Higher education in the United States can be life-changing, but it can also be costly. For many academically talented students from underrepresented and low-income communities, the cost of college often becomes a major barrier to success.
That’s where The Gates USA Scholarship (TGS) comes in. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launches this scholarship. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship was designed to support the next generation of American leaders. Students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and personal drive, but who lack the financial resources to pursue a quality college education.
If you’re a high school senior aiming for a four-year college degree and meet the eligibility criteria, this scholarship could completely transform your future.
In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Gates Scholarship 2026—from benefits and eligibility to application tips and deadlines.
What is The Gates Scholarship?
The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar, merit-based undergraduate scholarship that fully funds the cost of college attendance for high-achieving, low-income students from minority backgrounds. It ensures that students can enroll in and graduate from a U.S. college or university without financial burden.
Each year, only 300 scholarships are awarded nationwide, making this one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarship programs in the country.
Here is some important information regarding the Gates USA scholarship:
| Scholarship Name | The Gates USA Scholarship (TGS) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded, Last-Dollar Scholarship |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Funded By | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Location | United States |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents |
| Target Group | Minority, low-income high school seniors |
| Standardized Test Requirement | SAT or ACT scores required |
| Application Opens | July 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Number of Awards | 300 per year |
| Renewable? | Yes, for up to 5 years |
| Application Website | www.thegatesscholarship.org |
Why Apply for The Gates Scholarship?
- It is one of the most generous private scholarships in the U.S.
- It covers all education-related expenses for up to five years
- It supports minority students from low-income households in achieving higher education
- It focuses not only on academics but also on leadership and community impact
If you’re a dedicated student leader who’s determined to overcome financial barriers, this scholarship is your chance to receive a world-class education debt-free.
ALSO READ: Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 in the USA
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid or the expected family contribution (EFC). This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Room and board (housing and meals)
- Books and academic supplies
- Transportation
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
The scholarship is renewable for up to five years, as long as recipients maintain academic eligibility and full-time enrollment at a recognized U.S. college or university.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gates USA Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
General Requirements:
- Be a high school senior in the United States
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant-eligible (as determined by FAFSA)
- 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 a U.S.-accredited, not-for-profit college or university
Ethnicity Requirements:
Applicants must belong to at least one of the following minority groups who face financial blockages to carry education:
- African-American
- American Indian/Alaska Native (with proof of tribal enrollment)
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
Ideal Candidate Profile
While academic achievement is essential, the Gates Scholarship also seeks students who have:
- An outstanding academic record (typically in the top 10% of their graduating class)
- Proven leadership abilities demonstrated through community service, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles
- Strong personal success traits, such as emotional maturity, perseverance, and motivation
How to Apply for The Gates Scholarship
- Visit the official Gates USA Scholarship website www.thegatesscholarship.org
- Create a TGS profile on the application portal (available from July 15, 2025)
- Gather and submit the following materials:
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- High school transcripts
- Cumulative GPA
- Family financial information (as per FAFSA)
- Details of extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- At least one letter of recommendation
- Fill out the online application form and submit it with all required documents before the deadline.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: July 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Late applications will not be considered, so be sure to prepare well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gates Scholarship available to international students?
No. The scholarship is open only to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
Can homeschool students apply?
Yes, as long as they meet all eligibility criteria and provide the necessary academic documentation.
Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes, The Gates Scholarship is renewable for up to five years, provided the scholar maintains good academic standing and full-time enrollment.
Does the scholarship cover graduate school?
No. This scholarship is only for undergraduate education.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT) are required as part of the application.