Gates Cambridge Scholarship - PhD
The Gates Cambridge PhD Scholarship is a full-cost doctoral scholarship at the University of Cambridge, open to citizens of any country outside the UK. Around two-thirds of all Gates Cambridge awards go to PhD students. Funded for up to 4 years. PhD applicants must contact a potential supervisor and develop a research proposal before applying.
Host University
University of CambridgeQuick info
Application status
Opens Sep · closes ~DecOpens the provider's official website
Info sourced from official providers. Always verify deadlines, requirements, and eligibility directly before applying.
What you get
- University Composition Fee (tuition) in full
- Maintenance allowance: £22,050/year for single student (2025/26 rate)
- Funded for up to 4 years (full PhD duration)
- One economy single airfare at start and end of course
- Inbound visa costs + Immigration Health Surcharge
- Academic development funding: up to £2,000 (discretionary)
- Dependent children allowance: up to £12,184/year for one child (discretionary)
- Fieldwork allowance (discretionary)
- Maternity/paternity funding up to 6 months (discretionary)
Requirements
Detailed requirements
- - Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- - Applying for a full-time PhD at the University of Cambridge
- - Part-time PhD pilot scheme also available
- - Must identify and contact a potential Cambridge supervisor BEFORE applying - supervisor contact is required for the research proposal
- - Outstanding academic achievement (Cambridge department nominates only the most academically excellent applicants)
- - A commitment to improving the lives of others
- - Evidence of leadership potential
- - Needs-blind process - financial circumstances not considered
- - Cannot fund: undergraduate degrees, MBA/EMBA, MFin, PGCE, or part-time degrees (except PhD pilot)
Who can apply
Outstanding non-UK citizens from any country pursuing PhD research at the University of Cambridge, who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Fields of study
Application window
Dates are based on data sourced from official providers (2025–2026 cycle). Deadlines may shift between intake years. Always verify on the official website before applying.
Important dates
How to apply
- 1Step 1: Identify a Cambridge academic department and potential supervisor - reach out before applying (supervisor contact required)
- 2Step 2: Develop a research proposal in consultation with your potential supervisor
- 3Step 3: Apply for PhD admission at Cambridge via the Cambridge applicant portal and indicate you wish to be considered for Gates Cambridge
- 4Step 4: Apply by the Course Funding Deadline for your course (December or early January for international applicants)
- 5US citizens resident in USA must apply by the October deadline
- 6Departmental ranking: December-February; Panel review: late March; Scholarships offered: early April
- 7Contact: info@gatescambridge.org
Provider
Gates Cambridge Trust / University of Cambridge
United Kingdom