The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers full-cost postgraduate funding at the University of Cambridge. South African applicants may apply through the international round for an eligible Masters or PhD course. The deadline is course-specific: applicants must meet their selected course’s funding deadline. For example, the University of Cambridge confirms 8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT for the PhD in Politics and International Studies.
Closing date: 8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT for the cited course; deadlines vary by course
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Gates Cambridge Trust
- Opportunity type: International postgraduate scholarship
- Who it’s for: Outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom applying for an eligible postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. South African citizens can apply through the international round, subject to the scholarship and course requirements.
- Study level: Postgraduate: Masters and PhD
- Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Academic year: 2027/28
- Closing date: 8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT for the cited course; deadlines vary by course
- Last verified: 2026-10-04
High-value notes (read this first)
This is the international round for eligible applicants from outside the UK; US citizens currently resident in the US should use the separate US round.
The scholarship deadline is the funding deadline for the selected Cambridge course. Check that course’s official page for its exact date and time; 8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT is confirmed for the cited PhD in Politics and International Studies course, not a universal deadline.
The University of Cambridge lists approximately 55 awards for the international round.
The award is assessed on academic excellence, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership capacity.
About the sponsor
Gates Cambridge is the University of Cambridge scholarship programme funded by the Gates Cambridge Trust. The University of Cambridge’s official funding listing identifies Gates Cambridge as the funder and directs applicants to the Trust for scholarship information.
Official source: University of Cambridge Postgraduate Funding Search: Gates Cambridge (All Other Eligible Applicants)
Official source: University of Cambridge Postgraduate Study: PhD in Politics and International Studies, How to Apply
What it covers
A full-cost postgraduate award covering the University Composition Fee and maintenance stipend, with funding that may also cover travel to and from the UK, visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Academic Development Funding and Dependant Children Allowance may be available at the Trust’s discretion. The precise award depends on the scholar’s course and circumstances; research costs such as consumables are not included.
Eligible fields
- Postgraduate study
- Masters and PhD
- Any subject available at the University of Cambridge, subject to course eligibility
Eligibility
- Applicants must be from a country outside the United Kingdom to apply through the international round.
- Applicants must apply for an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Candidates are assessed for academic excellence, reasons for choosing their course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership capacity.
- US citizens currently resident in the United States should apply through the US round instead.
Documents to prepare
- The Cambridge course application requires course-specific supporting documents; requirements vary by course.
- A Gates Cambridge Reference is required for the cited PhD in Politics and International Studies application.
- For that PhD course, a research proposal is required. Check the selected course page for its own requirements.
Closing date
8 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT for the cited course; deadlines vary by course
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume every course has the same deadline. The scholarship deadline follows the funding deadline for the Cambridge course selected.
- Do not apply for the scholarship without making the Cambridge postgraduate course application and completing the Gates Cambridge funding section and any required Gates Cambridge Reference.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Funding Search and official postgraduate course application information on 4 October 2026.
How to apply
- Choose an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge and check that course’s entry and funding deadlines.
- Prepare the course application and supporting documents required by the relevant department.
- Submit the Cambridge postgraduate application through the Applicant Portal by the earlier applicable course or funding deadline.
- Select Gates Cambridge in the funding section and complete the scholarship questions and any Gates Cambridge Reference required in the portal.
- Check that your referees have submitted their references by the relevant deadline and submit the complete application.