Applications for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for 2027/8 entry are open, and the first deadline is days away: US citizens resident in the USA must apply by 11:59pm UK time on Wednesday 14 October 2026, according to the Gates Cambridge timeline. Everyone else faces a Gates Cambridge scholarship deadline of either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course.
In this guide
- Round 1 and Round 2
- What the scholarship is
- A realistic plan for non-US applicants
- Key dates ahead
- Gates Cambridge 2027/8: questions
Round 1 and Round 2
Round 1 is for US citizens resident in the USA: applications opened 11 September 2026, close 14 October 2026, with outcomes by 14 December 2026 and offers by early February 2027. Round 2 covers all other eligible applicants. Applications also opened 11 September; the deadline is Tuesday 8 December 2026 or Wednesday 6 January 2027 depending on the course, so check the University of Cambridge course directory the page points to. Round 2 outcomes come by 8 March 2027, with offers by early April and acceptance required within 72 hours.
What the scholarship is
The Gates Cambridge programme funds outstanding postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge who share a potential for social leadership. It was established in 2000 with a gift from the Gates Foundation. This page does not cover funding amounts or eligibility details, which the programme publishes separately, so confirm them on the official site.
A realistic plan for non-US applicants
Imagine a Nigerian doctor aiming for a Cambridge public health master’s. The first task is finding the course’s own deadline, because the scholarship round can depend on it. Then comes the course application itself, since the scholarship considers applicants through their departmental application. Referees, transcripts and a research or study statement usually take weeks, so working back from early December is sensible. Check our visa eligibility checker early for the student visa leg of the journey.
Key dates ahead
Panel selection for Round 1 is on 22 and 23 January 2027 and for Round 2 on 22 and 23 March 2027. For other UK deadlines see our guides to the UCAS 15 October deadline and the Commonwealth master’s scholarships.
Gates Cambridge 2027/8: questions
When is the first deadline?
14 October 2026, 11:59pm UK time, for US citizens resident in the USA.
When is the deadline for everyone else?
Either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course.
When do Round 2 applicants hear back?
By 11:59pm UK time on 8 March 2027, with offers by early April.
How long do I have to accept an offer?
72 hours from the offer, according to the timeline.
Where do I find my course deadline?
In the University of Cambridge course directory, as the Gates Cambridge timeline instructs.
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