Gates Scholarship 2026-27: Application Process and Last Date

Gates Scholarship 2026-27; The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, full-ride scholarship for exceptional high school seniors from low-income families in the United States. It is designed to cover the full cost of attending an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, including tuition, fees, books, housing, meals, and other personal expenses not already covered by financial aid. Eligible students must be Pell-eligible, U.S. citizens, or permanent residents. See below for more information about the Gates Scholarship.

Gates Scholarship 2026-27

• Scholarship of: Gates Scholarship
• Resident Eligible: U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Organized By: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Application Start Date: July 15, 2025
• Application Last Date: September 15, 2025
• Eligible Student of: High school seniors who are Pell-eligible, with minimum GPA 3.3, planning to enroll full-time in a four-year U.S. college/university
• Apply Mode: Online
• Official Website: www.thegatesscholarship.org

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria

To apply, a student must:

• Be a high school senior.
• Be Pell-eligible (low-income threshold defined by FAFSA).
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3/4.0 (or equivalent).
• Plan to enroll full-time in a 4-year degree program at a U.S. accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college/university.

Resident:

To apply for the Gates Scholarship 2026-27, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Only those who meet these requirements are eligible to apply.

Gates Scholarship 2026-27  Ideal Candidate:

An ideal candidate will have:

• Academic Excellence: Typically in the top 10% of their graduating class.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership through community service, extracurriculars, or other initiatives.
• Personal Success Skills: Shows emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, and resilience.

Gates Scholarship 2026-27 Award:

The Gates Scholarship provides funding to cover the full cost of attending college for recipients who are not already covered by other financial aid or student aid indicators, such as those assessed through the FAFSA or the college's own procedures.

This includes costs such as tuition, fees, books, housing, and meals, and may also cover other personal expenses related to attending college.

Gates Scholarship 2026-27 Selection Process:

The selection process for The Gates Scholarship is highly competitive and involves multiple steps. First, eligible students submit an online application that includes academic records, essays, and letters of recommendation. After an initial review, semifinalists are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and personal success skills. These semifinalists may then be invited to finalist interviews. Based on overall performance at this stage, final scholars are selected.

Gates Scholarship 2026-27 How to Apply: 

Eligible students can apply online only through the Gates Scholarship (www.thegatesscholarship.org) official website.

For more details, please visit the official website.

Important Dates:

• Application Open: 
• Application Deadline: 
• Semifinalist Phase:
• Finalist Interviews: 
• Selection Announcement: 
• Scholarship Awards Distributed:

Contact Details: 

Call: (877) 473-4636
Email ID: media@gatesfoundation.org
Website: www.thegatesscholarship.org

Gates Scholarship 2026-27 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. Who can apply for Gates Scholarship 2026-27?

• Answer: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, high school seniors, Pell-eligible, GPA 3.3.

Q2. What does it cover  for Gates Scholarship 2026-27?

• Answer: Full tuition, fees, books, housing, meals, and personal expenses not covered by other aid.

Q3. How to apply for Gates Scholarship 2026-27?

• Answer: Online only at www.thegatesscholarship.org.