Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship

Covers tuition, fees, housing, books, and living expenses for the full degree.

Detail	Information
Award	Full cost of attendance, renewable
Provider	Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Typical deadline	Fall cycle (usually September)
Eligible grade levels	grade 12
Category	need-based, first-generation, identity-based, merit-based

Who qualifies

High-achieving seniors from low-income households who are Pell-eligible.

How to apply

1. Open the official Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation application page and confirm this cycle's deadline and award amount — both change yearly.
2. Collect what almost every application asks for: transcript, a counselor or teacher recommendation, and your FAFSA or household income details if the award is need-based.
3. Draft the essay well ahead of the deadline and have one adult read it.
4. Submit several days early. Portals get overloaded on deadline day.

Official application page →

Frequently asked questions

How much is the The Gates Scholarship worth?

The The Gates Scholarship awards Full cost of attendance, renewable. Amounts are set by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and change from cycle to cycle, so confirm the current figure on the provider's official page before applying.

When is the The Gates Scholarship deadline?

The typical deadline is Fall cycle (usually September). Deadlines move every year; set your own reminder at least three weeks earlier so you have time for essays and recommendation letters.

Who is eligible for the The Gates Scholarship?

High-achieving seniors from low-income households who are Pell-eligible.

Amounts, deadlines and eligibility are typical values that change every cycle. Always verify on the provider’s official page before applying.

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