Introduced in 2017, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation established the prestigious Gates Scholarship program. For nine years, The Gates Scholarship has helped low-income minority high school seniors pay for their college education. The Gates Scholarship award covers students' educational expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and books, at any accredited college.
More than a full-tuition scholarship, Gates Scholarship winners make life-long connections and gain support before and throughout college. Full-ride scholarship winners get to attend The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute to help scholars create meaningful, life-long networks.
Learn how you can qualify and apply for the Gates Scholarship in 2026.
Be a high school senior
From a low-income household
Have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and are Federal Pell Grant eligible
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Hold a minimum 3.3 GPA
Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S., accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
Award Amount: 100% of tuition
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 FAFSA, or the methodology used by the students' college or university.
Award Amount: $1,000 The Spirit of Giving Scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students. You must submit an essay of between 500 and 750 words on one of the following three topics to be considered for this award: How have you advanced the spirit of giving in your community or abroad, either through service or in giving? How has the spirit of giving affected you personally? How will your college or post-secondary education allow you to be of service to others or give to others?
Award Amount: $2,500 The Bonner Scholars Program is open to entering freshmen at participating colleges. You must demonstrate high financial need and have an interest in community service and social justice issues to be eligible for this award. Bonner Scholars will be expected to serve an average of 10 hours of community service each week during the school year and participate in other Bonner Scholars activities. The application process and deadlines for each school and Bonner Scholars Program vary from campus to campus. Contact your school's admissions office to apply.
Award Amount: up to $6,495 The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is available to students who successfully complete their AmeriCorps term of service and enroll in the National Service Trust. This award can be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
Award Amount: Varies City Year, a proud member of AmeriCorps, is a national service organization that brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding eleven months of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. In 29 locations across the United States, these young leaders invest their talents and energy in addressing the country's most critical needs. City Year corps members engage others in service and make a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of children and youth. Corps members also receive a bi-weekly living stipend and basic health insurance.
Gates Scholarship 2026-27 Eligibility Requirements
A highly selective, last-dollar scholarship, student applicants must excel in academics and possess strong leadership skills. High school students must meet the minimum requirements below to apply for The Gates Scholarship:How to Apply for the Gates Scholarship
Application Deadline: 9/15/26Award Amount: 100% of tuition
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 FAFSA, or the methodology used by the students' college or university.
More Scholarships to Explore
Create your free Fastweb profile to get matched to scholarships that fit you! In the meantime, if you are a leader who makes good grades, you may also be interested in these scholarship awards below:Spirit of Giving Scholarship
Deadline: 7/31/26Award Amount: $1,000 The Spirit of Giving Scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students. You must submit an essay of between 500 and 750 words on one of the following three topics to be considered for this award: How have you advanced the spirit of giving in your community or abroad, either through service or in giving? How has the spirit of giving affected you personally? How will your college or post-secondary education allow you to be of service to others or give to others?
Bonner Scholars Program
Deadline: VariesAward Amount: $2,500 The Bonner Scholars Program is open to entering freshmen at participating colleges. You must demonstrate high financial need and have an interest in community service and social justice issues to be eligible for this award. Bonner Scholars will be expected to serve an average of 10 hours of community service each week during the school year and participate in other Bonner Scholars activities. The application process and deadlines for each school and Bonner Scholars Program vary from campus to campus. Contact your school's admissions office to apply.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Deadline: RollingAward Amount: up to $6,495 The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is available to students who successfully complete their AmeriCorps term of service and enroll in the National Service Trust. This award can be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
City Year - Volunteer for America
Deadline: VariesAward Amount: Varies City Year, a proud member of AmeriCorps, is a national service organization that brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding eleven months of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. In 29 locations across the United States, these young leaders invest their talents and energy in addressing the country's most critical needs. City Year corps members engage others in service and make a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of children and youth. Corps members also receive a bi-weekly living stipend and basic health insurance.
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Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
