Hey future changemakers! Ever dreamt of pursuing a postgraduate degree at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, like the University of Cambridge, without worrying about the massive costs? Well, get ready because the incredible **Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme Bursary for 2026** is open, and it could be your ticket to a fully funded educational adventure!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a golden opportunity for outstanding students from *outside* the UK, including South Africa, to undertake full-time or part-time postgraduate study in almost any subject offered at Cambridge. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the world and have a stellar academic record, this could be your moment!
What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme Bursary?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme is an initiative by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, designed to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Each year, it offers around 80 full-cost scholarships – what we’re calling a bursary – to exceptional non-UK applicants to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Roughly two-thirds of these awards go to PhD students, making it a fantastic opportunity for advanced research.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this life-changing bursary, here’s what you need to know:
- You must be a citizen of any country *outside* the United Kingdom.
- You need to 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 some specific exceptions.
The selection committee is looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- Compelling reasons for their choice of course
- A strong commitment to improving the lives of others
- Clear leadership potential
Essentially, they’re looking for brilliant minds who want to make a positive impact!
What Does It Cover?
This is where the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Bursary truly shines – it’s fully funded! This means it covers pretty much everything you’ll need to study at Cambridge, plus some extra discretionary funding:
Core Components:
- The full University Composition Fee (tuition fees) at the appropriate rate.
- A generous maintenance allowance for a single student (e.g., £21,000 for 12 months at the 2024-25 rate, pro rata for shorter courses). For PhD scholars, this award can last for up to 4 years.
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of your course.
- Coverage for your inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Discretionary Components (additional funding you can apply for):
- **Academic development funding:** Up to £2,000 (depending on course length) to attend conferences and courses.
- **Dependent Children Allowance:** Up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2024-25 rate). (Note: No funding for partners is provided).
- **Fieldwork funding:** You may apply to keep your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD.
- **Maternity/Paternity funding:** If needed, you can intermit your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance.
- **Hardship funding:** For any unforeseen difficulties you might face during your studies.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme Bursary involves applying for your chosen postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge, and indicating your interest in the scholarship during that application.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind for 2026 entry:
- Applications for courses and the scholarship officially opened on **Wednesday 10 September 2025.**
- **Application Deadline:** This is dependent on your specific course – it will be either **2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026**. You must submit your full application by 23:59 GMT on your course’s deadline.
It’s crucial to check the University of Cambridge Course Directory for the exact deadline for your chosen program. Don’t miss out!
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the official Gates Cambridge website:
**Visit the Official Webpage of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme**
If dreaming big and aiming for Cambridge sounds like your kind of future, don’t hesitate – explore this incredible opportunity and apply now! Your journey to a world-class education and making a global impact could start here. And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you find more funding opportunities!
