Gates Scholarship (Undergraduate) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Sep, 2026

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly competitive, fully funded last-dollar undergraduate scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship. It covers the remaining cost of attendance after all other financial aid and scholarships have been applied. Eligible expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other approved educational costs not covered by existing financial assistance. Approximately 300 students receive the scholarship each year. Consequently, recipients can pursue their undergraduate education without worrying about unmet financial needs while benefiting from extensive academic and professional support.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Gates Scholarship (Undergraduate) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.3

Languages

IELTS 7, TOEFL iBT 90

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (3)

Result Date

Program Start

2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline15 Sep, 2026
LevelBachelor's, Undergraduate
InstitutionStanford University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly competitive, fully funded last-dollar undergraduate scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households in the. The Gates Scholarship Program administers the award to remove financial barriers for exceptional student leaders who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year, not-for-profit college or university in the United States. The scholarship is not affiliated with Stanford University. However, recipients may use the award to study at Stanford or any other eligible institution if they receive admission. Moreover, the program invests in students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to serving their communities.

Background and Purpose

The Gates Scholarship aims to expand access to higher education for talented students with significant financial need. The program recognizes high-achieving students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and resilience despite challenging circumstances. Furthermore, it provides long-term support that extends beyond financial assistance. Scholars receive academic advising, mentoring, leadership training, career planning, internship opportunities, graduate school guidance, wellness resources, and access to a nationwide network of Gates Scholars and alumni. As a result, the program prepares students to complete their degrees successfully and become leaders who create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Gates Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship. It covers the remaining cost of attendance after all other financial aid and scholarships have been applied. Eligible expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other approved educational costs not covered by existing financial assistance. Approximately 300 students receive the scholarship each year. Consequently, recipients can pursue their undergraduate education without worrying about unmet financial needs while benefiting from extensive academic and professional support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be high school seniors who are eligible for a Pell Grant. They must also be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Furthermore, applicants must have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale and plan to enroll full-time in a four-year undergraduate degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the United States. The selection committee also considers leadership ability, academic excellence, personal achievement, and commitment to community service.

Gates Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application through The Gates Scholarship application portal and submit all required supporting documents before the published deadline. Furthermore, eligible candidates may participate in additional selection stages, including interviews and further application reviews. The selection committee evaluates each applicant based on academic performance, leadership potential, personal achievements, and community involvement. Therefore, applicants should prepare a strong application that clearly demonstrates their accomplishments and future goals.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Gates Scholarship offers much more than financial assistance. Moreover, scholars become part of a nationwide community of high-achieving students, alumni, mentors, and professionals. They gain access to leadership development programs, career guidance, internships, graduate school preparation, and valuable networking opportunities throughout their undergraduate studies. Consequently, graduates are well prepared to pursue successful careers, continue their education, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Applicants must be high school seniors, Pell Grant-eligible, U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

How do I apply?

Eligible students must complete the online application through the official Gates Scholarship website and submit all required documents before the application deadline.

Can the scholarship be renewed each year?

Yes. The scholarship is renewable for up to five years, provided recipients continue to meet the program’s academic and enrollment requirements.

How are recipients selected?

Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership ability, personal success skills, and demonstrated financial need.