Hey there, future global changemakers and brilliant minds! Ever dreamt of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of Cambridge, but thought it was just a pipe dream? Well, get ready to turn that dream into reality because the incredible Gates Cambridge Scholarships Bursary is here for 2026, and it’s specifically for outstanding students like you – from outside the UK!
This isn’t just any bursary; the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are renowned as one of the most prestigious international scholarships globally. It’s designed to empower exceptional students from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in *any* subject offered at the University of Cambridge. Basically, if you’ve got the brains and the passion to make a difference, this bursary wants to help you get the world-class education you deserve!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarships Bursary, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- You must be applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (full-time or part-time*)
- MSc or MLitt (full-time)
- A one-year postgraduate course (full-time), with some exceptions.
Please note, the following courses are NOT eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarships:
- Any Undergraduate degree, such as BA (undergraduate) or BA affiliated (a second BA)
- MASt courses
- Master of Business (MBA)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and Global EMBA
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- Executive Master of Accounting
- Business Doctorate (BusD)
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time, Home students only)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees other than the PhD
- Non-degree courses
What Does It Cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships Bursary offers comprehensive coverage, ensuring you can focus entirely on your studies without financial stress. The scholarship package typically includes:
- Full University tuition fees.
- A generous maintenance allowance (approximately £21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate, adjusted pro-rata for shorter courses). For PhD scholars, this award can extend for up to 4 years.
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of your course.
- All inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Beyond these core benefits, the bursary also provides additional, discretionary funding to support your academic journey, such as academic development funding, family allowance, fieldwork costs, and more. For complete details on the scholarship value, visit this official link.
How to Apply?
Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships Bursary is straightforward, but attention to detail is key:
- You must submit your application for admission to a course and a College place, as well as your funding application (including the Gates Cambridge section), via the University’s Graduate Application Portal. Make sure to complete the Gates Cambridge specific part of the funding section to be considered for the scholarship.
- There are generally two application deadlines for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships:
- 15 October 2025 (for US citizens resident in the USA)
- Either 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (for all other eligible international applicants).
It is absolutely crucial to read the detailed How to Apply section on the official website. This will give you specific information tailored to your chosen course and nationality, ensuring you don’t miss any vital steps. Don’t forget to visit the official scholarship website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive application guidelines:
Official Scholarship Website: http://www.gatescambridge.org/
Ready to take on the world from the hallowed halls of Cambridge? If the Gates Cambridge Scholarships Bursary sounds like your next big adventure, don’t hesitate! Get all the details, check your eligibility, and submit your application before the deadlines. Your future self will thank you! And while you’re at it, explore more amazing opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
