Discover how The Gates Scholarship (TGS) can transform the lives of exceptional minority high school seniors from low-income households with full funding for their college education.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, fully-funded scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.
Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, covering tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
Details | Description |
---|---|
Scholarship Name | The Gates Scholarship (TGS) |
Scholarship Type | Fully-funded |
Target Group | Outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households |
Number of Scholarships | 300 students per year, totaling 3,000 students over the life of the program |
Eligibility Criteria | – High school senior – Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university – Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale – From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American – US citizen, national, or permanent resident |
Rewards | – Funding for the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution – Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and may include other personal costs |
Ideal Candidate | – Outstanding academic record in high school (top 10% of graduating class) – Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., community service, extracurricular activities) – Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance) |
Application Process | – Create a profile account with The Gates Scholarship – Complete necessary and mandatory questions on profile and educational background |
Program Launch | 2017 |
Application Deadline | 15 September, 2024 |
Fact About The Gates Scholarship (TGS)
- A Life-Changing Opportunity: The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is not just a scholarship; it’s a full ride that covers tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, potentially including other personal costs. This comprehensive support allows students to focus entirely on their studies and personal growth without financial worries.
- Exclusive and Prestigious: With only 300 scholarships awarded each year, TGS is incredibly selective. The scholarship targets outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households, making it a prestigious recognition of both academic excellence and leadership potential.
- A Significant Investment: The Gates Scholarship will support a total of 3,000 students over its lifetime. This long-term investment by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a testament to their commitment to empowering minority students to achieve their full potential.
- Support Beyond Financial Aid: Scholars not only receive financial support but are also provided with resources and opportunities to enhance their personal success skills, such as emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in their academic and professional journeys.
- Emphasis on Leadership: TGS looks for demonstrated leadership ability in its applicants. This focus on leadership potential means that scholars are recognized not just for their academic achievements but also for their contributions to their communities and their capacity to drive change.
- Commitment to Diversity: The scholarship specifically targets minority students, including African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students. This dedication to diversity helps bridge the educational gap and promotes inclusivity in higher education.
- Continued Legacy of Excellence: The Gates Scholarship is part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s long-standing commitment to education. By continuing their legacy of supporting high-potential, low-income minority students, the foundation is playing a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
- High Standards for Selection: The scholarship requires a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale and seeks students in the top 10% of their graduating class. This high standard ensures that only the most dedicated and capable students are selected.
- Focus on Future Potential: TGS not only looks at past achievements but also considers the applicant’s potential to succeed in their chosen field and their commitment to public service, making it a holistic approach to identifying future leaders.
- Holistic Support System: Beyond financial aid, TGS provides a robust support system that includes mentorship, academic resources, and networking opportunities, helping scholars navigate their college experience and beyond.
Details For The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025
The Gates Scholarship will fund 300 students per year, starting with 2018, totaling 3,000 students over the life of the program.
With the launch of this program in 2017, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues its long-standing commitment to helping outstanding minority students who come from low-income backgrounds realize their maximum potential.
This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work and graduate studies
Requirements For The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025
To apply, students must:
- be a high school senior
- plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
- be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) to retain the award
- be from at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- A US citizen, national, or permanent resident.
Rewards For The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025
- Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
An ideal Candidiate
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 (TGS) 2025
Interested applicants will be required to create a profile account with the scholarship and then file some necessary and mandatory questions on Profile and educational background, among others.