The Gates Scholarship
Scholarship Overview: High school seniors with financial need, a 3.3+ GPA, strong leadership, and academic achievement who will attend a four-year college full time.
Application Available: July 15, 2026
Deadline Date: September 15, 2026
Scholarship Details:
Eligibility Requirements:
- A high school senior
- Pell-eligible (have financial need)
- A US citizen or permanent resident
- In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
- Will enroll next year full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
Application Requirements:
- Completed Application
- High school transcript
- Household and financial-aid information to confirm Pell Grant eligibility
- Details about extracurricular activities, employment, community service, honors, and leadership
- Recommendations from adults familiar with the student’s academic abilities and leadership
Selection Criteria:
- An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
Application Requirements: Essay, Letter(s) of Recommendation, Minimum GPA, Transcript
Essay Details:
See application for this year’s essay prompt(s)
Award Amount: $120,000
Website/URL: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
Scholarship Manager Information:
Contact Email: info@thegatesscholarship.org
Additional Contact & Submission Information:
Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university.
*Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, housing and food, and may include additional personal costs.
Filters:
Eligibility: Financial Need, U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident
Areas of Study: Open to All
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior
Location Specific: National