The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028 is now open to outstanding international students who want to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree at the prestigious University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for talented students from countries outside the UK to study without worrying about the major financial costs of postgraduate education. Successful applicants receive funding for tuition fees, living expenses, international travel, visa costs and other eligible academic expenses.
Established through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports students with outstanding academic abilities, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, international applicants can submit their applications with deadlines falling on 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on their chosen postgraduate course.
If you are planning to study for a Master’s or PhD degree in the UK, this is an opportunity worth considering.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028 – Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
| Host institution | University of Cambridge |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Academic session | 2027/2028 |
| Study level | Master’s and PhD |
| Scholarship type | Fully funded |
| Eligible nationalities | All countries outside the UK |
| Number of awards | Approximately 80 annually |
| Funding coverage | Tuition, living expenses, travel and other benefits |
| Application opening | September 2026 |
| International deadline | 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 |
| Official application | Apply through Gates Cambridge |
Important: The correct deadline depends on the postgraduate course you select. Applicants must check their course’s funding deadline before submitting their application.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge.
The programme aims to build a global community of future leaders who can make a positive difference in society.
Every year, approximately 80 scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom.
Scholars become part of an international academic community where they can develop their knowledge, leadership abilities and professional networks.
The scholarship is available across different academic disciplines, provided applicants choose an eligible postgraduate programme at Cambridge.
What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship designed to cover the major expenses associated with studying at the University of Cambridge.
Successful scholars can receive the following benefits:
1. Full university tuition fees: The scholarship covers the University Composition Fee for the approved postgraduate programme.
2. Annual living allowance: Scholars receive a maintenance allowance to cover their living expenses while studying at Cambridge.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the published annual maintenance allowance is £23,152. The applicable amount for 2027/2028 should be confirmed when the Trust publishes its updated rates.
3. International travel allowance
The scholarship provides one economy-class return airfare at the beginning and end of the programme.
4. Visa and immigration costs
Eligible scholars receive support for their UK visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Academic development funding
Scholars may receive discretionary funding of up to £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the activity, to support conferences, academic development and professional opportunities.
6. Family allowance
Eligible scholars with dependants may receive additional financial support.
7. Fieldwork and research support
Additional funding may be available for approved fieldwork and research activities associated with the scholar’s academic programme.
8. Maternity and parental leave support
Eligible scholars may receive additional support in accordance with the scholarship’s conditions.
The exact benefits and additional allowances are subject to the Gates Cambridge Trust’s funding rules.
Eligibility Requirements for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028
To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the nationality, academic and programme requirements.
The main eligibility conditions include:
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the United Kingdom.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, India, Pakistan and other eligible countries can apply.
2. Academic qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and meet the admission requirements of their chosen postgraduate programme at Cambridge.
A strong academic record is important because the scholarship is highly competitive.
3. Postgraduate admission
Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Eligible programmes include:
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PhD degrees.
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MLitt degrees.
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Eligible one-year postgraduate courses.
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Eligible two-year postgraduate courses.
Not every postgraduate programme qualifies, so applicants should check the Gates Cambridge eligibility guidelines before applying.
4. Leadership potential
Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and the potential to influence positive change.
Leadership experience can come from academic activities, employment, volunteering, community projects or professional responsibilities.
5. Commitment to improving people’s lives
Candidates must demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.
Applicants should explain how their education, research and future career plans will contribute to solving important problems in their communities or the wider world.
6. Good reasons for choosing the course
Applicants must clearly explain why they want to study their selected programme at Cambridge and how it connects with their academic and professional ambitions.
Application Deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028
The international application deadline for the 2027/2028 Gates Cambridge Scholarship depends on the postgraduate course selected.
The two published deadlines are:
| Application deadline | Eligible applicants |
|---|---|
| 8 December 2026 | International applicants whose chosen course has this funding deadline |
| 6 January 2027 | International applicants whose chosen course has this later funding deadline |
All application documents, including references, must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. UK time on the applicable deadline.
What about the October deadline?
The earlier deadline of 14 October 2026 applies to US citizens who are resident in the United States when applying.
That application round has already closed. US citizens studying or working outside the United States at the time of application should follow the later international application round, subject to the programme rules.
International applicants from countries such as Nigeria should check the December or January deadline assigned to their chosen course.
How to Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028
Applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship are submitted through the University of Cambridge postgraduate application system.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an eligible postgraduate course
Visit the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and identify the Master’s or PhD programme you want to study.
Check the course requirements, admission conditions and funding deadline.
Step 2: Check the Gates Cambridge eligibility requirements
Visit the official Gates Cambridge website and confirm that your selected programme qualifies for the scholarship.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Prepare the documents required for your postgraduate application. These may include:
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Academic transcripts.
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Degree certificates.
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Personal statement or statement of purpose.
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Academic references.
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Research proposal, where required.
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Curriculum vitae, where required by the course.
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English-language test results, if required.
Step 4: Complete the Cambridge postgraduate application
Create an account on the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.
Complete the postgraduate admission application and select Gates Cambridge in the funding section.
Step 5: Complete the Gates Cambridge questions
Applicants must answer the scholarship-specific questions explaining their academic achievements, reasons for choosing Cambridge, leadership experience and commitment to improving people’s lives.
Step 6: Submit your references
You must arrange the required academic references and an additional Gates Cambridge reference.
Make sure your referees submit their recommendations before the relevant application deadline.
Step 7: Submit your application
Review your application carefully and submit it before the funding deadline assigned to your chosen course.
Remember that submitting your postgraduate application without completing the Gates Cambridge funding section will not automatically make you a scholarship applicant.
Direct Application Links for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028
Interested applicants should use the official university and scholarship websites to access the application instructions.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship application:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/
scholarship eligibility requirements:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/
application timeline:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/timeline/
University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/
University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses
Important: The Gates Cambridge scholarship application is completed alongside your postgraduate admission application through the Cambridge Applicant Portal. Always check the course-specific funding deadline before submitting.
FAQs
1. Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/2028 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides full funding for eligible postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Benefits include tuition fees, a living allowance, return airfare, visa costs and other eligible expenses.
2. Can Nigerian students apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible to apply because the scholarship accepts applicants who are citizens of countries outside the United Kingdom. However, applicants must meet the academic, course and selection requirements.
3. What is the deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?
The international application deadline is either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the funding deadline of the selected postgraduate course.
4. Can I apply for a Master’s degree with the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Yes. Eligible Master’s programmes are covered by the scholarship. However, applicants must check whether their chosen course meets the Trust’s eligibility requirements.
5. Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship require IELTS?
English-language requirements depend on the postgraduate course and the University of Cambridge admission rules. Applicants may need to provide IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted English-language qualification unless they qualify for an exemption.
6. How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded annually?
Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded every year to outstanding international applicants.
7. Can I apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship without first receiving admission to Cambridge?
You do not need to receive an admission offer before applying for the scholarship. You submit your postgraduate admission and Gates Cambridge funding applications together through the university’s application system.
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