Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive international scholarship programme for outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom who wish to undertake full-time postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered through the Gates Cambridge Trust.

The scholarship supports eligible postgraduate degrees at Cambridge, commonly including Master's and PhD study across a very wide range of academic disciplines. It is intended for applicants with exceptional academic ability, clear leadership potential, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of others. Candidates must also secure admission to an eligible Cambridge programme.

Gates Cambridge is generally considered a fully funded scholarship. Based on the reference postings, support typically includes full tuition fees, a generous maintenance allowance, one return economy airfare, and funding for visa or immigration-related costs, including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Some scholars may also receive additional discretionary support for academic development, conferences, fieldwork, hardship, or family-related costs where applicable.

The award is for study in the United Kingdom, specifically at the University of Cambridge. It is open to non-UK citizens applying for full-time residential postgraduate study. Academic and language requirements follow both Cambridge admission rules and any specific requirements of the chosen course.

Applications are normally made as part of the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions process. In general, applicants should identify an eligible course, prepare the required academic documents and references, and complete the Cambridge graduate application while also submitting the Gates Cambridge funding section by the relevant annual deadline.