The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, fully-funded scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, covering tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to submit your application for the prestigious Gates Scholarship.
The Gates Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: US Citizens | US Residents | All Countries*
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Allowance | Study Allowance
- Deadline: September 15, 2025.
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026 Details:
The Gates Scholarship will fund 300 students per year, starting with 2018, totaling 3,000 students over the life of the program.
With the launch of this program in 2017, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues its long-standing commitment to helping outstanding minority students who come from low-income backgrounds realize their maximum potential.
This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work and graduate studies
The Gates Scholarship 2026 Requirements:
To apply, students must:
- be a high school senior
- plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
- be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) to retain the award
- be from at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- A US citizen, national, or permanent resident.
The Gates Scholarship Duration and Reward
- Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
An ideal Candidiate
An ideal candidate will have:
- An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
How To Apply for The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Interested applicants will be required to create a profile account with the scholarship and then file some necessary and mandatory questions on Profile and educational background, among others.
You will then be considered for this scholarship using the timeline below
- Semi-Final Phase (Dec – Jan 2026)
- Selection Phase (April 2026)
- Awards (July-September 2026)
Click on the link below to visit the scholarship application webpage.