AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Scholarship: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• Host: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Study level: Postgraduate
• Eligible applicants: Citizens of countries outside the United Kingdom
• Fields: Eligible postgraduate courses across subjects available at Cambridge
• Funding: Full-cost scholarship
• Application route: University of Cambridge postgraduate application portal
• 2027/28 entry: Applications open from September 2026
• Deadline: Varies according to course and funding round
• Official scholarship website: http://www.gatescambridge.org

About the Scholarship/Programme

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious full-cost postgraduate scholarship programme established through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for study at the University of Cambridge.

The programme aims to build a global community of future leaders who are committed to improving the lives of others. Gates Cambridge selects outstanding applicants based not only on academic ability, but also on their potential for leadership, commitment to improving the lives of others and suitability for the proposed course and Cambridge.

Approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded each year, with the majority going to PhD candidates. The scholarship is open to applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom.

For 2027/28 entry, prospective scholars must apply for an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge and indicate that they wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge funding as part of the university application process.

Scholarship Benefits

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of studying at Cambridge.

The core funding package includes:

• The University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate.
• A maintenance allowance for a single student. The published rate has been £21,000 for 12 months, with the amount pro-rated for courses shorter than 12 months.
• Economy airfare to and from the United Kingdom at the beginning and end of the course.
• Inbound visa costs.
• The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

The Trust may also consider additional funding on a discretionary basis, including academic development, fieldwork, dependent children, maternity/paternity and hardship support.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must generally be citizens of a country outside the United Kingdom and must be applying for an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.

Eligible study routes include:

• PhD programmes, including the permitted part-time doctoral route;
• MLitt programmes;
• Eligible one-year postgraduate courses.

The scholarship does not cover undergraduate degrees, and a number of postgraduate courses are excluded from Gates Cambridge funding, including certain business and professional programmes. Applicants should therefore check the eligibility of their exact Cambridge course before applying.

Successful candidates are selected for their combination of:

1. Outstanding intellectual ability;
2. A strong reason for choosing their course;
3. Leadership potential; and
4. A commitment to improving the lives of others.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose an eligible Cambridge postgraduate course

Search the University of Cambridge postgraduate courses and confirm that your intended programme is eligible for Gates Cambridge funding.

Step 2: Review the course requirements

Each Cambridge postgraduate programme has its own academic, document and application requirements. Applicants should carefully review the specific course page before submitting an application.

Step 3: Prepare your application

Prepare the required academic and supporting information for your Cambridge postgraduate application. Where applicable, applicants should also provide the information required for consideration for Gates Cambridge funding.

Step 4: Apply through the University of Cambridge

Submit your postgraduate application through the official Cambridge Applicant Portal by the funding deadline applicable to your course.

Step 5: Request Gates Cambridge consideration

Indicate within the Cambridge application that you wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge funding and complete the relevant scholarship section.

Step 6: Complete the selection process

Applications are first assessed through Cambridge’s academic admissions and funding processes. Shortlisted Gates Cambridge candidates may subsequently be invited for further assessment/interview.

It is important to apply before the relevant funding deadline because applications submitted after the funding deadline may no longer be considered for that funding competition.

Important Deadline

There is no single deadline for every Gates Cambridge applicant.

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

• 14 October 2026: Gates Cambridge funding deadline for US citizens.
• 8 December 2026: Main University funding deadline for many postgraduate courses.
• 6 January 2027: Another major funding deadline for some courses.

The exact deadline depends on the postgraduate course you are applying for. Applicants should therefore check their specific Cambridge course page before submitting the application.

Related Opportunities

• Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 – Fully funded postgraduate opportunity in China.
• Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28 – Fully funded Master’s and PhD opportunities in the United Kingdom.
• UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 – Fully supported postgraduate study opportunity in Canada.

Official Application Link

Applicants should also use the official University of Cambridge postgraduate application system for the actual admission and scholarship application.

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive postgraduate funding opportunity. Applicants should not wait until the final day to apply. Most importantly, identify your intended Cambridge course first, confirm its Gates Cambridge eligibility and deadline, and then prepare a strong application demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential and a clear commitment to improving the lives of others.

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