The Gates Cambridge Scholarship has opened applications for international students outside the United Kingdom (UK), including Kenyans, for the 2026/2027 cycle.
This fully funded postgraduate award allows international students to pursue one of the 266 courses offered at the University of Cambridge.
The program was established in October 2000 with a donation of US$210 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
It is regarded as one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world and represents one of the largest gifts ever made to a UK university.
Each year, about 80 scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates from outside the UK.
Gates Cambridge Opens Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students
The scholarship covers full University Composition Fees at the applicable rate and provides a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (KSh 3,696,000) for 12 months for a single student. PhD students can receive funding for up to four years.
In addition to covering the University Composition Fee and a maintenance stipend, the Scholarship provides a wide range of funding beyond fees and maintenance, which could add up to a total funding package of around £66,000 (Ksh 11,616,00) per year.
This includes covering travel costs into and out of the UK at either end of your course, as well as visa costs and the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge.
The Trust also considers applications for additional funding on a discretionary basis, such as:
- Academic development funding – ranging from up to £500 (KSh 88,000) to £2,000 (KSh 352,000), depending on the course length- to attend conferences and courses.
- Dependent child allowance – £11,604 (KSh 2,042,304) for one child and up to £16,548 (KSh 2,912,448) for two or more children. However, spouses or partners are not funded.
Discretionary support is also available for academic development, fieldwork, maternity or paternity leave, and hardship funding.
Also Read: Russia Announces Tuition-Free Scholarships for Kenyans: How to Apply
Level of Study
The scholarship is open to all citizens outside the United Kingdom. Eligible applicants must apply to one of the following:
- A full-time or part-time PhD.
- A full-time Master of Letters (MLitt), a postgraduate degree similar in level to a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc), but with a stronger focus on research and academic study, especially in the humanities and social sciences.
- A one-year full-time postgraduate course.
Applicants are judged on four main criteria: academic excellence, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
Strong references and a clear personal statement are essential.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for the 2026/2027 session open on 10 September 2025. The deadline for US citizens residing in the United States is 15 October 2025. For all other applicants, the deadlines are 2 December 2025 or 7 January 2026, depending on the course.
Applicants must submit their application for admission and funding (including Gates Cambridge and other funding) via the Cambridge University Graduate Application Portal.
For University funding, check the Postgraduate Funding Search, which lists most University scholarships and studentships. Then, proceed to Gates Cambridge (All Other Eligible Applicants) – Postgraduate Funding Search. Here you will find all the courses listed along with other crucial details.
Applicants are required to complete both the admission form and the Gates Cambridge funding section.
Departmental ranking and selection panels will then follow, with notifications sent once the review stages are complete.
To be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you must complete both:
The admission section
In this section, you apply for a specific graduate course and a College place. You will provide the usual details about yourself, your academic background, future plans, and suitability for the chosen course.
The funding section
In this section, you can apply for a range of funding offered by the University and associated bodies, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which has its own sub-section. When applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you will be asked to provide:
Gates Cambridge selection questions
For the 2025/2026 application cycle (for entry in the 2026/2027 academic year), the Trust has updated the format of this section. The application now includes four questions, each linked to one of the Gates Cambridge Selection Criteria.
Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Gates Cambridge requires PhD applicants to submit a research proposal as part of their application for funding. Most PhD applicants will upload a research proposal as part of their admission application, but if this is not the case, a proposal is still required for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applicants for degrees other than a PhD are not required to submit a research proposal.
Gates Cambridge reference
In addition to the two academic references required for admission, Gates Cambridge applicants must arrange for a separate reference. This reference should explain how the applicant meets the scholarship’s selection criteria.
Successful candidates from this round will be informed by 6 April 2026.
During the tenure of their award, students will be required to sign in with the Trust each quarter to receive their maintenance payment, and they will be asked to provide an annual progress report.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
I would really wish to enrol in your institution prior to the scholarship
How I wish and pray that God can grant me such a golden chance