Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive full-cost awards for full-time graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. They are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The program aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. While at Cambridge, Gates Scholars pursue the full range of academic disciplines and are spread throughout all 31 Colleges.
Deadline: October (US Citizens); December or January (All other eligible applicants)
Value: Full tuition, maintenance, and airfare
Eligibility: Citizen of any country outside UK and applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study: PhD (three year research-only degree); MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree); or a one year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA etc.) Applicants should be a good fit with the relevant program/department at Cambridge; possess academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others
Major: Open
Fellowship Type: Graduate, International Students
Category: International
Nomination: No, but applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the Office of National Fellowships on their applications.
Website:
Gates Cambridge Application Deadlines
- National Deadline: October 2026
Gates Cambridge Recommended Steps and Timeline
- By June 2: Watch the and criteria to ensure you are eligible for the award.
- By June 23: Research Cambridge graduate programs and select your ideal program. Contact faculty in the program.
- By August 1: Complete the . Office will schedule a meeting with you to discuss pre-application and potential recommenders.
- By August 4: Submit first draft of
- Early September: Application opens. Begin your Cambridge application.
- By September 8: (1) submit second draft of selection questions and resume/CV. (2) Request three (3) letters of recommendation.
- By September 29: Submit draft 3 of Gates Cambridge selection questions
- October 6: (1) Complete and (2) FERPA form to request a copy of your UNH transcript.
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: October TBA, 2026. Submit your applications for Cambridge and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- By early December: All applicants notified of application outcomes
- Late January: Review and selection by panels
- Early February: Scholarships offered
