Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) – Apply Now!
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) – Apply Now! Apply for fully funded scholarships here.Are you dreaming of pursuing a Masters or PhD at the University of Cambridge? The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships that can help you turn this dream into reality. This scholarship supports outstanding international students who wish to study at Cambridge and are committed to improving the lives of others worldwide.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD
- Institution(s): University of Cambridge
- Study in: UK
- Opportunity Focus Areas: All the available courses at University of Cambridge except the courses listed below
- Program Period: Two years for masters and three years for PhD
- Deadline:
- For US Citizens: (open in early September 2025) Wednesday 16 October 2025 (Time 12:00, noon in local US time zone)
- For International Students: Dependent on your course – either 3 December 2025 or 7 January 2026
Types of Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers full funding for postgraduate studies:
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Masters programs: Typically 1–2 years of study
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PhD programs: Typically 3 years of study
The scholarship includes tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, airfare, and additional allowances (more details below).
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Who is Eligible? (Simple Criteria)
To apply for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a non-UK citizen (open to all nationalities outside the UK)
- Apply to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) at the University of Cambridge
- Be academically outstanding with a strong record of achievement
- Demonstrate leadership skills and a clear commitment to improving the lives of others
- Be applying for eligible courses (excluded courses listed below)
Courses Not Eligible for the Scholarship:
- Undergraduate degrees (e.g., BA)
- MBA, Master of Finance (MFin), Business Doctorate (BusD), and PGCE
- Medical degrees (e.g., MBBChir, MD)
- Part-time courses (except in some pilot PhD cases)
- Non-degree or short courses
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What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded, which includes:
- Full University tuition fees
- Annual maintenance allowance: Approximately £21,000 for living expenses
- One return economy airfare to and from the UK
- Visa and healthcare surcharge costs
- Additional funding for academic development, fieldwork, maternity/paternity, and more (if applicable)
Application Process
Applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship involves two key steps that happen together:
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Apply for Admission to the University of Cambridge
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Choose your preferred course and college
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Complete the graduate application on the University of Cambridge’s portal
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Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
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Indicate your interest in the Gates Scholarship on the Cambridge application form
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Submit additional scholarship-specific documents
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Required Documents
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Completed University of Cambridge graduate application
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Personal statement (~500 words) explaining:
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Why you want to study at Cambridge
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Your leadership experience and potential
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Your commitment to social impact and improving the world
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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References (usually 3), including one specific to the Gates Scholarship
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Important Dates for 2026 Intake
| Applicant Group | Deadline |
|---|---|
| US Citizens (residing in the US) | 16 October 2025 (12:00 noon US local time) |
| International Applicants | 3 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (depends on course) |
Note: Applications open in early September 2025.
FAQs
Can UK citizens apply?
No, the scholarship is only for students from outside the UK.
Can I apply if I am already a Cambridge student?
Yes, if you are applying for a new postgraduate degree (not continuing the same one).
Is prior funding allowed?
If you already have significant funding, the scholarship amount may be adjusted.
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How to Apply?
You must apply through the official University of Cambridge graduate application portal and select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship option when applying for your course.
Final Tips
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Start your application early and prepare your documents carefully.
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Make sure your personal statement clearly highlights your leadership and commitment to positive change.
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Get strong, relevant references—especially one who can speak to your leadership and social impact.
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Keep track of the deadlines carefully—US applicants have an earlier deadline than international applicants.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students worldwide to study at one of the world’s top universities with full financial support. If you have a passion for academic excellence and making a difference in the world, this could be the perfect scholarship for you!
Start preparing your application now and take the first step towards joining the Cambridge community.