Applications are now open for The Gates Scholarship 2026, offering a fully funded undergraduate education to high-achieving minority high school seniors in the United States.
This prestigious scholarship, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is designed to eliminate financial barriers and foster academic and leadership excellence among underserved communities.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Eligible Countries: United States
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Country: United States
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Tuition | Living Expenses | Mentorship | Career Support
- Deadline: September 15, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a competitive and highly selective program aimed at supporting outstanding minority students in the U.S. who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership ability, and financial need. Each year, 300 scholars are selected to receive full funding to pursue an undergraduate degree at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
More than just financial aid, the scholarship provides recipients with access to career development tools, academic support, and a community of peers and mentors. The initiative is part of a broader mission by the Gates Foundation to advance equity in education, empower young leaders, and create pathways to success for those who might otherwise face systemic barriers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for The Gates Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior at the time of application
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant eligible (demonstrating financial need)
- Belong to one of the following ethnic groups:
- African-American
- American Indian/Alaska Native*
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
- 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 U.S. institution
*American Indian/Alaska Native applicants must provide valid tribal enrollment documentation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of The Gates Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Room and board
- Textbooks and academic supplies
- Transportation support
- Personal expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Access to mentoring, leadership training, and professional development
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT test scores
- A letter of recommendation
- Proof of Pell Grant eligibility
- Financial documentation
- Details of extracurricular activities and community service
- Personal essays and statements
How to Apply
To apply for The Gates Scholarship:
- Visit www.thegatesscholarship.org
- Register with a valid email address and create your profile
- Complete the online form with personal, academic, and financial details
- Submit transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and financial info
- Respond to the essay prompts to highlight your goals, leadership, and perseverance
- Double-check all information and submit the application before the deadline
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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