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 at the University of Cambridge in the UK. It provides full funding for eligible full-time postgraduate study, including a Master's or PhD. Somali citizens are eligible to 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 maintenance allowance of £23,152 for 12 months at the 2026-27 rate, travel, visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Some additional funding may 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 need a strong academic record and must be admitted to Cambridge.
- Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.
- Apply for full-time study at the University of Cambridge.
- Apply for a PhD, MLitt or one-year postgraduate course.
- Have a strong academic record that meets your course's entry requirements.
- Be admitted to Cambridge.
- Some Cambridge courses, including the 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 that you meet the eligibility rules and that your Cambridge course is included.
- 2Choose a course and check its entry requirements and deadline.
- 3Prepare your transcripts, reference letters, motivation letter and any other required documents.
- 4For a PhD, prepare a research proposal.
- 5Complete one online application through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.
- 6Complete the Gates Cambridge section and arrange a Gates Cambridge reference.
- 7Submit by your course deadline; shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
Prepare well
- Start early because you must complete both a course application and the Gates Cambridge section.
- Check your course deadline carefully; it may differ by course.
- Ask your referees early so they have time to prepare their letters.
- Make sure your academic record meets the entry requirements for your chosen course.
Important notes
- For 2027 entry, deadlines are 14 October 2026 for US citizens living in the USA, and 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 for everyone else…
- You must be admitted to Cambridge to receive the scholarship.
- The award is highly competitive; around 75 scholarships are offered each year for thousands of applicants worldwide.
- Some courses, including the MBA, MFin and PGCE, are excluded.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 9 November 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.
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