The Gates Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies in the United States (2026)

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Launched in 2017, it supports outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households in the United States. Each year, 300 exceptional student leaders are awarded this scholarship to help them achieve their full potential by covering the unmet costs of attending a four-year college or university. You can also checkout University of London Scholarships

Key Details

• Host Country: United States
• Host Organization: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Host Institutions: Universities across the USA or Community Colleges across the USA
• Degree Level: Undergraduate Programs
• Scholarship Duration: 4 years

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for The Gates Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Eligibility

• High School Senior: Must be a current high school senior.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
• Academic Performance: Must have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Financial Need: Must be Pell Grant-eligible, demonstrating significant financial need.
• College Enrollment: Must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S.-accredited, not-for-profit, private, or public college or university.
• For more details about eligibility, visit here

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Ideal Candidate Qualities

The scholarship committee also looks for:

• Outstanding Academic Record: Preferably in the top 10% of their graduating class.
• Leadership Ability: Demonstrated through participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or other leadership roles.
• Personal Success Skills: Traits such as emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance.

Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Scholarship is a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it covers the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid or the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the college’s methodology. Covered costs include:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books
• Transportation
• Other personal expenses

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The scholarship is renewable for up to five years, provided scholars maintain satisfactory academic progress and full-time enrollment. Additionally, recipients gain access to support services, including academic mentoring, career guidance, internship opportunities, and financial literacy programs. Scholars also attend The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute, which fosters networking and provides resources for college success.

Application Phases

The Gates Scholarship application process is rigorous and consists of two phases:

Phase 1: Qualifying Questionnaire

• Timeline: Applications will open on July 15th and close on September 15th.
• Requirements: Applicants submit a qualifying questionnaire to confirm eligibility. This phase is open to all who meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Phase 2: Semifinalist and Finalist Stages

• Semifinalist Stage: Approximately 2,000 students are selected to submit essays and additional questionnaires.
• Finalist Stage: Around 600 students advance to in-person or virtual interviews in March.
• Selection: 300 scholars are announced in April, with awards disbursed from July to September.

Steps on how to apply

1. Visit the official Gates Scholarship website.
2. Register and log in to your myTGS account.
3. Complete your profile by entering your personal and academic information.
4. Respond to any prompted questions.
5. Upload all required documents.
6. Carefully review your application and submit it before the deadline.

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Required Documents

Applicants will need to provide:

• Most recent high school transcript(s) (submitted by a counselor)
• Student Aid Report (SAR) from the completed FAFSA
• Financial Aid Award Letter
• Proof of tribal enrollment (for American Indian/Alaska Native applicants)

Also check: Tongareva International Scholarship

Application Timeline (2025-2026 Cycle)

• July 15, 2025: Application opens
• September 15, 2025: Application deadline
• December 2025 – January 2026: Semifinalist phase (essays and questionnaires)
• March 2026: Finalist interviews
• April 2026: Scholars announced
• July – September 2026: Awards disbursed