If you are a high-achieving high school senior from a low-income household, The Gates Scholarship could change your life for good. This elite, fully funded scholarship is designed to break down financial barriers for talented minority students in the U.S. It covers tuition, room, board, books, and more, so you can focus on what matters—your education and future.
Every year, 300 students are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership, and personal drive. The scholarship is backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this opportunity empowers the next generation of change-makers.
Do you have what it takes? Keep reading to learn how to apply.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Country: Selected Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee + Transportation, etc.
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Scholarship Benefits for The Gates Scholarship 2026
The Gates Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that covers the full cost of study. This includes:
- Tuition Fees
- Room and board
- Books
- Transportation
- Potentially other personal expenses
It removes financial barriers so scholars can focus entirely on academic and personal success.
Eligibility Requirements for The Gates Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for The Gates Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior
- Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S. accredited, not-for-profit college or university
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Be from at least one of the following ethnicities:
- African-American
- American Indian/Alaska Native*
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
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Documents Required for The Gates Scholarship
Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents:
- High school transcript
- FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Recommendation letters (usually from teachers, counselors, or mentors)
- Resume or list of extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- Essays or personal statements
- Parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ financial information
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), if applicable
Scholarship Deadline
The application deadline for The Gates Scholarship 2026 is September 15, 2025.
How to Apply for The Gates Scholarship
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for The Gates Scholarship in 2025:
Step 1: Create an Account
You will need to visit the official Gates Scholarship portal and create a personal profile account.
Step 2: Complete the Student Profile
Fill in your background details, including academic performance, family income, and extracurricular activities.
Step 3: Submit Phase One Application
Answer eligibility questions and provide general information. This is the initial screening stage.
Step 4: Semi-Finalist Phase
If selected as a semi-finalist, you’ll be asked to provide additional materials:
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic records
- Financial documentation
Step 5: Finalist Selection Phase
Finalists may be interviewed and evaluated more closely. Selection is based on academic strength, leadership, and personal success traits.
Step 6: Awards Notification
Winners will be notified and awarded funding for the upcoming academic year.
Make sure that you take note of the deadline and submit all documents well ahead of time.
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