Your Journey to Success: How to Secure the Fully Funded Gates Cambridge Scholarship [2026 Guide]

Welcome back to BoaBlog! If you are dreaming of studying in the UK, I have incredible news. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is currently open for applications. This is a life-changing, fully funded opportunity for both Master’s and PhD students.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the funding details to the specific application requirements.

fully funded gates cambridge scholarship

What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded program for students from countries outside the UK. Whether you are in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States, or anywhere else, you are eligible as long as you are pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.

• Official Overview: Read the Gates Cambridge Mission

• Key Stat: Approximately two-thirds of these awards are offered to PhD students, with the remaining third going to Master’s applicants.

Selection Criteria

The committee isn’t just looking for high grades; they want well-rounded individuals. They focus on four main pillars:

1. Outstanding Intellectual Ability: Strong academic records.

2. Reasons for Choice of Course: A clear explanation of why you chose your specific program.

3. Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: Your chance to show how you give back.

4. Leadership Potential: Evidence of impact in your community.

   • View detailed Selection Criteria

What Does the Funding Cover?

This scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It is one of the most generous packages available:

• Maintenance Allowance: A stipend of £21,000 per year (for a single student).

• Travel: Economy airfare at the start and end of the course.

• Family Support: Up to £11,000 for one child and up to £16,548 for 2+ children.

  • Full Funding Breakdown

Eligibility & Course Exceptions

Most full-time PhD and Master’s programs are eligible, but there are some important exclusions to keep in mind.

• Check your Eligibility: Eligibility Checker Tool

• Courses NOT funded: MBA, Master of Finance (MFin), Undergraduate degrees, and MD clinical studies are not covered.

How to Apply

You apply for the scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to the university.

1. Find Your Course

Before applying, you must choose a valid course from the directory.

• Course Search: University of Cambridge Course Directory

2. The Application Portal

Everything is submitted through the central graduate portal.

• Apply Here: University of Cambridge Applicant Portal

3. PhD Research Proposal

PhD applicants have a specific requirement for their 4,000-character proposal.

• Submission Form: PhD Research Proposal Upload

4. International Qualifications

If you aren’t sure if your grades meet the “UK II.i Honors” requirement, check the equivalency for your country here:

• Grade Equivalency: International Qualifications Search

Important Deadlines

Don’t wait! The earlier you begin, the better.

• US Citizens (residing in US): October 15, 2025

• International (All others): December 2, 2025 OR January 7, 2026 (Depends on your specific course).

  • View all Deadlines

Supervisor Outreach Template

🎁 Free Bonus: I’ve created a “Supervisor Outreach Template” to help you get that all-important “Yes!” from a Cambridge professor. Copy and paste it below!

Template: How to Email a Potential Cambridge Supervisor

Subject: Prospective PhD Student: [Your Name] – Inquiry regarding [Research Area/Topic]

Dear Professor [Surname],

My name is [Your Name] and I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a PhD within the Department of [Department Name] at the University of Cambridge, starting in [Year].

I am planning to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and given your expertise in [mention a specific area of their research or a paper they wrote], I believe my research goals align perfectly with your current work.

My proposed research focuses on [1-2 sentences describing your research idea]. Having completed my [Master’s/Undergraduate] degree at [University Name] with a [mention your grade/GPA, e.g., First Class Honors], I have developed a strong foundation in [relevant skill or subject].

I have attached my CV and a brief research summary for your review. Would you be available for a brief meeting or call to discuss the possibility of you supervising my research?

Thank you for your time and for considering my inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your LinkedIn Profile Link – Optional]

💡 3 Tips for your readers on using this template:

1. Do Not Copy-Paste Blindly: Professors receive hundreds of emails. If you don’t mention a specific paper or project of theirs, they might think it’s spam. Show them you’ve done your homework!

2. Attach the Right Files: Make sure your CV is updated and your research summary is clear and concise (keep the summary under 1 page).

3. The “Timing” Rule: Remind your readers that professors are busy. If they don’t respond in 7–10 days, it is okay to send one polite follow-up email.

Tips for Success

• The References: Ensure your referee knows the Gates criteria. You can find guidance for referees here.

• English Proficiency: If you need to check if you require an IELTS or TOEFL score, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Now It’s Your Turn!

I want to hear from you! Are you planning to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship this year? Or maybe you have a question about the leadership section?

Drop a comment below and let’s chat! I’ll be jumping in to answer as many questions as I can. Don’t forget to share this post with a friend who belongs at Cambridge!