The Gates Scholarship

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last‑dollar award designed for outstanding U.S. high school seniors from low-income households. It supports academically exceptional students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to community impact.

🏆 Scholarship Coverage

• Covers the full cost of attendance not already met by financial aid or the student’s family contribution.

• Includes tuition, fees, books, housing, and meals.

✅ Eligibility

• Current high school senior in the U.S.

• Pell Grant–eligible with financial need.

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.

• Minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0 (typically top 10% of the class).

• Demonstrated leadership through extracurriculars, community service, or personal initiatives.

👤 Ideal Candidate

Scholars are not only academically accomplished but also demonstrate leadership, maturity, and perseverance—often overcoming personal or socioeconomic challenges to excel.

📅 Application Timeline (2025–26 Cycle)

• Opens: July 15, 2025

• Deadline: September 15, 2025

• Semifinalists: December 2025 – January 2026

• Finalist interviews: March 2026

• Award announcements: April 2026

• Disbursements: Summer–Fall 2026

🎯 Impact

Fewer than 1% of applicants are selected annually. In addition to full financial support, recipients benefit from mentorship, leadership development, and long-term resources to help them thrive in college and beyond.