AdminWhat Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost postgraduate scholarship at the University of Cambridge for students from outside the UK. Around 70 scholarships are offered each year, and about two-thirds go to PhD students. Applications for 2027/28 entry are open.
The 2027-28 Chevening cycle closed on October 6, 2026. The Gates Cambridge international round is still open.
When Is the Gates Cambridge 2027 Deadline?
The deadline is December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027, depending on the course. The Course Directory lists the Course Funding Deadline for each course, and the full application is due by 11:59pm UK time.
As of October 21, 2026, 48 days remain until December 8 and 77 days remain until January 6.
The table below shows the international round timeline.
| Stage | Date |
| Applications open | September 11, 2026 |
| Application deadline | December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027 |
| Applicants notified | By March 8, 2027 |
| Panel selection | March 22 and 23, 2027 |
| Scholarships offered | By early April 2027 |
| Acceptance window | 72 hours after the offer |
US citizens resident in the USA apply in an earlier round, which closed on October 14, 2026.
What Does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It includes 4 core components.
| Core Component | Detail |
| University Composition Fee | Paid at the appropriate rate |
| Maintenance allowance | £23,152 for 12 months (2026-27 rate) |
| Airfare | One economy single fare at the start and end |
| Visa costs | Inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge |
PhD scholars receive the award for up to 4 years.
What Extra Funding Is Available?
The Trust considers 5 types of discretionary funding. Academic development funding ranges from £750 to £4,000. The Dependent Children Allowance is up to £12,793 per year for one child and up to £18,244 for two or more.
- Academic development funding for conferences and courses
- Dependent Children Allowance
- Fieldwork maintenance for PhD scholars
- Maternity or paternity funding for up to 6 months
- Hardship funding for unforeseen difficulties
The scholarship does not fund partners, bench fees, or scientific equipment.
Who Can Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Citizens of any country outside the UK can apply. Applicants apply for a PhD, an MLitt, or a one-year full-time postgraduate course. Current Cambridge students can apply for a new postgraduate course.
Gates Cambridge does not consider undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, or part-time degrees other than the PhD. It also excludes professional courses such as the MBA, EMBA, MFin, and PGCE.
What Are the Gates Cambridge Selection Criteria?
Four criteria decide the awards. They are outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for choice of course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
How Do You Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Applicants use one combined application in the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. The form covers admission to a course, a College place, and the Gates Cambridge funding section.
Five steps apply:
- Choose a course in the Course Directory and note its Course Funding Deadline.
- Prepare answers to the 4 Gates Cambridge selection questions.
- Write a research proposal, if applying for a PhD.
- Arrange 2 academic references and 1 Gates Cambridge reference.
- Submit the full application by 11:59pm UK time on the deadline.
PhD applicants submit a research proposal. Applicants for other degrees do not.
What Are the 4 Gates Cambridge Selection Questions?
The funding form asks 4 questions. The table below lists each topic and its length.
| Question Topic | Approx. Length |
| Academic excellence | 200 words (1,400 characters) |
| Reasons for choosing the Cambridge course | 200 words (1,400 characters) |
| Commitment to improving the lives of others | 300 words (2,100 characters) |
| Leadership capacity | 300 words (2,100 characters) |
The Trust asks for specific examples from the applicant’s background, achievements, experiences, and future plans.
Who Can Write the Gates Cambridge Reference?
A referee of appropriate standing who understands the criteria can write the reference. Examples include an academic advisor, an employer, or a senior member of an organization where the applicant volunteered.
One academic referee can also write the Gates Cambridge reference, if the letter addresses the scholarship criteria. Friends and family members are not suitable referees. Referees paste or type up to 4,000 characters, or upload a letter.
What Does Gates Cambridge Advise Applicants to Prepare?
Four preparation points come from the official guidance:
- Use specific examples in the 4 selection answers
- Brief the Gates Cambridge referee on the selection criteria
- Confirm both academic and Gates Cambridge references arrive by the deadline
- Check the Course Funding Deadline, since some courses can close early
How Competitive Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The scholarship is selective, with around 70 awards each year. About 250 scholars study in Cambridge at any one time, and the alumni community includes more than 1,700 scholars from 116 countries. Approximately a third of awards are offered in the US round, and the rest in the international round.
Where Is the Official Gates Cambridge Application Page?
The official application page is on gatescambridge.org. Four official pages cover the process:
- How to apply | Gates Cambridge
- Timeline | Gates Cambridge
- Eligibility | Gates Cambridge
- The Scholarship | Gates Cambridge
The how-to-apply page links to the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal. Questions about the application round go to info@gatescambridge.org.
Common Questions
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including fees, maintenance, airfare, and visa costs.
What is the Gates Cambridge deadline for 2027 entry?
Most international applicants face a deadline of December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027, depending on the course.
Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
Citizens of any country outside the UK can apply for a PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year course.
How many Gates Cambridge scholarships are awarded each year?
Around 70 full-cost scholarships are offered each year.
How much is the Gates Cambridge maintenance allowance?
The allowance is £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate.
Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 Still Open?
Yes, the international round is open until December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027. The US resident round closed on October 14, 2026. Full funding, 2 deadline dates, and 5 steps define the process.
Apply through the official page: How to apply | Gates Cambridge
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