Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Trust, University of Cambridge (UK)
- Where you study
- United Kingdom · University of Cambridge
- Study level
- Master's
- PhD
Your deadline is your Cambridge course deadline: 14 October 2026 for US citizens living in the USA; 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 for everyone else, depending on the course.
Why: Open to citizens of any country outside the UK, which includes Somali citizens; you must be admitted to Cambridge.
A citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom, applying for a full-time PhD, MLitt or one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
In short
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is offered by the Gates Cambridge Trust for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge in the UK. It fully funds eligible Master's or PhD study. Somali citizens can apply, but must be admitted to Cambridge.
How competitive
Highly competitive
Around 75 scholarships a year for thousands of applicants worldwide.
English requirement
The university decides
Fields of study
Any subject offered at Cambridge (some courses, such as the MBA, MFin and PGCE, are excluded)
What it covers
It covers the full University Composition Fee, a living allowance, economy flights at the start and end, inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Discretionary funding may also be available for academic development, fieldwork and family needs.
- Tuition feesIncluded
- Living allowanceIncluded
- TravelIncluded
- Health insuranceIncluded
- Visa costsIncluded
- AccommodationNot stated
- FamilyNot stated
The University Composition Fee in full; a maintenance allowance of £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate (pro rata for shorter courses; up to four years for a PhD); one economy airfare at the start and at the end of the course; inbound visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge; plus discretionary funding for academic development, fieldwork and family needs.
Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.
Who can apply
It is for citizens of countries outside the UK applying for a full-time PhD, MLitt or one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge. Applicants must meet their course entry requirements and be admitted.
- Be a citizen of a country outside the UK; Somali citizens are eligible.
- Apply for a full-time PhD, MLitt or one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for your Cambridge course.
- You must be admitted to Cambridge to receive the scholarship.
- Your course must be eligible; some courses, including MBA, MFin and PGCE, are excluded.
- Academic requirement
- A strong academic record that meets the entry requirements of your Cambridge course; the scholarship is awarded only to applicants admitted to Cambridge.
- Selection
- Academic departments shortlist; the Gates Cambridge Trust interviews shortlisted candidates.
English requirement
The university decides
The scholarship does not set an English test requirement. The University of Cambridge sets the English requirement for your course.
The University of Cambridge sets the English requirement for your course.
Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.
Documents you will need
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation (reference) letters
- Motivation letter / personal statement
- Research proposal
- Other documents (see the official page)
One application through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal: the course application, the Gates Cambridge section (four short answers; a research proposal for PhD applicants) and a Gates Cambridge reference.
How to apply
- 1Check the official Gates Cambridge page and confirm your course is eligible.
- 2Choose a Cambridge course and check its entry requirements and deadline.
- 3Prepare your academic transcripts, reference letters, personal statement and research proposal if required.
- 4Apply online through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
- 5Complete the course application and Gates Cambridge section, including four short answers.
- 6Arrange a Gates Cambridge reference and submit by your course deadline.
- 7If shortlisted, attend an interview with the Gates Cambridge Trust.
Prepare well
- Start early, since the scholarship application is part of your Cambridge course application.
- Check the exact deadline for your course; deadlines differ by course and applicant group.
- Ask referees early and prepare clear answers for the four short questions.
- If applying for a PhD, prepare your research proposal as part of the application.
Important notes
- For 2027 entry, the deadline is 14 October 2026 for US citizens living in the USA, and 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 for everyone…
- The scholarship is highly competitive; around 75 are awarded each year for thousands of applicants worldwide.
- The course application, Gates Cambridge section and reference are submitted through one Cambridge Graduate Application Portal application.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 27 September 2026
The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.