The Gates Scholarships Program 2026/2027
- DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
Applications are now open for the Gates Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious award targets high-achieving minority high school seniors from low-income backgrounds in the United States who are planning to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. To apply, students must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, Pell Grant–eligible, and submit their initial application through the official portal between July 15 and September 15, 2025.
The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar award, meaning it covers any remaining costs not already covered by other financial aid or the FAFSA, including tuition, housing, meals, books, and transportation. Scholars also receive access to a comprehensive support program that includes mentoring, leadership development, academic support, career guidance, and a strong alumni network, helping them succeed throughout their college journey.
To be eligible, applicants must be high school seniors who identify as African American, Hispanic American, Native American/Alaska Native (with tribal enrollment proof), or Asian/Pacific Islander American, meet Pell Grant eligibility, have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and demonstrate strong leadership skills, active community involvement, and personal resilience in the face of socioeconomic challenges.
About the Gates Scholarships
- LEVEL: Bachelor
- DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
- FINANCING: Last-dollar scholarship
- OPEN TO: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
The Gates Scholarship : Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.Financial advantages of the Gates Scholarships
Gates Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the financial methodology of the Scholar’s college or university. Covered costs include:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Other personal expenses (if applicable)
Eligibility for the Gates Scholarships
To be eligible for the Gates Scholarship, you need to be:
- A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- From at least one of the following ethnicities:
- African American
- American Indian/Alaska Native (with documentation)
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
- A high school senior
- Pell-eligible
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
In addition, ideal candidates must demonstrate:
- An outstanding academic record (top 10% of graduating class)
- Leadership ability (e.g., community service, extracurriculars, student organizations)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., maturity, motivation, resilience, and perseverance)
Applicants must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S.-accredited, not-for-profit public or private college or university.
How to apply to the Gates Scholarship
To apply for the Gates Scholarship, create an account on the official myTGS portal and complete the required steps.
The application window is open from July 15 to September 15, 2025. Finalist interviews will be held in early 2026, and the selected scholars will be announced in April 2026. Scholarship funding will begin between July and September 2026.
Required documents
Applicants may be asked to upload the following documents during the application process:
- Most recent high school transcript (submitted by counselor)
- Student Aid Report (SAR) after completing the FAFSA
- Financial Aid Award Letter from your university
- Letter of admission to a four-year bachelor’s program
- Headshot photo
- Resume or activity list
Application deadline: September 15, 2025.
Contact
For more information or assistance, visit the official contact page: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/contact-us.
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Merci pour le partage. Je suis Emmanuel FAGBOHOUN depuis le Bénin. J’ai postulé pour l’Université Panafricaine. Mais je voudrais savoir si il y a pas des frais qui me reviendront (que je vais dépenser) lorsque je serai retenu.
Quand on choisit la formation et on termine l’inscription est ce que on fait la demande d’admission pour cette formation dans le centre de formation concerné ?!!! Ou bien cette inscription est suffisante
Bonsoir Hadia, oui l’Algérie est éligible.
Pour ta deuxieme question, Oui, ils peuvent venir avec vous, mails, ils seront à ta charge et non pas à la charge de la fondation.
Bonjour je suis algérienne ? Est ce que je peux postuler ? .
Ma deuxième question je suis mariée et j ai deux enfants , qu en est il pour mes enfants et mon mari si mon dossier est accepté ? Est ce qu ils viennt avec moi ?
Cordialement