Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 — US Citizens Round

Overview

Full-cost postgraduate scholarship for study at the University of Cambridge in any subject. This is the earlier round, specifically for US citizens resident in the United States — all other eligible applicants (any country outside the UK) apply in a later round with a December 2026/January 2027 deadline, so check the official site for your applicable date.

About Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation / University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by a donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge, and funds full-time postgraduate study (master's or PhD) at Cambridge for outstanding applicants from outside the UK. Beyond academic excellence, selection places significant weight on a candidate's potential for leadership and a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others — one of the few scholarships built explicitly around that dual criterion.

Coverage & Financial Benefits

• Full University Composition Fee
• Maintenance allowance (£22,050/year for a single student, pro-rated)
• One return economy airfare
• Immigration Health Surcharge and visa costs covered

Requirements & Eligibility

• Citizen of any country (this round: US citizens resident in the USA)
• Applying for a full-time residential PhD, MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge
• Outstanding academic ability and evidence of leadership potential
• A demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others

Required Documents

How to Apply

1. 1Apply for admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge through the university's own graduate admissions system, selecting Gates Cambridge as a funding option.
2. 2Complete the Gates Cambridge Scholarship application within the same system, including its specific personal statement on leadership and commitment to improving others' lives.
3. 3Meet the round-specific deadline for your citizenship group — the US-citizens round runs on a separate, earlier timeline from the general international round.