Can international students apply for The Gates Scholarship?

No, the scholarship is only open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

What essays are required for the application?

Applicants must submit personal essays demonstrating leadership, motivation, resilience, and community involvement.

Is there an income limit to qualify for The Gates Scholarship?

Yes, applicants must be Pell Grant–eligible, which depends on their family's financial status as reported in the FAFSA.

When is the application deadline for The Gates Scholarship 2026?

The application deadline is September 15, 2025.

The Gates Scholarship 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)

About the Program

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a prestigious, highly selective scholarship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income backgrounds in the United States, covering the full cost of attendance for a bachelor's degree at any accredited U.S. college or university.

Scholarship Details

Host Country: United States
Scholarship Name: The Gates Scholarship (TGS)
Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Coverage: Fully Funded (Last-Dollar Scholarship)
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Number of Awards: Approx. 300 students per year

The Gates Scholarship 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)

Financial Coverage

The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it covers all costs not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution. This includes:

Tuition fees
Room and board
Books and supplies
Transportation costs
Other personal expenses

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Q: Is The Gates Scholarship renewable?

Yes, The Gates Scholarship is renewable for up to five years, provided the scholar maintains academic eligibility and full-time enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
Be a high school senior
Be eligible for the Pell Grant
Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Belong to at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American
Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited college or university in the U.S.

The Gates Scholarship 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)

Selection Criteria

Scholars are selected based on:

Academic excellence
Leadership ability
Personal success skills (such as emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance)
Community service and engagement
Commitment to making an impact

Also check :

University of Winchester Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students

Application Timeline

Applications Open: July 2025
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Semifinalists Announced: December 2025 – January 2026
Finalist Interviews: March 2026
Final Results: April to September 2026

How to Apply

Visit the official Gates Scholarship website.
Create an account and complete the online application.
Upload required documents, including transcripts, FAFSA Student Aid Report, recommendation letters, and essays.
Submit your application before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is The Gates Scholarship renewable?
Yes. It is renewable for up to five years, as long as the scholar maintains academic eligibility and full-time enrollment.

Q2: Can international students apply?
No. This scholarship is only available to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

Q3: What kind of essays are required?
Applicants are required to submit personal essays that demonstrate leadership, motivation, resilience, and community involvement.

Q4: Is there an income limit to qualify?
Yes. You must be Pell Grant–eligible, which is determined by your family's financial status as reported on your FAFSA.