Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) · All India
Amount
£21,600 (approx. ₹40.0 Lakh+)
Deadline
3 Dec
Status
Open now
Provider Type
Private
Last Verified
2026-27
About the Program
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK who are accepted to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship is highly prestigious with approximately 80 international scholars selected per year. For Indian students, it requires exceptional academic achievement, a clearly articulated intellectual agenda, and demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others.
Benefits & Financial Support
£21,600 (approx. ₹40.0 Lakh+)
Fully funded: tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance (~£21,600/year), return airfare, visa costs, and additional funding for fieldwork, academic development, and family costs.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
- Education level: Postgraduate
- Course / stream: Relevant courses
- Income limit: No income bar
- Category: Open to all
- Domicile: All India
Mandatory Documents Checklist
Selection Process
Not specified
Renewal Policy
Not specified
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
Not specified
Apply Links
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Help & Contact Support
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Official Last Date & Timelines
3 December 2026
Applications open September 2026 for the 2027–28 academic year. The Gates Cambridge scholarship is applied for within the Cambridge University graduate admissions portal. Deadline varies by course (December 3 for most non-US applicants).
Dates are subject to change per the provider's official notification. Apply well before the closing date.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What makes Gates Cambridge different from other scholarships?
Gates Cambridge uniquely requires applicants to articulate an 'intellectual agenda' — a specific, compelling idea they want to pursue at Cambridge. It selects for leadership, commitment to others, and intellectual depth, not just grades.
When does Gates Cambridge open for Indian students in 2026?
Applications open in September 2026 through the Cambridge University graduate admissions portal. The deadline for most non-US applicants is December 3, 2026 for 2027 entry.
How many Indian students get Gates Cambridge each year?
Approximately 5–10 Indian students are selected each year from a global pool of ~80 scholarships. The overall acceptance rate is well below 1% of applicants.
Can Indian students apply for Gates Cambridge for a PhD?
Yes — Gates Cambridge supports MPhil, PhD, and one-year postgraduate courses at Cambridge. It is not restricted to Master's degrees. Part-time PhDs are also now eligible.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Gates Cambridge Trust (funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) website before final submission.