The Gates Scholarship for 2025-2026 is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for U.S. students, covering tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation costs. The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university.
For the 2025 cycle, the scholarship continues its mission to empower young leaders by providing comprehensive financial support for their undergraduate education.
Scholarship Overview
The application process for the Gates Scholarship 2025 includes:
- Location: USA
- Personal Information: Basic demographic and contact information.
- Academic Records: Submission of high school transcripts and standardized test scores.
- Extracurricular Activities: Details on leadership roles, community service, and extracurricular involvement.
- Essays: Responses to several essay prompts designed to evaluate the applicant’s personal and academic goals, leadership qualities, and community impact.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least one recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor familiar with the applicant’s achievements and character.
- Financial Information: Documentation to verify the household’s financial status and eligibility for need-based aid.
- Application Opens: July 15, 2024
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
- Semi-Finalist Notifications: November 2024
- Interviews for Finalists:January 2025
- Finalist Selection and Notifications: March 2025
Scholarship Coverage
The Gates Scholarship covers the following: full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, for up to five years of undergraduate study. This last-dollar scholarship fills the gap left after all other financial aid has been applied, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without the burden of unmet financial needs.
Eligibility Requirements for Gates Scholarship
To be considered for the Gates Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Achievement: Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, typically with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be high school seniors who intend to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Ethnic Background: The scholarship is available to students from underrepresented minority groups, including African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American.
- Financial Need: Applicants must be from low-income households, as evidenced by their eligibility for the Pell Grant.
Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate will have:
- 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.)
How to Apply for the Gates Scholarship
Apply on the official Gates Scholarship website below. It’s crucial to gather all necessary documents and start the application early to ensure that all components are thoroughly prepared and submitted on time.
Gates Scholarship Official Website
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