Gates Cambridge Scholarship
by Gates Cambridge Trust, University of Cambridge
Round 2 deadline is 8 December 2026 for some courses and 6 January 2027 for others, depending on your course. Results are expected by 8 March 2027.
About Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge is a scholarship for outstanding applicants from outside the UK to study a full-time postgraduate course (master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge. It looks for academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Applicants from India apply in Round 2, which runs together with Cambridge’s postgraduate funding competition. You apply through the Cambridge application and are considered for the scholarship automatically or with extra questions, as shown on the official page.
What it covers
- Full cost of studying at Cambridge, as described by the Gates Cambridge Trust
- Support from the Gates Cambridge scholar community
- Leadership and community programmes during the course
Eligibility
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the UK
- You must apply to a full-time postgraduate course (master's or PhD) at Cambridge
- Strong academic record and leadership potential
- A commitment to improving the lives of others
- You must accept an offer within 72 hours of receiving it
How to apply
- Choose your Cambridge course and check the funding deadline
- Start the Cambridge application and tick the Gates Cambridge option
- Submit the full application before the course deadline (8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027)
- Wait for the March 2027 decision
- Accept any offer quickly, within 72 hours
Documents usually required
- Passport
- Degree certificates and marksheets
- Academic references
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- English language test (as required by your course)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Round 2 deadline?
Either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on your course.
Is Round 1 for Indians?
No. Round 1 is only for US citizens living in the US. Indian applicants use Round 2.
How quickly must I reply to an offer?
Within 72 hours.
When are results announced?
By 8 March 2027, with offers in early April 2027.
Scholarship terms, amounts and dates change every year. Always confirm the latest details on the official website before you apply. Details last checked: September 2026. Open official website