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The Gates Scholarship is one of the most generous scholarships in the United States. It pays the full cost of college that other financial aid does not cover. It is only open to US high school seniors who are US citizens or permanent residents and eligible for a federal Pell Grant. Applications for the 2027 cohort closed on 15 September 2026, and the next round is expected to open in July 2027. This guide covers the requirements, deadline, amount and what international students can apply for instead.
Key facts: The Gates Scholarship 2027
- Who can apply: US high school seniors who are Pell-eligible and are US citizens or permanent residents
- Minimum GPA: 3.3 cumulative weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Amount: the full cost of attendance not covered by other aid (a “last-dollar” scholarship)
- 2027 cohort: applications 15 July to 15 September 2026 (now closed)
- Next round: expected to open around mid-July 2027
- International students: not eligible
- Official page: The Gates Scholarship
Last checked: November 2026.
What is the Gates Scholarship?
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective award for outstanding, low-income students who are about to start college in the United States. It is funded by the Gates Foundation. Scholars also get support during college, including mentoring and leadership development.
It is a last-dollar scholarship. That means it pays the part of your college costs that is left after other financial aid and your family’s expected contribution (the Student Aid Index).
Gates Scholarship requirements
To apply, you must be:
- a high school senior
- Pell-eligible, which is decided through the US federal financial aid form (FAFSA)
- 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 the equivalent
- planning to enrol full-time in a four-year degree at a US accredited, not-for-profit college or university
The current requirements do not include any ethnicity rule. Older articles that mention one are out of date.
Gates Scholarship amount: what it covers
The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and your Student Aid Index. Cost of attendance includes:
- tuition and fees
- books
- housing and food
- in some cases, other personal costs
Because it fills the gap left by other aid, the exact amount is different for every scholar.
Gates Scholarship deadline and timeline
| Stage | 2027 cohort dates |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 15 July 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Semifinalist phase | December 2026 to January 2027 |
| Finalist interviews | March 2027 |
| Scholars selected | April 2027 |
| Awards begin | July to September 2027 |
If you are a high school junior now, expect the next round to open around mid-July 2027 with a mid-September 2027 deadline. Confirm the dates on the official website.
How to apply for the Gates Scholarship
- Check your Pell eligibility by completing the FAFSA.
- Create an account on the official Gates Scholarship website when the application opens in July.
- Complete the application with your academic record, activities and leadership experience.
- Write strong essays. Show your leadership, the challenges you have overcome and your goals.
- Submit before the September deadline. Semifinalists then complete further steps, and finalists are interviewed.
Can international students get the Gates Scholarship?
No. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident. Students from Ghana, Nigeria, India and other countries cannot apply, even if they plan to study in the US. If you are an international student, look at:
- undergraduate scholarships in the US for international students
- need-based financial aid from US universities that fund international students
- the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
- the Kennedy-Lugar YES exchange program for secondary school students from eligible countries
Frequently asked questions
What are the Gates Scholarship requirements?
You must be a Pell-eligible US high school senior, a US citizen or permanent resident, with a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 3.3, planning to attend a four-year college full-time.
When is the Gates Scholarship due?
The 2027 cohort deadline was 15 September 2026. The next deadline is expected around mid-September 2027.
How much is the Gates Scholarship?
It covers the full cost of attendance not met by other aid and your Student Aid Index, so the amount depends on your college and your other aid.
Is the Gates Scholarship the same as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship?
Yes. People often call it the Bill Gates scholarship. Its official name is The Gates Scholarship, funded by the Gates Foundation.