Fully-Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 for Master’s and PhD in the UK is Now Open

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship for 2027 has opened applications at the University of Cambridge in the UK. This prestigious scholarship is available to citizens of countries outside the UK, covering eligible master's and PhD courses, living expenses, travel, and visa costs. Approximately 70 scholarships are awarded annually, with roughly two-thirds going to PhD students.

There are two application rounds: one specifically for US citizens normally residing in the United States and another for all other eligible applicants. The US round deadline is October 14, 2026, while the international round deadline is December 8, 2026, or January 6, 2027, depending on the course.

The scholarship covers the full University Composition Fee, which pays for tuition at Cambridge. It also covers inbound visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and provides one economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course. A single student receives £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate, with the allowance adjusted for shorter courses and extended for PhD scholars up to four years.

Scholars can apply for additional funding for conferences, courses, or children. PhD scholars can maintain their normal living allowance during fieldwork, and the Trust may continue this allowance during a six-month study break. Scholars facing financial difficulties can request hardship funding, though the scholarship does not cover a partner, fieldwork expenses beyond the living allowance, bench fees, or scientific equipment.

Eligible applicants must be citizens of a country outside the UK and apply for an eligible postgraduate course at Cambridge, including full-time PhD programs, part-time PhDs, full-time MLitt degrees, and eligible one-year, full-time postgraduate courses. Students must meet the admission requirements for their chosen degree, with grades, qualifications, and English-language scores varying by course.

Current Cambridge students can also apply for new postgraduate degrees, and current Gates Cambridge Scholars can apply for a second scholarship for a new degree.