The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 for Postgraduate Study supports outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom who want to study at the University of Cambridge. The award covers the main costs of postgraduate study and also provides extra support for eligible scholars.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship benefits
Successful scholars may receive:
- Full payment of the University Composition Fee.
- A maintenance allowance of £22,050 for 12 months, based on the 2025–26 rate.
- A return economy flight.
- Visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Funding for conferences and academic courses.
- Support for approved fieldwork.
- Maternity or paternity funding.
- Hardship support for unexpected financial difficulties.
- Dependent children allowance for eligible scholars.
The scholarship does not provide funding for a partner. Also, the exact fee amount depends on the selected course.
Eligible study programmes
Applicants may apply for funding for:
- A full-time or part-time PhD.
- A full-time MLitt.
- An eligible one-year postgraduate course.
However, some courses do not qualify. Therefore, applicants should check the Cambridge postgraduate course directory before applying.
Eligibility criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.
- Apply for an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge.
- Show excellent academic ability.
- Explain why they chose the course.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show a clear commitment to improving the lives of others.
The selection process considers more than academic results. Therefore, applicants should also explain their goals, values, and plans for creating positive change.
Application process
Applicants must apply for a course at the University of Cambridge and request consideration for Gates Cambridge funding within the same application.
Prepare the following:
- Academic records.
- A personal statement.
- Course-related documents.
- A research proposal for PhD applications.
- References, including a Gates Cambridge reference.
- Evidence of leadership, service, or social impact.
The application deadline depends on the selected course. Applicants should submit the complete form and all supporting documents before the relevant funding deadline.
Key dates
- Applications open: 11 September 2026.
- US round deadline: 14 October 2026.
- Other applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027.
- Application results: By 8 March 2027.
- Panel selection: 22–23 March 2027.
- Scholarship offers: By early April 2027.
- Offer acceptance: Within 72 hours.
Applicants should confirm the correct deadline in the official Gates Cambridge timeline, because course deadlines can differ.gatescambridge
You can also explore other fully funded scholarships on OpportunityLab for more postgraduate study options.
The scholarship details, funding information, and dates should be checked against the official programme and University of Cambridge pages before submission.
