Gates Cambridge offers around 80 full-cost postgraduate scholarships each year for outstanding applicants from outside the UK, covering Cambridge fees, living costs, airfare, visa costs and additional discretionary funding.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive postgraduate funding opportunities available at the University of Cambridge for international students.
Each year, Gates Cambridge offers around 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who want to pursue an eligible postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Around two-thirds of the awards are expected to go to PhD students, with approximately 25 scholarships available in the U.S. round and 55 in the International round.
The programme is designed not only to support academic study, but also to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Its selection criteria include outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for course choice, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
| University | University of Cambridge |
| Study level | Postgraduate |
| Eligible nationality | Applicants from countries outside the UK |
| Approximate awards each year | Around 80 |
| Approximate U.S. round awards | 25 |
| Approximate International round awards | 55 |
| PhD share | Around two-thirds of awards |
| Funding type | Full-cost scholarship |
| Tuition | University Composition Fee covered |
| Maintenance allowance | £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate |
| PhD maintenance duration | Up to 4 years |
| Airfare | Economy single airfare at start and end of course |
| Visa | Inbound visa costs covered |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Covered |
| Additional funding | Available on a discretionary basis |
| Main selection criteria | Intellectual ability, course choice, social commitment, leadership potential |
What Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 after a historic US$210 million donation from the Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. The first class of scholars arrived in Cambridge in October 2001.
The programme’s central mission is to create a global network of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others.
It supports postgraduate study across a broad range of subjects available at the University of Cambridge.
How Many Gates Cambridge Scholarships Are Available?
Gates Cambridge says it offers around:
80 full-cost scholarships each year.
Of these:
- Around 25 are available in the U.S. round
- Around 55 are available in the International round
The programme also states that approximately:
two-thirds of the awards are offered to PhD students.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is for outstanding applicants from:
countries outside the United Kingdom
who wish to pursue postgraduate study at Cambridge.
The supplied scholarship page confirms that awards are available across subjects offered at the University, but it does not contain the full detailed course-by-course eligibility rules.
Applicants should therefore review the separate Gates Cambridge eligibility page before applying.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
International applicants are at the heart of the programme.
Gates Cambridge specifically states that the scholarships are for applicants from countries outside the UK.
This makes the programme especially relevant to students seeking fully funded postgraduate opportunities in the United Kingdom.
What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover?
Gates Cambridge states clearly that:
a Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
It also provides additional discretionary funding.
The core funding package includes:
- University Composition Fee
- Maintenance allowance
- Economy airfare
- Inbound visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge
University Composition Fee
The scholarship covers the:
University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.
The exact fee varies depending on the student’s course and status.
Applicants should therefore check the relevant Cambridge graduate course information for the specific fee amount applicable to their programme.
Maintenance Allowance
The scholarship includes a maintenance allowance of:
£22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–2026 rate.
For courses lasting less than 12 months, the allowance is paid on a pro-rata basis.
For PhD scholars, Gates Cambridge states that the award may provide maintenance support for:
up to four years.
Applicants should note that the figure quoted is specifically identified by Gates Cambridge as the 2025–26 rate, so the amount for later academic years may change.
Airfare
The scholarship includes:
one economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
This can significantly reduce relocation costs for international scholars.
The source does not state that repeated annual flights are included.
Visa Costs
Gates Cambridge covers:
inbound visa costs.
This is particularly relevant for international students who need a UK visa to begin their studies.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The scholarship also covers the cost of the:
Immigration Health Surcharge.
This forms part of the core funding package.
Is Gates Cambridge Fully Funded?
Yes.
The official scholarship page states explicitly that:
a Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
This makes it appropriate to describe Gates Cambridge as a full-cost scholarship.
However, applicants should still distinguish between the core funding that is automatically included and additional funding that is only available at the Trust’s discretion.
Additional Discretionary Funding
Beyond the core scholarship package, Gates Cambridge may consider requests for several additional types of support.
These include:
- Academic development funding
- Dependent Children Allowance
- Fieldwork-related maintenance
- Maternity or paternity funding
- Hardship funding
These benefits are not automatically guaranteed in every case.
Academic Development Funding
Scholars may apply for academic development funding of:
up to £750 to up to £4,000
depending on the length of the course.
This funding can help scholars attend:
- Conferences
- Courses
Applicants should understand that this is discretionary additional support.
Dependent Children Allowance
Gates Cambridge may provide:
- Up to £12,793 per year for one child
- Up to £18,244 per year for two or more children
The Trust states that:
no funding is provided for a partner.
This distinction is important for applicants planning to relocate with family members.
Fieldwork Support
PhD scholars may apply to continue receiving up to their normal maintenance allowance while carrying out fieldwork as part of their PhD.
However, Gates Cambridge states that it does not fund other fieldwork costs because those are expected to be covered through the University Composition Fee.
Maternity and Paternity Funding
Scholars may apply to intermit their studies for up to:
six months
while continuing to receive their maintenance allowance.
This funding is available where maternity or paternity circumstances require it.
Hardship Funding
The Trust also considers hardship funding for scholars facing:
unforeseen difficulties.
This support is discretionary rather than automatically included in the standard award.
What Is Not Covered?
Although Gates Cambridge covers most study costs, the scholarship does not cover everything.
The Trust specifically states that it does not cover:
- Bench fees
- Scientific equipment
- Similar academic resources
It expects these core research costs to be covered by the relevant Cambridge academic department.
Can You Receive Another Scholarship at the Same Time?
Potentially, but Gates Cambridge requires transparency.
If a scholar receives:
- A salary from an employer
- Another substantial scholarship
the Trust may reduce or choose not to pay the standard maintenance allowance.
Scholars are expected to inform the Trust promptly if they receive other funding toward their Cambridge degree.
What Are the Selection Criteria?
Gates Cambridge lists four core selection criteria.
Outstanding Intellectual Ability
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic and intellectual ability.
Reasons for Choice of Course
Candidates should explain why the Cambridge course they have selected is appropriate for their goals.
Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others
Applicants should demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive contribution beyond themselves.
Leadership Potential
The Trust looks for candidates with the potential to lead and influence others.
These four criteria are explicitly listed by Gates Cambridge.
Is Academic Excellence Alone Enough?
No.
Outstanding intellectual ability is one of the criteria, but it is not the only one.
Gates Cambridge also evaluates:
- Course motivation
- Commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
A strong application should therefore present a broader profile than grades alone.
What Kind of Courses Are Covered?
Gates Cambridge states that scholarships support postgraduate study in:
any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
However, applicants should consult the separate eligibility guidance because not every Cambridge postgraduate course may necessarily fall within Gates Cambridge eligibility rules.
The supplied scholarship overview does not list individual eligible and ineligible courses.
Are PhD Students Prioritized?
PhD applicants receive a substantial share of the awards.
Gates Cambridge states that approximately:
two-thirds of scholarships are offered to PhD students.
This makes the programme particularly important for international doctoral candidates.
How Large Is the Gates Cambridge Community?
At any one time, there are approximately:
250 Gates Cambridge Scholars studying in Cambridge.
These scholars are spread across different:
- Departments
- Colleges
- Academic subjects
while also participating in the wider Gates Cambridge community.
Gates Cambridge Alumni Network
The programme reports a community of more than:
1,700 alumni from 112 countries.
This gives successful applicants access to an established international network extending beyond their time at Cambridge.
Why the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Is Different
The scholarship combines:
- Full-cost postgraduate funding
- Leadership development potential
- Global community
- Academic freedom across a broad range of disciplines
- Financial support for international relocation
- Additional discretionary support in certain circumstances
It is therefore more than a tuition-fee scholarship.
The programme is designed to support people who combine academic excellence with a strong commitment to wider social impact.
How Competitive Is Gates Cambridge?
The supplied source does not provide an acceptance rate.
However, approximately 80 scholarships are available each year, and the programme is explicitly aimed at:
outstanding applicants.
Applicants should therefore expect substantial international competition.
A precise acceptance percentage should not be stated without official applicant-volume data.
How to Strengthen a Gates Cambridge Application
Demonstrate Intellectual Strength
Your academic record and postgraduate plans should show strong intellectual ability.
Explain Your Course Choice Clearly
Applicants should be able to explain why their chosen Cambridge course is essential to their goals.
Show Evidence of Social Commitment
The Trust explicitly looks for commitment to improving the lives of others.
This should be demonstrated through real examples rather than vague statements.
Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Applicants should show how they have influenced, organized, led or contributed meaningfully to communities, projects or institutions.
Connect Your Goals
The strongest application should connect:
- Academic preparation
- Cambridge course
- Leadership potential
- Future impact
into one coherent story.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing Only on Grades
Academic performance matters, but Gates Cambridge evaluates four distinct criteria.
Choosing a Course Without a Strong Explanation
Applicants should have convincing reasons for selecting their specific Cambridge programme.
Making Generic Leadership Claims
Provide concrete evidence of leadership potential.
Treating Social Impact as an Afterthought
Commitment to improving the lives of others is explicitly part of the selection criteria.
Assuming Every Additional Allowance Is Guaranteed
Dependent-child support, academic development funding and hardship support are discretionary.
Quoting £22,050 as a Permanent Future Rate
The official page specifies that this is the:
2025–26 rate.
Future rates may differ.
Assuming Scientific Equipment Is Covered
The scholarship specifically excludes bench fees and certain scientific-resource costs.
Application Process
The supplied scholarship overview links applicants to separate pages covering:
- Eligibility
- Selection criteria
- Timeline
- How to apply
- How selection works
- Frequently asked questions
The exact 2027–2028 application dates and detailed application instructions are not contained in the supplied source.
Applicants should therefore verify the current Gates Cambridge application timeline before submitting.
What Documents Are Required?
The supplied scholarship overview does not provide a complete application-document checklist.
Applicants should consult the official Gates Cambridge “How to Apply” instructions for the current cycle.
This is preferable to relying on a generic checklist because requirements may vary by application round and Cambridge course.
U.S. Round and International Round
Gates Cambridge divides its scholarships between two broad rounds.
Approximately:
25 scholarships
are available in the U.S. round, while around:
55 scholarships
are available in the International round.
Applicants should ensure they follow the correct round based on the programme’s current eligibility and timeline rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
It is a full-cost postgraduate scholarship programme at the University of Cambridge for outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Around 80.
How many scholarships are available in the U.S. round?
Approximately 25.
How many are available in the International round?
Approximately 55.
Is Gates Cambridge fully funded?
Yes.
The Trust says the scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge.
How much is the maintenance allowance?
The official page gives £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate.
Is the allowance available for PhD students?
Yes.
For PhD scholars, the award can provide maintenance for up to four years.
Are flights covered?
Yes.
The scholarship includes an economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
Are visa costs covered?
Yes.
Inbound visa costs are part of the core scholarship package.
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge covered?
Yes.
Does the scholarship fund children?
Additional dependent-child support may be available on a discretionary basis.
The page lists up to £12,793 per year for one child and £18,244 per year for two or more children.
Does Gates Cambridge fund a spouse or partner?
No.
The Trust states that no funding is provided for a partner.
Is conference funding available?
Yes, on a discretionary basis.
Academic development support ranges from up to £750 to up to £4,000 depending on course length.
Does Gates Cambridge cover scientific equipment?
No.
Bench fees and scientific equipment or similar academic resources are not covered by the Trust.
Can scholars receive another scholarship?
Potentially, but another substantial scholarship or salary may result in the maintenance allowance being reduced or not paid.
What are the selection criteria?
The four listed criteria are:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Reasons for choice of course
- Commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
Is the scholarship only for PhD students?
No.
It supports postgraduate study more broadly, although approximately two-thirds of awards are offered to PhD students.
Why Gates Cambridge Is Worth Considering
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship stands out because it combines substantial financial support with a leadership-focused international community.
The core award covers:
- University fees
- Maintenance
- Airfare
- Visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge
while additional support may also be available for:
- Conferences
- Dependent children
- Fieldwork maintenance
- Maternity and paternity circumstances
- Hardship
Successful applicants also join a global community that includes approximately 250 current scholars and more than 1,700 alumni from 112 countries.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers around 80 full-cost postgraduate scholarships each year to outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Approximately two-thirds of the awards are expected to go to PhD students, with around 25 available in the U.S. round and 55 in the International round.
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, economy airfare, inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
At the rate published for 2025–2026, the maintenance allowance is £22,050 for 12 months, with PhD funding available for up to four years. Additional discretionary support may also be available for academic development, dependent children, fieldwork, maternity or paternity circumstances and hardship.
Applicants are assessed on more than academic results alone. Gates Cambridge specifically evaluates intellectual ability, reasons for course choice, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.
For international postgraduate applicants seeking a genuinely full-cost scholarship at one of the world’s leading universities, Gates Cambridge is a major opportunity worth preparing for carefully.
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