Scholarship Name: The Gates Scholarship (TGS)
Host Country: United States
Degree Level: Undergraduate (First-year students)
Application Opens: July 15, 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Funding Type: Fully Funded (Last-Dollar Scholarship)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors (Pell Grant–eligible)
About The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a prestigious, last-dollar undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to outstanding high school seniors from low-income, minority backgrounds across the U.S. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this highly competitive award covers the full cost of attendance not already covered by financial aid or family contributions.
Since its inception, the scholarship has empowered high-potential students to pursue higher education at any accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the U.S.
Scholarship Benefits
TGS covers the entire unmet cost of college, including:
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Tuition and mandatory fees
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Room and board (housing and meals)
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Books and required supplies
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Personal and transportation expenses
This comprehensive support enables students to fully focus on academics and personal growth.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be a high school senior in the U.S.
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Be eligible for the Pell Grant (via FAFSA)
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Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
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Have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
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Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S. accredited, not-for-profit college or university
Community college applicants are not eligible.
Who Makes a Strong Candidate?
TGS selects applicants who exhibit both academic excellence and leadership. Ideal candidates:
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Rank in the top 10% of their class
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Show evidence of leadership in extracurriculars or community roles
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Demonstrate resilience, emotional maturity, and personal motivation
Apply Also
Application Timeline – The Gates Scholarship 2026
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | July 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Semifinalist Notifications | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Finalist Interviews | March 2026 |
| Scholars Selected | April 2026 |
| Award Distribution | July – September 2026 |
How to Apply
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Visit the official TGS website:
https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship -
Create a student profile
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Complete and submit your application by September 15, 2025
Application materials typically include:
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Academic transcripts
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Extracurricular resume
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Essays and personal statements
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Letters of recommendation
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FAFSA confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the scholarship limited to certain majors?
No. TGS is open to all fields of study.
Q2: Can community college students apply?
No. Applicants must plan to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program.
Q3: Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. It supports students throughout the duration of their undergraduate studies, contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Scholarship 2026 is not just a financial award—it’s a platform for leadership, mentorship, and academic success. With full funding and access to a robust scholar network, this opportunity can transform the futures of exceptional students from underrepresented communities.
If you’re a high-achieving, Pell Grant–eligible student, start your application early and take full advantage of this life-changing opportunity.
