PhDFully Funded

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

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Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Eligibility for PhD, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge for non-UK citizens. Excludes certain degrees. Deadlines vary by course. Fully funded.

Provider: Aga Khan Foundation
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course)

Official source Track this application

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: * **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. * **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions. * **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started. * **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: PhD
Deadline: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course)

Key eligibility criteria

* **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
* **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions.
* **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started.
* **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Gates Cambridge Scholarships (2026)

# Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ## Overview The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program established in 2000 by a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge. The scholarship aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. It supports graduate study at the University of Cambridge, covering the full cost of studying at one of the world's leading universities. Scholars are selected based on their outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit with the postgraduate program at Cambridge. The program emphasizes academic excellence and a desire to contribute positively to society. ## Benefits While the provided text does not explicitly detail the financial benefits beyond stating that the scholarship is "Fully Funded," such scholarships typically cover key expenses. These generally include university tuition fees, a maintenance allowance for a single student, round-trip airfare from the scholar's home country to Cambridge at the beginning and end of the course, and-in some cases-discretionary funding for academic development, such as conference attendance or research materials. The term "Fully Funded" implies comprehensive coverage, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on their studies and research without financial burden. ## Eligibility To be eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Citizenship:** Applicants must be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom. * **Course of Study:** Applicants must be applying to pursue one of the following courses at the University of Cambridge: * PhD (full-time or part-time) * MLitt (full-time) * One-year postgraduate course (full-time), with certain exceptions. * **Current Cambridge Students:** If you are currently studying at Cambridge and wish to apply for a new postgraduate course (e.g., MPhil to PhD), you are eligible. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars can also apply for a second scholarship if they are pursuing a new degree. However, if you have already started a course and are part-way through (e.g., a PhD), you cannot apply for funding for the remainder of that course. * **Ineligible Courses:** The scholarship does **not** consider funding for: * Any undergraduate degree (BA, BA affiliated) * MASt courses * Part-time degrees other than the PhD * Professional development courses and non-standard degrees such as MBA, EMBA, Global EMBA, MFin, Executive Master of Accounting, BusD, PGCE, MBBChir Clinical Studies, MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time, home students only), Graduate Course in Medicine (A101), Master of Conservation of Easel Painting. ## Required Documents The provided text does not explicitly list required documents for the application. However, based on the nature of competitive graduate scholarships at a university like Cambridge, applicants should typically prepare a comprehensive set of documents. These commonly include: * Academic transcripts from all previous degree programs. * A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. * Letters of recommendation from academic referees. * A personal statement or research proposal outlining academic interests, research experience, and future aspirations. * Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable). * Any other documents specific to the chosen course of study at Cambridge (e.g., portfolio, GRE scores). ## How to Apply The application process for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is integrated with the application for admission to the University of Cambridge. While the source text doesn't detail the step-by-step process, aspiring applicants typically apply for their chosen course of study through the University's online application portal. Within this application, there is usually a section or option to indicate interest in and apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applicants must ensure they complete all sections relevant to both the university admission and the scholarship application. It's crucial to meet both the University's admission requirements and the scholarship's eligibility criteria. ## Key Dates The deadline for applications "Varies (typically October or December, depending on course)." This indicates that applicants must consult the specific application deadlines for their chosen course at the University of Cambridge. It is imperative to check the official University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions website for precise and up-to-date deadlines. Gates Cambridge Scholarship applications are typically considered alongside the university application, so adhering to the course-specific deadline is critical for scholarship consideration. Current Cambridge students applying for a new course will be considered in the second, international round of selections. ## Selection Criteria Although not explicitly detailed in the provided content, the reputation of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship suggests a rigorous selection process based on distinct criteria. Historically, these scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate: * **Outstanding intellectual ability:** A strong academic record and proven ability to excel in challenging academic environments. * **Leadership potential:** Evidence of leadership experience and the capacity to inspire and guide others. * **A commitment to improving the lives of others:** A demonstrated dedication to making a positive impact on society, often through their chosen field of study. * **A good fit with the postgraduate program at Cambridge:** The applicant's academic and research interests should align well with the resources, faculty, and intellectual environment available at the University of Cambridge. ## Tips * **Early Preparation:** Start your application process well in advance of the deadlines. This includes researching courses, contacting potential supervisors, and preparing all required documents. * **Course Selection:** Carefully review the list of eligible and ineligible courses to ensure your chosen program at Cambridge qualifies for the scholarship. * **Address Selection Criteria:** Tailor your application materials, especially personal statements and research proposals, to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Gates Cambridge Scholarship's selection criteria (intellectual ability, leadership, commitment to others, fit with Cambridge). * **Seek Feedback:** If possible, have mentors, professors, or experienced individuals review your application essays and proposals before submission. * **Official Sources:** Always refer to the official Gates Cambridge website and the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions site for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures. ## Official Source For the most current and detailed information regarding the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, please refer to the official website: [https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/](https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Gates Cambridge Scholarships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

* **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
* **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions.
* **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started.
* **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).

Gates Cambridge Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: * **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. * **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions. * **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started. * **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies (typically October or December, depending on course)
Provider deadline information: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships?+

* **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. * **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions. * **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started. * **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).

What funding does the Gates Cambridge Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: * **Citizenship:** Citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. * **Course of Study:** Must apply for a PhD (full-time or part-time), MLitt (full-time), or a one-year postgraduate course (full-time) at the University of Cambridge, with some exceptions. * **Current Cambridge Students:** Eligible to apply for a *new* postgraduate course. Cannot apply to fund the remainder of a course already started. * **Ineligible Courses:** Undergraduate degrees, MASt courses, part-time degrees other than PhD, and various professional and non-standard degrees (e.g., MBA, EMBA, MFin, PGCE, certain medical degrees).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies (typically October or December, depending on course). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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