Pakistani students now have a golden chance to study at the University of Cambridge, UK, without paying anything. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 is open and gives full money support to bright students from Pakistan and other countries (except UK citizens).
Every year, about 80 students get this scholarship. Out of these, 55 seats are for international students like Pakistanis. Most scholarships (around 70%) go to PhD students, but Master’s students can also apply.
Quick Facts About the Scholarship
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Awards | About 80 per year |
| Who Gets It | Non-UK students, focus on leaders and helpers |
| Study Areas | All subjects at Cambridge |
| Past Winners | Over 2,000 from 100+ countries |
| Current Group | 250 scholars from 50+ countries |
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Students:
- Citizens from any country except the United Kingdom
- Students applying for full-time postgraduate programs at Cambridge
- Applicants pursuing PhD, Master’s, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate courses
Important Note: Current Cambridge students can also apply if they wish to pursue a new postgraduate course, for example, moving from an MPhil to a PhD.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| University Fees | Full tuition costs covered |
| Living Allowance | £21,000 per year for single students (2024-25 rate) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years for PhD students |
| Flights | One economy ticket at the start and end of the course |
| Visa Costs | Inbound visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge |
Additional Support Available:
- Academic development funding: £500 to £2,000 for conferences and courses
- Family allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child, £16,548 for two or more children
- Fieldwork funding for PhD students
- Maternity/paternity support for up to 6 months
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on four main qualities:
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic record and intellectual ability
- Course Choice: Strong reasons for choosing your specific program
- Commitment to Others: Dedication to improving the lives of others
- Leadership Potential: Capacity to lead and create positive change
Application Deadlines
For US Citizens (living in the USA):
- October 15, 2025 (noon, local US time)
For International Students:
- December 3, 2025 OR January 7, 2026 (depending on your chosen course)
How to Apply
The application process is integrated with the Cambridge University admission:
Step 1: Apply for admission to your chosen course through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal
Step 2: Complete the Gates Cambridge funding section within the same application
Step 3: Submit required documents:
- Personal statement (approximately 500 words, maximum 3000 characters)
- Two academic references for admission
- One Gates Cambridge reference focusing on leadership and social impact
- Answers to application questions about the four selection criteria
Step 4: If shortlisted, attend an interview (virtual or in-person)
Courses NOT Eligible
Some programs cannot be funded by Gates Cambridge:
- Undergraduate degrees (BA)
- Part-time courses
- Certain short-term professional degrees
For complete course eligibility, check the Cambridge Course Directory.
Important Things to Know
- Approximately two-thirds of awards go to PhD students, with about 25 awards for US applicants and 55 for international applicants
- Results are typically announced in early March
- The scholarship does not cover bench fees or laboratory equipment costs
- There are currently about 250 Gates Scholars from 50 countries studying at Cambridge
Application Tips
- Start your Cambridge admission application early
- Clearly explain how you meet all four selection criteria
- Use specific examples of your leadership and commitment to helping others
- Ensure your Gates reference focuses on the scholarship criteria, not just academic achievements
- Submit all documents before the deadline
Apply now: www.gatescambridge.org
