Gates Cambridge Deadline 2027: Full Timeline

Key Application Deadlines

US round (Round 1): Wednesday 14 October 2026

The official 2027/28 deadline for US citizens resident in the USA is Wednesday 14 October 2026, 11:59pm UK time. This is the deadline for your entire Cambridge application, including the Gates-specific answers, references and supporting documents.

International round (Round 2): 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027

Everyone else applies by their course’s funding deadline: Tuesday 8 December 2026 or Wednesday 6 January 2027. Which date applies depends on your programme — always check it in the Cambridge Course Directory.

Full Timeline: Application to Arrival

US round timeline

1. 1
   The summer before you apply

   Prepare

   Research courses, contact supervisors, draft your answers. Start early — the October deadline comes fast.

2. 2
   From 11 September 2026

   Applications open

   Finalise your answers, brief your referees and complete the application form.

3. 3
   Wednesday 14 October 2026

   Application deadline

   11:59pm UK time. All documents, including references, must be in.

4. 4
   Late October – November 2026

   Departmental ranking

   Departments review applications and nominate candidates for Gates.

5. 5
   By Monday 14 December 2026

   Outcome notification

   All US-round applicants are told the outcome of their application (whether they are invited to interview) by 11:59pm UK time.

6. 6
   Friday 22 – Saturday 23 January 2027

   Interview panels

   Review and selection by the US panels.

7. 7
   By early February 2027

   Scholarships offered

   72 hours to accept.

8. 8
   February – September 2027

   Prepare to move

   Visa application, college allocation, accommodation arrangements.

9. 9
   October 2027

   Arrive in Cambridge

   Michaelmas term begins.

International round timeline

1. 1
   August – October 2026

   Prepare

   Research courses, contact supervisors, draft your answers. Applications opened on 11 September 2026.

2. 2
   Tuesday 8 December 2026

   First course funding deadline

   11:59pm UK time, if this is your course’s date.

3. 3
   Wednesday 6 January 2027

   Second course funding deadline

   11:59pm UK time. Check the Course Directory for your course.

4. 4
   December – February

   Departmental ranking

   Departments review applications and nominate candidates.

5. 5
   By Monday 8 March 2027

   Outcome notification

   All applicants are told the outcome of their application by 11:59pm UK time.

6. 6
   Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 March 2027

   Interview panels

   Review and selection by panels.

7. 7
   By early April 2027

   Scholarships offered

   72 hours to accept.

8. 8
   April – September 2027

   Prepare to move

   Visa, college allocation, accommodation.

9. 9
   October 2027

   Arrive in Cambridge

   Michaelmas term begins.

Source: the official Gates Cambridge timeline for 2027/28 entry.

Important Notes

The 72-hour acceptance window

When you’re offered the scholarship, you have 72 hours to accept or decline. Plan ahead, especially if you’re waiting on other scholarship decisions. If you decline, the place goes to someone else.

Reference deadlines

Your referees must submit their letters by the application deadline. They get an automated invitation from the portal once you enter their contact details. Give them at least 4–6 weeks’ notice — late references can sink your application.

The earlier you start, the stronger your application will be. Don’t wait until the month before the deadline: read how to apply and work through the document checklist.