Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 in the UK

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 in the UK

PhD, Masters, MPhil

Selected courses offered by the university

Last Date 02 December 2025

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 in the UK | Fully Funded

Studying at the University of Cambridge is a dream for many international students. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students worldwide, including Pakistani students, to pursue postgraduate degrees at one of the world’s top universities.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious scholarship provides around 80 awards every year. Its mission is to build a global community of future leaders who are committed to improving lives.

The scholarship is available for PhD, MLitt, and one-year postgraduate courses (with a few exceptions). Pakistani students, along with applicants from all non-UK countries, are fully eligible to apply.

Scholarship Cover

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is fully funded and provides:

• Full University Composition Fee (tuition)
• Annual stipend for living expenses (~£21,000 for 12 months)
• Airfare at the beginning and end of the course
• Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs
• Additional discretionary funding such as conference support, fieldwork costs for PhD students, dependent allowance, and hardship funding

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the UK (including Pakistan)
• Apply for a full-time postgraduate program at Cambridge (PhD, MLitt, or eligible one-year course)
• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and commitment to improving lives
• Excluded programs include MBA, MFin, PGCE, clinical medicine degrees, and part-time courses

Application Process

The application is submitted through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal, where candidates complete both the admission and funding sections. Applicants must provide:

• Personal statements answering Gates Cambridge criteria questions
• A research proposal (for PhD applicants)
• Three references (two academic + one focused on Gates Cambridge criteria)

• Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, and successful applicants receive the scholarship offer by April 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-27 is one of the most competitive and rewarding scholarships for international students. For Pakistani students dreaming of studying in the UK, it provides not only financial support but also a chance to join a global network of leaders, researchers, and changemakers.

Start preparing your application early, align it with the scholarship’s core values, and take a step toward transforming your academic and professional future at the University of Cambridge.