The Gates Scholarship — Fully Funded, USA
The Gates Scholarship — Fully Funded Undergraduate Award in the USA
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026 stands out as one of the most prestigious and fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the United States.
Sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this highly competitive scholarship supports outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income backgrounds by removing financial barriers to college education.
Awarded annually to 300 exceptional student leaders, the Gates Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and even personal expenses at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the USA.
Also Check: Clemson University Graduate Scholarships 2025
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Overview of The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Study Level: Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s)
- Eligible Applicants: US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents from eligible minority groups
- Fields of Study: Any discipline at accredited US universities
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Last-Dollar Scholarship)
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
The Gates Scholarship — Program Details
Launched in 2017, the Gates Scholarship is part of the Gates Foundation’s commitment to fostering educational success for minority students with high academic potential and financial need. The scholarship aims to enable these students to maximize their potential by covering any unmet financial need after other scholarships or financial aid have been applied.
With a goal of supporting 3,000 students over the life of the program, the Gates Scholarship continues to empower promising leaders from underrepresented communities across the United States.
Eligibility Requirements for The Gates Scholarship 2026
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior
- Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit US college or university
- Have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Belong to at least one of the following ethnicities:
- African American
- American Indian/Alaska Native
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
Scholarship Benefits and Duration
Recipients of The Gates Scholarship will receive full financial coverage for college expenses, which include:
- Tuition and Fees
- Room and Board
- Books and Academic Supplies
- Transportation Costs
- Personal Expenses
This “last-dollar” scholarship ensures that scholars graduate debt-free while focusing fully on their academic journey.
The Ideal Candidate for The Gates Scholarship
An ideal Gates Scholar is expected to demonstrate:
- An outstanding academic record (Top 10% of graduating class)
- Proven leadership abilities (evident through extracurricular activities, community service, or other roles)
- Strong personal success skills, including emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, and resilience
How to Apply for The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026
Interested and qualified applicants should follow this step-by-step process:
- Create a profile account on The Gates Scholarship portal
- Complete the application by providing necessary information, including personal background, academic records, and extracurricular involvement
- Submit required documents by the deadline — September 15, 2025
Application Timeline:
- Semi-Final Phase: December 2025 – January 2026
- Selection Phase: April 2026
- Award Phase: July – September 2026
For full details and to access the application portal, visit The Gates Scholarship Official Website.
Click Here to Apply
Happy Applying and Congratulations in Advance!
