Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Opens for International Master’s and PhD Students

International students planning to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom can now apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for the 2027–28 academic year. 

The prestigious scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected students admitted to eligible postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge.

Applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom are eligible to compete for the scholarship, which supports both master’s-level courses and PhD programs. 

Around 70 scholarships are awarded each year, with approximately two-thirds generally offered to PhD candidates.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed to cover most major expenses associated with studying at Cambridge. Successful scholars receive full payment of the University Composition Fee along with financial support for living expenses.

The scholarship also covers an economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the academic program, as well as eligible visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge.

For reference, the maintenance allowance for a single student is £23,152 for 12 months under the published 2026–27 rate. The applicable amount for students beginning their studies in 2027 may be adjusted.

Additional financial assistance may also be available in certain circumstances, including support for academic conferences, family expenses, fieldwork and approved maternity or paternity study breaks.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Candidates must be citizens of a country outside the UK and must apply for an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship supports full-time PhD programs, eligible part-time PhDs under the continuing pilot scheme, full-time MLitt degrees and selected one-year postgraduate programs, including many master’s degrees.

Applicants must also satisfy the academic and English-language requirements of their selected Cambridge course.

Application Deadlines for 2027 Entry

The application process is divided into two rounds. US citizens who normally live in the United States have a deadline of October 14, 2026.

Other international candidates, including US citizens living outside the United States, must generally apply by December 8, 2026, or January 6, 2027, depending on the deadline of their chosen course.

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Selection Process and Requirements

Candidates apply for both admission and scholarship consideration through the University of Cambridge postgraduate application system.

Applicants may need to provide academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, references, English-language evidence and, for research programs, a research proposal.

Selection focuses on academic excellence, reasons for choosing the proposed course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview before final scholarship decisions are announced.