Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028 (Fully Funded)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships in the world, open to outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a full time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers every major cost of study, making it a top choice for students seeking a fully funded route into one of the best universities in the world.

Overview

• Host country, United Kingdom
• Host institution, University of Cambridge
• Level of study, Postgraduate, PhD, MPhil and other eligible one year courses
• Number of awards, About 80 scholarships awarded yearly
• Nationality, Open to all countries outside the United Kingdom
• Funded by, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Scholars receive full funding for their studies, and the award covers the following.

• Full tuition, known as the University Composition Fee
• A maintenance stipend of £22,050 for a full academic year, paid pro rata for shorter courses
• One economy return airfare to and from Cambridge
• Visa application costs
• The Immigration Health Surcharge
• Discretionary funding for academic development, up to £2,000
• A dependent children allowance, up to £17,375, for scholars with children

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants are expected to meet the following requirements.

• Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
• Apply for a full time postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge
• Meet the academic admission requirements of the University of Cambridge
• Demonstrate strong intellectual ability
• Show leadership qualities and a commitment to improving the lives of others
• Fit well with the values and mission of the Gates Cambridge Trust

Required Documents

• Completed Cambridge Graduate Application
• Personal statement
• Two academic references
• Official transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency, where applicable
• CV or resume

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply through the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, and complete the separate Gates Cambridge funding section within the same application. There is no separate application form outside the main Cambridge admission process, so applicants should apply for their course and select Gates Cambridge funding at the same time.

Application Deadline

There are two deadlines each year. US citizens resident in the United States apply by mid October, while all other applicants, including Nigerians, apply by early December or early January, depending on the course selected. Applicants are encouraged to confirm exact dates on the official website before applying, since deadlines can shift slightly from year to year.

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Final Thoughts

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship remains one of the strongest fully funded opportunities for students who want to study at Cambridge without financial barriers. If you are also exploring other fully funded options, you may want to look at the Chevening Scholarship, another fully funded scholarship for study in the United Kingdom, with its own eligibility requirements and benefits.