Fully-Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 for Master’s and PhD in the UK is Now Open
Gates Cambridge has opened applications for its 2027–28 scholarships at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Citizens of countries outside the UK can apply for funding that covers eligible master’s and PhD courses, living expenses, travel, and visa costs.
The program offers around 70 scholarships each year, with about two-thirds going to PhD students.
Approximately one-third of all awards are offered through the US selection round, while the rest are available through the international round.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Application Deadlines
The scholarship has two application rounds.
US citizens normally living in the United States apply through the US round.
All other eligible applicants, including US citizens living outside the US, apply through the international round.
| Application round | Main deadline |
|---|---|
| US citizens normally living in the United States | October 14, 2026 |
| All other eligible applicants | December 8, 2026, or January 6, 2027, depending on the course |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Gates Cambridge pays the full University Composition Fee, which covers tuition at Cambridge.
It also pays inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Scholars receive one economy airfare at the start of the course and another at the end.
The scholarship provides a single student with £23,152 for 12 months at the published 2026–27 rate.
The Trust adjusts the allowance for shorter courses and funds PhD scholars for up to four years.
Students starting in 2027 should confirm the allowance that applies to their award.
Additional Funding for Scholars
Scholars can apply for extra support, which the Trust approves on a case-by-case basis.
For conferences and courses, funding limits range from £750 to £4,000, depending on the degree’s length.
The Trust also offers up to £12,793 a year for one child or £18,244 for two or more children.
PhD scholars can apply to keep receiving up to their normal living allowance during fieldwork.
The Trust can also continue the allowance during an approved maternity or paternity study break of up to six months.
Scholars facing unexpected financial difficulties can request hardship funding.
The Trust provides no allowance for a partner and does not cover fieldwork expenses beyond the approved living allowance.
It also excludes bench fees, scientific equipment and similar academic resources, which it expects Cambridge departments to fund.
Other Scholarships and Employment Income
Scholars must tell the Trust about other funding they receive towards their Cambridge degree.
A salary or another substantial scholarship can lead to a reduction or suspension of the standard living allowance.
The Trust asks students to accept fee awards from public bodies such as UKRI.
Gates Cambridge may then share the fee and living costs or leave the fee payment to the other funder.
Who Can Apply for Gates Cambridge?
Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the UK and apply for an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge.
The scholarship supports:
- Full-time PhD program.
- Part-time PhDs through the program’s continuing pilot scheme.
- Full-time MLitt degrees.
- Eligible one-year, full-time postgraduate courses, including master’s programs.
Students must meet the admission requirements for their chosen degree.
Required grades, accepted qualifications, and English-language scores vary by course.
Can Current Cambridge Students Apply?
Current Cambridge students can apply for funding for a new postgraduate degree.
For example, an MPhil student can seek a scholarship for a PhD.
Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can also apply for a second scholarship for a new degree.
All current Cambridge students are considered in the international round.
The scholarship cannot fund the remaining part of a course that has already started.
Courses That Are Not Eligible
Gates Cambridge does not cover:
- Undergraduate degrees, including an affiliated BA or second BA.
- MASt courses.
- Part-time degrees other than PhDs.
- MBA, EMBA, Global EMBA and Master of Finance program.
- Executive Master of Accounting and Business Doctorate program.
- Postgraduate Certificate of Education.
- MBBChir Clinical Studies, the six-year part-time MD and Graduate Course in Medicine (A101).
Master of Conservation of Easel Painting. - Professional development courses and other non-standard degrees.
How to Apply Online
Students apply for admission and Gates Cambridge funding through the same Cambridge postgraduate application.
First, choose a course from the Cambridge Course Directory.
Check its entry requirements, funding deadline and list of required documents.
PhD applicants and most research MPhil applicants need to contact a potential supervisor to discuss their proposed research.
Students should follow their department’s instructions, as arrangements differ between courses.
Complete the course application through the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
In the funding section, request consideration for Gates Cambridge and answer the scholarship questions.
Applicants can name two preferred Cambridge colleges or leave the choice open.
Those applying to several courses must submit a separate application and supporting documents for each.
Courses can close before their advertised deadline if they fill.
Applicants can track their progress through the portal.
Documents and References Required
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A CV.
- A statement or written work requested by the department.
- A research proposal for PhD applications.
- Evidence of English-language ability when required.
- Academic references and the additional Gates Cambridge reference.
How Scholars Are Selected
Gates Cambridge assesses academic ability, course choice, commitment to others and leadership potential.
It does not consider applicants’ financial circumstances when selecting scholars.
Applicants must show that they have the knowledge and skills to complete their chosen course.
Research applicants need to explain their proposed work, while taught master’s applicants should explain how the degree fits their career plans.
Selection takes place in two stages.
Cambridge departments first nominate a small number of applicants.
Those nominated are then invited to an interview.
Interviews last around 25 to 30 minutes and can take place in person or online.
Panels cover arts, biological sciences, physical sciences and social sciences.
Candidates discuss their academic work, proposed degree, career plans and reasons for applying.
Panels may also ask intellectual or ethical questions. Applicants can also ask questions.
The Trust selects scholars after the interviews.
Applicants who are not invited to interview receive an email confirming the outcome.
Find out more details about Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Master’s) and Gates Cambridge Scholarship (PhD).
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