Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · UK
FundingFully Funded
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineOctober
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Covers the full cost of postgraduate study at Cambridge, including fees and a maintenance allowance. 1 year Master's; up to 4 years PhD
ProviderGates Cambridge Trust (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
CountryUnited Kingdom (UK)
Host university / institutionUniversity of Cambridge
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineUS citizens/residents round closes mid-October; international round closes December/early January depending on course.
IntakeMichaelmas/Autumn 2027
Applications openVaries
CompetitionVery High
Programme duration1 year Master's; up to 4 years PhD
MastersPhDAll fields
Gates Cambridge Scholarship eligibility criteria
Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
Applying for a PhD, MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course
Not eligible for undergraduate, MBA/EMBA, MFin, PGCE or certain professional courses
Demonstrated outstanding academic excellence
Commitment to improving the lives of others
Capacity for leadership
Must secure admission to the University of Cambridge
Benefits and coverage
University Composition Fee (tuition) at the appropriate rate
Maintenance allowance of £22,050 for 12 months (2025-26 rate)
One economy single airfare at the start and end of the course
Inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge
Academic development funding of £500-£2,000 for conferences and courses
Dependent children allowance
Up to 6 months maternity/paternity leave with continued maintenance
Discretionary fieldwork and hardship funding
Required documents
Graduate application submitted via the University's Applicant Portal
Personal statement on suitability for the course
Four Gates Cambridge criteria statements (200-300 words each)
Two academic references
One Gates Cambridge-specific reference
Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Academic transcripts
How to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
US citizens/residents round closes mid-October; international round closes December/early January depending on course. Submit a complete application before the October deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageCovers the full cost of postgraduate study at Cambridge, including fees and a maintenance…
LevelsMasters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom Applying for a PhD, MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course Not eligible for undergraduate, MBA/EMBA, MFin, PGCE or certain professional courses Demonstrated outstanding academic excellence Commitment to improving the lives of others Capacity for leadership Must secure admission to the University of Cambridge
University Composition Fee (tuition) at the appropriate rate Maintenance allowance of £22,050 for 12 months (2025-26 rate) One economy single airfare at the start and end of the course Inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge Academic development funding of £500-£2,000 for conferences and courses Dependent children allowance Up to 6 months maternity/paternity leave with continued maintenance Discretionary fieldwork and hardship funding
Graduate application submitted via the University's Applicant Portal Personal statement on suitability for the course Four Gates Cambridge criteria statements (200-300 words each) Two academic references One Gates Cambridge-specific reference Research proposal (PhD applicants only) Academic transcripts
US citizens/residents round closes mid-October; international round closes December/early January depending on course.
No — applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship are free.