Are you a high-achieving U.S. high school senior from a low-income household dreaming of attending college without the burden of student loans? The Gates Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students to pursue a four-year degree at any accredited U.S. university or college.
This prestigious scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to support the next generation of leaders by removing financial barriers and empowering students to reach their full academic and leadership potential.
Gates Scholarship 2026 Overview – At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| Scholarship Name | The Gates Scholarship (TGS) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded (Last-Dollar Scholarship) |
| Eligibility | U.S. High School Seniors (Low-Income) |
| Award Coverage | Full Cost of Attendance |
| Application Opens | July 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Semifinalist Phase | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Finalist Interviews | March 2026 |
About The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship that targets exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors in the United States.
Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the goal of the scholarship is to support personalised student leaders from low-income backgrounds by funding their entire college education, after other aid and contributions are applied.
Each year, 300 students are selected as Gates Scholars. They receive personalized support along with financial assistance throughout their undergraduate studies.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it covers the remaining cost of attendance after other financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, institutional aid) has been applied. This includes:
- Tuition and Fees
- Room and Board (Housing and Meals)
- Books and Academic Materials
- Transportation
- Other Personal Costs (as determined by the institution)
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To apply for The Gates Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be a high school senior in the United States
- Be Pell Grant-eligible as determined by the FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit U.S. college or university
What Makes an Ideal Candidate?
While meeting the minimum requirements is essential, successful Gates Scholars typically demonstrate the following:
- Academic Excellence: Ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class
- Leadership Skills: Active involvement in community service, extracurricular activities, student government, or similar roles
- Strong Personal Character: Attributes such as emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, and resilience
Gates Scholarship 2026 Timeline
| Phase | Date |
| Applications Open | July 15, 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply | September 15, 2025 |
| Semifinalist Phase | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Finalist Interviews | March 2026 |
| Final Awards Announced | April – September 2026 |
HOW TO APPLY
The application is easy; click on the link https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship.
Once on the page, click on sign up or login to fill out the form after creating a profile.
Interested applicants will be required to create a profile account with the scholarship and then answer some necessary and mandatory questions on the Profile and educational background, among others.
FAQs
Is the Gates Scholarship renewable each year?
Yes. Once awarded, the scholarship is renewable annually as long as the student maintains good academic standing and meets program requirements.
Can undocumented or DACA students apply?
No. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents to qualify.
Does the scholarship support any college major?
Yes. Scholars can pursue any major at any accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the U.S.
How many students are selected each year?
A total of 300 students are selected annually to become Gates Scholars.
Is SAT or ACT required?
While the scholarship does not specifically require test scores, strong academic performance and a competitive profile help in selection.
Where do I apply?
You can apply and find more details at the official Gates Scholarship website here : https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
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