Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 in UK: Fully Funded Master’s, MPhil & PhD

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom for eligible applicants from outside the UK. The scholarship supports postgraduate study and provides funding that can cover the University Composition Fee and maintenance, with additional funding available in certain circumstances.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the University of Cambridge lists 14 October 2026 as the Gates Cambridge funding deadline for US citizens applying in the US, while the main funding deadlines for applicants from other countries are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027, depending on the course.

Important: Your source lists “8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027” for non-US applicants. The exact deadline depends on the course, so applicants should always check their specific Cambridge course page before submitting.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 – Overview

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme awards around 80 full-cost scholarships each year to applicants from outside the UK.

What Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established at the University of Cambridge in 2000 following a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The programme provides postgraduate funding to eligible applicants from outside the UK who wish to study at Cambridge.

Applicants apply for admission to a Cambridge postgraduate course and indicate within the application that they wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge funding.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Benefits

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed to cover the major costs associated with studying at Cambridge.

According to the supplied scholarship information, the funding package includes:

• University tuition fees
• Maintenance allowance
• Economy-class airfare
• UK visa costs
• Immigration Health Surcharge

Additional funding may also be available for approved academic and personal circumstances.

Additional Funding May Include

• Conference and course funding
• Dependent children allowance
• Fieldwork allowance
• Maternity or paternity funding
• Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties

The availability and amount of additional funding depend on the relevant circumstances and scholarship rules.

Who Can Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?

The scholarship is intended for applicants from outside the United Kingdom who are applying for eligible postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

The supplied eligibility information states that applicants should:

• Be from outside the UK.
• Apply for an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge.
• Demonstrate excellent academic ability.
• Complete the combined Cambridge admission and funding application.
• Provide the required Gates Cambridge supporting materials.

The University of Cambridge also confirms that Gates Cambridge funding is available to applicants from countries outside the UK pursuing eligible postgraduate study.

Which Courses Are Eligible?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is available across a broad range of academic disciplines, but not every Cambridge postgraduate course is eligible.

The supplied source lists the following as examples of courses that are not eligible:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Business Doctorate (BusD)
• MBA
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• MASt courses
• PGCE
• MBBChir Clinical Studies
• MD Doctor of Medicine
• Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
• Part-time degrees other than the PhD
• Non-degree courses

Because Cambridge course eligibility can vary, applicants should check the official course directory before applying.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Eligibility

Applicants should carefully check both the scholarship requirements and the admission requirements for their chosen Cambridge course.

For the Gates Cambridge application, the supplied information identifies the following key requirements:

1. Apply to the University of Cambridge

Applicants must apply for admission to an eligible postgraduate course through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.

2. Apply for Gates Cambridge Funding

The Gates Cambridge funding section must be completed as part of the application.

3. Gates Cambridge Statement

Applicants must submit a Gates Cambridge statement of approximately 500 words.

4. Research Proposal

PhD applicants must provide a research proposal where required by the application.

5. References

Applicants must provide the required Gates Cambridge reference(s).

How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027

The application process combines your Cambridge course application and scholarship application.

Step 1: Choose Your Cambridge Course

Start by finding an eligible postgraduate programme through the University of Cambridge’s official Course Directory.

Choose a programme that matches your academic background and intended area of study.

Step 2: Check the Course Deadline

Cambridge course deadlines differ by programme.

The University states that the funding deadline depends on the course, with the main 2027/28 funding deadlines listed as 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027. US citizens applying for Gates Cambridge funding through the US round have a 14 October 2026 deadline.

Step 3: Start Your Cambridge Application

Create an application through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.

You will need to complete the sections required for admission to your chosen postgraduate course.

Step 4: Select Gates Cambridge Funding

Within the funding section of your application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

The Cambridge application system allows applicants to apply for admission and funding through the same application process.

Step 5: Complete the Gates Cambridge Section

Complete the additional Gates Cambridge scholarship questions and submit the required statement.

Your scholarship application should clearly explain your academic background, achievements, reasons for applying and future plans.

Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents

Depending on your course and application, you may need documents such as:

• Academic transcripts
• Academic references
• Gates Cambridge reference
• Gates Cambridge statement
• Research proposal for PhD applicants
• CV or other course-specific documents

The exact admission requirements depend on the selected Cambridge course.

Step 7: Submit Before the Funding Deadline

Make sure the complete application, including required references, is submitted before the relevant funding deadline.

The University of Cambridge states that complete applications, including references, must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on the applicable funding deadline.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Deadline

There is not one universal deadline for every applicant.

For 2027/28 entry, the University of Cambridge currently lists:

• 14 October 2026 – Gates Cambridge US funding round for US citizens applying in the US
• 8 December 2026 – main funding deadline for many courses
• 6 January 2027 – funding deadline for other courses

Your actual deadline depends on the Cambridge course you are applying for.

This is why applicants should check the funding deadline shown on their specific Cambridge course page rather than relying only on a general scholarship deadline.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application Requirements

Before submitting your application, prepare the following where applicable:

• Cambridge postgraduate application
• Academic transcripts
• Academic references
• Gates Cambridge statement
• Gates Cambridge reference
• Research proposal for PhD applicants
• Other documents required by your selected Cambridge course

The supplied source specifically identifies the Gates Cambridge statement, PhD research proposal and Gates Cambridge references as scholarship requirements.

Can Current Cambridge Students Apply?

The supplied scholarship information notes that current Cambridge students can also apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship when applying for a new postgraduate course.

For example, a student currently studying an MPhil may apply for Gates Cambridge funding when applying for a PhD.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 FAQs

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge for eligible applicants from outside the UK.

Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship is described as a full-cost scholarship and can cover the University Composition Fee and maintenance, with additional funding available in certain circumstances.

How many Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available?

The programme awards approximately 80 scholarships each year.

Who is eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

Applicants from outside the UK can apply for eligible postgraduate courses at Cambridge, subject to the scholarship and course-specific eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for a Master’s degree?

Some eligible Cambridge postgraduate courses at Master’s level can be considered for Gates Cambridge funding, but applicants must check whether their specific course is eligible.

Can I apply for an MPhil?

Yes, eligible MPhil programmes can be considered, subject to the Gates Cambridge and course requirements. Cambridge course pages identify Gates Cambridge as a funding option for eligible MPhil programmes.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports eligible PhD applicants. PhD applicants may also be required to provide a research proposal.

What does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover?

The funding package can include tuition fees, maintenance, economy airfare, visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional funding may be available for fieldwork, conferences, dependants, parental leave and hardship circumstances.

When is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 deadline?

For 2027/28 entry, the US Gates Cambridge funding deadline is 14 October 2026. Other applicants generally have funding deadlines of 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course.

Where do I apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

You apply through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, completing both the course admission application and the Gates Cambridge funding section.

Final Thoughts

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge with substantial financial support.

The most important part of the application is to choose an eligible Cambridge course first, check its funding deadline, complete the admission application, and submit the Gates Cambridge funding section and supporting documents before the relevant deadline.

Because Cambridge deadlines differ between courses, applicants should verify the deadline for their specific programme before submitting their application.

Official Application

University of Cambridge Applicant Portal / Course Directory:
University of Cambridge Postgraduate Study

Gates Cambridge official application information:
Gates Cambridge – How to Apply