About This Bursary
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
Applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offer outstanding students from countries outside the United Kingdom an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The scholarship supports academically excellent students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
South African students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for this competitive international scholarship to pursue an eligible postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
About the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
The programme selects scholars based on academic excellence, the suitability of their chosen course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship Name: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
- Scholarship Provider: Gates Cambridge Trust
- University: University of Cambridge
- Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Eligible Applicants: Applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom, including South Africa
- Study Mode: Full-time, subject to course eligibility
- Funding: Full-cost scholarship, subject to the official scholarship terms
- Application Deadline: Depends on the applicant's course and application route
- Official Website: www.gatescambridge.org
Fields of Study
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available for eligible postgraduate degrees offered by the University of Cambridge. Applicants should check whether their intended course qualifies under the scholarship rules.
Eligible postgraduate study options may include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Medicine and Biological Sciences
- Economics and Finance
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Other eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge
Not every degree offered by the University of Cambridge is eligible. Applicants must consult the official Gates Cambridge eligibility information before choosing a course.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Gates Cambridge is a full-cost scholarship programme. For successful applicants, the standard funding package generally includes the following:
- The University composition fee.
- A maintenance allowance for the duration of the award.
- One economy-class airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge, where covered by the award terms.
Additional discretionary funding may be available for eligible academic development, family support, fieldwork or other approved activities, depending on the circumstances and the scholarship's rules.
Applicants should check the official funding information for the applicable award year and the precise terms of the scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is intended for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who wish to pursue an eligible postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Applicants generally need to demonstrate the following:
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom. South African citizens may be eligible.
- Academic excellence: Have an excellent academic record and the ability to succeed in the chosen postgraduate programme.
- Course eligibility: Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Leadership potential: Demonstrate the capacity to lead and influence others positively.
- Commitment to improving lives: Explain how their work and future plans could contribute to improving the lives of others.
- Course suitability: Present a convincing academic case for the chosen programme at Cambridge.
Meeting these general criteria does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants must satisfy the detailed requirements for their chosen course and scholarship year.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents requested through the University of Cambridge's official postgraduate application system. These may include:
- Academic transcripts.
- Degree certificates or evidence of previous qualifications, where required.
- A curriculum vitae (CV), where requested.
- A personal statement or research proposal, depending on the course.
- Gates Cambridge scholarship application responses.
- Letters of recommendation or references required by the application system.
- Proof of English-language proficiency, if required for the chosen course.
- Other supporting documents required by the department or degree programme.
Document requirements vary by course. Applicants should follow the instructions displayed in the official application system rather than relying on a generic checklist.
How to Apply
Applications are made through the University of Cambridge's postgraduate application process. Applicants must follow the instructions for their intended course and complete the relevant Gates Cambridge scholarship sections.
- Choose an eligible course: Research postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge and confirm that your intended course is eligible for Gates Cambridge funding.
- Check the admission requirements: Review the course-specific academic requirements, supporting documents and application deadlines.
- Prepare your documents: Gather your academic transcripts, references, personal statement or research proposal and other required supporting materials.
- Complete the online application: Use the University's official postgraduate application system to apply for admission and complete the relevant scholarship application sections.
- Submit before the deadline: Ensure that all required sections and documents are submitted by the deadline applicable to your course and application route.
- Monitor your application: Check your email and application account for updates, interview invitations and further instructions.
Official application instructions: How to Apply for Gates Cambridge
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship depends on the course applied for and the relevant application route. Applicants must check the official application timetable for the 2027 entry cycle.
Do not assume that all applicants have the same closing date. Submit your application well in advance of the applicable deadline.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official University of Cambridge postgraduate application process.
Visit the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Website
Read the Official Gates Cambridge Application Guide
Important Information for South African Applicants
South African citizens can be considered for Gates Cambridge Scholarships provided they meet the programme's eligibility requirements and apply for an eligible postgraduate course. Applicants should be prepared for a highly competitive selection process.
Before applying, confirm the entry requirements for the chosen course, the scholarship application requirements and the deadline for the 2027 entry cycle.
Disclaimer
NYOSA provides educational funding information to help students discover opportunities. Scholarship requirements, funding arrangements and deadlines may change. Applicants should verify all details directly with Gates Cambridge and the University of Cambridge before submitting an application.