The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the UK for international students. This scholarship is designed for outstanding students who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at the University of Cambridge and who have the potential to become future global leaders.
Every year, around 80 full scholarships are awarded to brilliant students from outside the UK. The scholarship not only covers 100% of study and living costs but also builds a strong global network of scholars working to improve lives across the world. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this program focuses on academic excellence, leadership, and social impact.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000 after a historic donation of $210 million by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, it has supported over 2,000 scholars from more than 100 countries.
Currently, nearly 250 students from 50+ countries are studying at Cambridge under this program, while a strong alumni network of 1,700+ Gates Cambridge Scholars continues to work globally in education, health, research, policy, and social development.
Each year:
- 25 scholarships are reserved for US applicants
- 55 scholarships are for international applicants
- Around two-thirds of awards go to PhD students
Key Highlights of Scholarship
- Fully funded scholarship in the UK
- For Master’s & PhD at University of Cambridge
- Open to students from all countries (except UK)
- Based on academic excellence, leadership & social impact
- Covers tuition, living costs, travel, visa & more
- Available for all subjects offered by Cambridge
- Access to a powerful global scholar network
Degree Levels & Subjects Covered
Eligible Degree Programmes:
- Master’s Degree
- PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Subjects: All subjects available at the University of Cambridge are eligible under this scholarship.
Benefits of Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Core Benefits (Covered 100%)
- Full Tuition Fee (University Composition Fee)
Living Allowance:
- PhD Students: Up to £21,000 per year (up to 4 years)
- Other courses: Pro-rated based on duration
- One Economy Airfare to and from the UK
- Visa Cost + Immigration Health Surcharge
Additional & Discretionary Benefits
- Academic Development Fund: Up to £2,000
- Family Allowance: Up to £16,548 for children
- Fieldwork Funding (for PhD students)
- Maternity/Paternity Leave Funding
- Hardship Fund for emergency situations
Note: Bench fees and lab equipment costs are not covered and must be paid by the department.
Eligible Nationalities
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 is open to students from all countries, except the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if:
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of any country outside the UK
Course Requirement
You must apply for:
- PhD (full-time or part-time)
- MLitt (full-time)
One-year postgraduate courses (some exceptions apply)
Current Cambridge Students
- You can apply if you are moving to a new degree (e.g., MPhil → PhD)
- You cannot apply to fund a degree you have already started
Not Eligible:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Some specific Master’s programs (like MASt, MBA)
- Part-time degrees (except pilot PhD)
- Non-degree courses
Application Process
There is one single application form for:
- Cambridge Admission
- Scholarship Funding
- Website Link: Cambridge Admission
You must apply via the University of Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
Required Documents
Gates Cambridge Statement (500 Words)
You must explain:
- Your academic excellence
- Your leadership potential
- Your commitment to improving lives
- Why you chose this course at Cambridge
Research Proposal (PhD Only)
Gates Cambridge Reference
- Must be written by someone who knows you professionally or academically
- Must focus on leadership & social impact
- Cannot be from friends or family
Important Deadlines
Deadlines vary by course. You should check the official Cambridge website for the latest deadline.
Tips to Get Selected
- Choose a referee who knows your leadership & social work
- Use real examples in your statement
- Show how your education will benefit society
- Apply early and double-check all documents
FAQs
Q1. Is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 fully funded? Yes, it covers tuition fees, £21,000 stipend, travel, visa, health surcharge, and additional funding.
Q2. Can students from any country apply? Yes, students from all countries except the UK can apply.
Q3. Can I apply for any course at Cambridge? Almost all postgraduate courses are eligible, except some specific programs.
Q4. Is IELTS required? Yes, as per the University of Cambridge admission requirements.
Q5. How competitive is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship? It is extremely competitive and focuses on leadership + impact + academic excellence.
Conclusion
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 in the UK is more than just a fully funded scholarship—it is a life-changing global leadership opportunity. If you have strong academics, leadership vision, and a genuine desire to improve the world this scholarship can open doors to one of the best universities in the world with zero financial burden.
Read More: Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme
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