Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027/28 for International Postgraduate Students at the University of Cambridge

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Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027/28 cover the full cost of a PhD, MLitt or one-year master's at Cambridge for non-UK citizens. Deadline 8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027, by course.

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Overview

Applications are open for Gates Cambridge Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year. The scholarships fund postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Each year, Gates Cambridge offers around 70 full-cost scholarships to students from outside the UK. You can study any subject the University offers.

Applicants from Africa apply in the international round, with US citizens living in the US applying in an earlier round.

Deadline: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on your course, at 11:59 PM UK time. Check your course's funding deadline in the University's Course Directory.

Requirements

Who Can Apply

Citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom can apply. Current Cambridge students may apply for a new course, but not to fund a course they have already started.

Education

You must apply for one of these courses at Cambridge: a PhD (full-time, or part-time under a pilot scheme), a full-time MLitt, or a full-time one-year postgraduate course.
Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE and some other professional courses are not covered.

Selection Criteria

Outstanding intellectual ability.
Good reasons for your choice of course.
A commitment to improving the lives of others.
Leadership potential.

Other Requirements

PhD applicants must submit a research proposal.
You need a Gates Cambridge reference, in addition to two academic references for admission.

What the Scholarship Covers

Core Funding

The University Composition Fee at the correct rate.
A maintenance allowance for a single student: £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate. PhD scholars can receive it for up to 4 years.
One economy airfare at the start and one at the end of the course.
Visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Extra Funding You Can Apply For

Academic development funding of up to £750 to £4,000, based on course length.
A dependent children allowance (no funding is given for a partner).
Maintenance during PhD fieldwork, parental leave support and hardship funding.

Gates Cambridge does not cover bench fees or scientific equipment.

How to Apply

Choose your course and find its funding deadline in the University of Cambridge Course Directory.
Apply through the University's Graduate Application Portal. Fill in the course and College section.
In the funding section, complete the Gates Cambridge part, including four short questions on your academic record, course choice, commitment to others and leadership.
PhD applicants: upload a research proposal.
Ask a referee to submit a Gates Cambridge reference, and make sure your two academic referees also submit on time.
Submit everything by 11:59 PM UK time on your course's deadline.

International round applicants hear their outcome by 8 March 2027. Selection panels meet on 22 and 23 March 2027, and scholarships are offered by early April 2027.

Apply Now: Apply on the Official Website

Official Notice: View the Official Opportunity Notice

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Application Close in

28 Days

December 8, 2026

Opportunities at a Glance

Organisation

Gates Cambridge Trust, University of Cambridge

Location

Cambridge

Type

Full-time study (part-time PhD option being piloted)