The Gates Scholarship 2026 (TGS) is a prestigious, fully funded undergraduate scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors in the United States. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this life-changing opportunity supports 300 students each year, covering all educational expenses to help them attend top U.S. colleges and universities.
Launched in 2017, the program aims to eliminate financial barriers for high-achieving, low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds and help them become leaders in their fields and communities. TGS doesn’t just offer financial support — it also provides career mentorship, academic resources, and access to a powerful alumni network.
Gates Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Funded By | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Number of Awards | 300 annually |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Scholarship Duration | 4 Years (Full-Time Study) |
| Eligible Institutions | Accredited, non-profit U.S. colleges and universities |
What Does the Gates Scholarship Cover?
The Gates Scholarship is last-dollar funding, meaning it covers all remaining costs after other financial aid and grants are applied:
- Full tuition and fees
- Books and academic supplies
- Room and board (housing and meals)
- May include personal and incidental expenses
Gates Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Gates Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior (graduating class of 2026)
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant eligible
- Belong to at least one of the following minority groups:
- African-American
- American Indian/Alaska Native
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Plan to enrol full-time in a four-year degree program at a non-profit, accredited U.S. college or university
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and personal success traits
What Makes a Competitive Applicant?
The Gates Scholarship is not only about grades — selection is based on a holistic review that includes:
- Academic excellence
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Commitment to community service or extracurricular activities
- Personal resilience and motivation
- Strong recommendations and well-written essays
How to Apply for the Gates Scholarship 2026
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Official Gates Scholarship Portal
www.thegatesscholarship.org - Create a myTGS Profile
Sign up and start your online application. - Complete the Application Sections:
- Personal Information
- Academic History
- Extracurriculars & Volunteer Experience
- Household and Financial Info
- Essays (topics vary)
- Upload Supporting Documents
- Transcript
- Recommendation Letters
- FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Any additional requested materials
- Review & Submit
Double-check everything before submitting.
Gates Scholarship Timeline 2026
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Semi-Finalist Selection | Winter 2025 |
| Finalist Interviews | Early 2026 |
| Award Announcements | Spring 2026 |
Why Apply for The Gates Scholarship?
- Attend college debt-free
- Join a national network of Gates Scholars
- Access academic, leadership, and wellness support
- Launch your future with confidence and purpose
Apply Now
Ready to transform your future?
Click here to apply for The Gates Scholarship 2026
Visit our scholarship section to explore more opportunities.
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