Gates Cambridge Documents Checklist 2027

Everything you need to upload, arrange and submit for a Gates Cambridge application, with an interactive checklist to track your progress. There's no separate Gates application — it all goes through the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal.

Interactive Document Checklist

Application essentials

Cambridge Graduate Application form
Complete every section: personal information, academic history, programme choice and college preference.
Gates Cambridge funding section completed
Without this, Gates never sees your application.
Official transcripts
Scanned copies of all degree transcripts. Originals may be needed later.
Test scores (if required)
IELTS/TOEFL for non-native speakers, GRE for some programmes. Gates has no English test requirement of its own, but your course does. Check your course requirements.
CV / resume
An academic CV covering education, research, publications, awards and activities.
Application fee paid
£20 per applicant per year for doctoral courses, £85 per application for other courses. Waivers are automatic for nationals of eligible countries who have lived there since birth; some other applicants can request one.

Gates-specific answers

Question 1: Academic excellence
About 200 words (up to 1,400 characters).
Question 2: Course choice and future plans (why Cambridge)
About 200 words (up to 1,400 characters).
Question 3: Improving the lives of others
About 300 words (up to 2,100 characters).
Question 4: Leadership
About 300 words (up to 2,100 characters).
Research proposal (PhD only)
See the research proposal guide.

References

Academic reference 1
Referee invited via the portal and confirmed.
Academic reference 2
Referee invited via the portal and confirmed.
Gates Cambridge reference
Must address all four criteria; one of your academic referees can write it. See the references guide.

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Application Portal Walkthrough

1
Create your account
Go to the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal and create an account. Use an email address you check regularly — all communication comes through the portal.
2
Complete the personal and academic sections
Fill in your personal details, educational history and programme choice. Be thorough and accurate — discrepancies with your transcripts will raise flags.
3
The funding section (critical)
In the funding section, select the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This unlocks the four Gates questions. You can also select other funding sources (Cambridge Trust and so on) without affecting your Gates consideration. Do not skip this step.
4
Write your answers and upload documents
Complete the four Gates answers and upload your transcripts, test scores, CV and research proposal (if applicable). Review everything before you submit — you can’t edit after submission.
5
Add referees and submit
Enter your referees’ contact details; they’ll receive automated emails with a link to submit their letters. Pay the application fee and submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email.

All Documents Ready?

Deadlines →

Double-check your answers, confirm your referees and submit before your deadline: 14 October 2026 for the US round, 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 for everyone else. Polishing your answers? See the essay guide.