Functionally graded cemented carbides (FGCCs) were prepared by pre-sintering and carburizing of carbon-deficient WC–Co cemented carbides. Submicron WC powder with different contents was added in FGCCs with coarse grains to study the influences of microstructures, kinetics and mechanical properties. The results show that the addition of submicron WC can increase the thickness of the gradient layer, and improve the carburizing rate in FGCCs. The average grain size becomes finer with the content of submicron WC increasing. The FGCCs with the addition of submicron WC has a higher grain growth rate, and the grain growth kinetics is proposed to be diffusion-controlled. Meanwhile, a simplified equation for estimating the final average grain size of FGCCs is provided. The hardness and the transverse rupture strength of FGCCs can be efficiently improved by the addition of submicron WC due to the fine microstructures and thick gradient layer.