Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Postgraduate Study at Cambridge
Are you an ambitious student with dreams of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026 offer you the chance to pursue fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, UK. Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this program supports exceptional scholars committed to making a positive global impact.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive and generous international scholarships in the world. Each year, around 80 scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from outside the UK who want to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge, with two-thirds awarded to PhD candidates.
This scholarship not only funds your academic journey but also integrates you into a global community of leaders who aim to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.
What the Scholarship Covers
The award is fully funded, covering:
- Full University of Cambridge tuition fees
- Annual maintenance allowance (£21,000 for 12 months)
- Single economy airfare at the start and end of your program
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Additional discretionary funding, which may include:
- Academic development grants (£500–£2,000)
- Dependent child allowance (up to £11,604)
- Fieldwork support
- Maternity/paternity funding
- Hardship allowance
This comprehensive support allows students to focus entirely on their studies and research without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country outside the UK
- Apply to pursue one of the following at Cambridge:
- Full-time PhD
- MSc
- MLitt
- Demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic ability
- A strong justification for your chosen course
- Commitment to improving society
- Proven leadership potential
Application Timeline 2026
- Applications Open: September 2025
- Deadlines:
- US Applicants: mid-October 2025
- All Other Applicants: early December 2025 or early January 2026 (depending on the course)
- Selection Process:
- Departmental shortlisting: Dec 2025 – Feb 2026
- Interviews: Jan (US round) & March 2026 (international round)
- Final offers: Feb 2026 (US) & April 2026 (international)
Why Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
- Global Network – Join a diverse community of scholars from over 50 countries.
- World-Class Education – Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the world.
- Leadership & Impact – Be recognized for your potential to solve real-world problems.
- Fully Funded Opportunity – Focus on your studies without financial stress.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026 are more than just a funding program,they are a platform to connect the brightest minds worldwide and empower them to lead change. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the academic excellence to back it up, this is your chance to study at Cambridge with full financial support.
📌 Mark your calendars for September 2025 and get ready to apply for one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships!