Apply now for the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 in the UK! Fully funded for international students covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. Find eligibility, benefits, and application process here.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in the world, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Established in 2000, the program offers full funding for outstanding international students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
This scholarship provides talented individuals with the opportunity to join one of the world’s top universities, engage in groundbreaking research, and become part of a global network of future leaders dedicated to improving lives worldwide. If you are an ambitious student who wants to make a difference, this scholarship could be your gateway to a world-class education in the UK.
Key Information at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Scholarship Level | Master’s & PhD (Postgraduate) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligibility | International students (outside the UK) |
| Deadline | Dependent on course (usually October–December 2025) |
| Application Portal | https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply |
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is a full-ride award designed to eliminate financial barriers for international students. Key benefits include:
- Full Tuition Fees – Covers the entire cost of study at Cambridge.
- Living Allowance – £20,000+ annually to support living expenses.
- Travel Costs – Covers airfare to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa Fees – Includes the UK immigration health surcharge.
- Academic Development Funding – Up to £2,000 available to attend conferences and professional development activities.
- Family Allowance – Up to £15,000 if you bring dependent children.
- Leadership & Networking Opportunities – Become part of the prestigious Gates Cambridge community.
This generous package ensures recipients can focus entirely on their academic and leadership development without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Education: Applying to pursue a full-time residential course at the University of Cambridge (PhD, MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate program).
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic record with evidence of outstanding achievements.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated capacity for leadership, community engagement, and social impact.
- Commitment to Improving Lives: Candidates should show a strong desire to contribute to society through their field of study and career goals.
Note: Some professional degrees (like MBA, MFin, PGCE, and MD) are not eligible.
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026
The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is completed online via the University of Cambridge’s graduate application portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Choose a Course of Study – Select your preferred postgraduate program at Cambridge.
- Prepare Documents – Required materials include:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- CV/Resume
- Two academic references
- One reference specifically for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship focusing on leadership and societal impact
- Submit Application Online – Apply through the official Cambridge Graduate Application Portal and tick the Gates Cambridge Scholarship option.
- Shortlisting – Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview.
- Interview Stage – Finalists will be assessed on academic ability, leadership, and commitment to improving lives.
- Scholarship Award – Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their funding along with their admission to Cambridge.
📌 Tip: Start preparing early! Most deadlines fall between October and December 2025, depending on your chosen course.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports a wide range of fields offered at Cambridge, including:
- Arts & Humanities – History, Languages, Philosophy, Literature, Music, etc.
- Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science.
- Engineering & Technology – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and AI/Robotics.
- Social Sciences – Politics, Sociology, Economics, Law, Education.
- Medical & Health Sciences – Clinical Research, Neuroscience, Global Health.
This allows applicants from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue advanced research and training.
How Much Does Gates Cambridge Scholarship Worth?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most generous and fully funded scholarships in the world. It covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on their academics and research without financial stress. The value of the scholarship includes:
- Full University Composition Fee – tuition fees at the appropriate rate for your course.
- Maintenance Allowance – £20,000 per year (for up to 4 years of study).
- Airfare – one economy-class airfare to Cambridge at the beginning of the course and one return ticket at the end of the course.
- Visa Costs & Immigration Health Surcharge – fully covered by the scholarship.
- Academic Development Funding – up to £500–£2,000 available for attending conferences and courses, depending on the course length.
- Family Allowance – £11,604 for one child, and £16,548 for two or more children.
- Hardship Funds – available in cases of unforeseen difficulties.
In total, the scholarship can be worth £60,000+ per year, depending on the program length and the scholar’s personal circumstances. This makes it a truly life-changing opportunity for outstanding international students.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 offers a life-changing opportunity for international students with exceptional academic potential and leadership aspirations. Beyond financial support, it connects recipients to a vibrant network of scholars working to tackle global challenges.
If you’re ready to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities and join a community of future leaders, this is your chance to apply.
👉 Apply now via the official portal: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply
FAQs About Gates Cambridge Scholarship
1. Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026?
International students from outside the UK applying for a full-time postgraduate program at Cambridge are eligible.
2. Does the scholarship cover undergraduates?
No, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is only for postgraduate study (Master’s and PhD).
3. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded annually, with around two-thirds for PhD students.
4. Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
Yes, applicants must meet the University of Cambridge’s English proficiency requirements.
5. When is the deadline for 2026 applications?
Deadlines vary by course but typically fall between October and December 2025.
