Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Two Deadlines, and Your Course Decides Which One Is Yours

Gates Cambridge doesn't run one application deadline — it runs two, and which one applies to you depends entirely on the Cambridge course you're applying to, not on where you're from.

The two dates, confirmed against Gates Cambridge's own timeline page. Most courses close on 8 December 2026; some close 6 January 2027 instead. There's a separate, earlier round — 14 October 2026 — but only for US citizens resident in the United States, which doesn't affect a Nigerian applicant. Check your specific course's funding deadline in Cambridge's own Course Directory before assuming either date applies to you.

Who it's for. Any nationality except the UK, applying alongside admission to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge, at master's or PhD level.

What it covers. Full funding: Cambridge course fees, a maintenance stipend, and travel.

What selection actually weighs. Gates Cambridge is explicit that it isn't a pure grades competition — the Trust says it selects for academic excellence, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others, alongside the degree itself.

Because Gates Cambridge is bundled with your Cambridge course application, the real first step isn't the scholarship form — it's getting your Cambridge application in early enough to hit whichever of the two dates applies to your course.