currently completing an MPhil at Cambridge can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a PhD.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Requirements
Applicants need to provide several documents and complete the relevant sections of the University of Cambridge’s graduate application.
The requirements listed in the source include:
1. Cambridge Graduate Application
Applicants must apply for admission to their chosen postgraduate course through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Application Portal.
2. Gates Cambridge Funding Section
Applicants must complete the Gates Cambridge funding section of the application to be considered for the scholarship.
3. Gates Cambridge Statement
Applicants must submit a Gates Cambridge statement of approximately 500 words.
The statement forms an important part of the scholarship application and should explain why the applicant is applying for the scholarship.
4. Research Proposal
PhD applicants only are required to provide a research proposal.
5. References
Applicants need to provide two academic references for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
The Gates Cambridge application is submitted as part of the University of Cambridge’s graduate admission and funding process.
Step 1: Find Your Course
Visit the University of Cambridge Course Directory and identify the postgraduate course you want to study.
Step 2: Check the Course Requirements
Review the admission requirements, application deadline, and eligibility conditions for your chosen course.
Step 3: Complete the Admission Application
Apply for admission through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
International applicants should submit their application by the relevant course deadline listed in the Cambridge Course Directory.
Step 4: Apply for Gates Cambridge Funding
Within the funding section of the application, select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and any other funding opportunities for which you want to be considered.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Provide the required materials, including:
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review your application carefully and submit it before the applicable deadline.
Gates Cambridge has access to the full admission and funding application when assessing scholarship candidates.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Deadlines
The application deadline depends on the applicant’s location and chosen course.
According to the provided information:
🇺🇸 USA residents: October 14, 2026
🌍 Other international applicants: December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027, depending on the course.
Applicants should always check the deadline associated with their specific Cambridge course because the relevant deadline can differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge for eligible students from outside the United Kingdom.
How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded?
The program selects approximately 80 scholars each year.
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive funding including the University Composition Fee, maintenance allowance, economy-class airfare, visa costs, and Immigration Health Surcharge, with additional funding available for certain eligible expenses and circumstances.
Who is eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to eligible applicants from outside the UK who are applying for an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports eligible PhD applicants, including full-time and part-time PhD study.
Can current Cambridge students apply?
Yes. Current Cambridge students can apply when they are seeking admission to a new eligible postgraduate course.
Do PhD applicants need a research proposal?
Yes. According to the provided information, PhD applicants must submit a research proposal.
How long should the Gates Cambridge statement be?
The provided requirements state that the Gates Cambridge statement should be approximately 500 words.
How many references are required?
Applicants need to provide two academic references for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Are undergraduate degrees eligible?
No. Undergraduate degrees, including BA and BA affiliated degrees, are excluded from the scholarship.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 provides an opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge with comprehensive financial support.
The scholarship covers major study and living costs and can also provide additional support for eligible conference attendance, fieldwork, dependants, parental leave, and unforeseen financial difficulties.
Applicants should carefully choose an eligible Cambridge postgraduate course and pay close attention to the specific application deadline for that course.
If you meet the academic requirements and are planning to pursue postgraduate study at Cambridge, make sure you prepare your application, Gates Cambridge statement, references, and research proposal where applicable well before the deadline.
Official Application
Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 through the University of Cambridge:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/
