Is The Gates Scholarship open now?
No. The 2027 cycle closed on 15 September 2026.
What does it cover?
Remaining full cost of attendance after other aid and Student Aid Index.
Who can apply?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are Pell-eligible high-school seniors with at least a 3.3 weighted GPA.
Can Pakistani international students apply?
No, unless they also hold qualifying U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
Highly selective last-dollar U.S. undergraduate scholarship for low-income high-school seniors.
Other verified benefits
Last-dollar funding for full cost of attendance not already covered by other aid and Student Aid Index; eligible costs include tuition, fees, books, housing and food.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
Award amount varies by remaining demonstrated need after other aid and expected contribution methodology.
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S. citizen/permanent resident, high-school senior, Pell-eligible, minimum cumulative weighted GPA 3.3/4.0.
Scholars enroll full-time in a four-year degree at an accredited U.S. not-for-profit public or private institution.
Eligible countries
U.S. citizens or permanent residents meeting Pell-eligibility and high-school criteria.
Language requirements
College admission rules apply.
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- Academic transcripts
What should you do next?
- Wait for the next TGS cycle.
- Confirm U.S. citizenship/permanent residency, Pell eligibility and high-school status.
- Prepare academic and leadership information.
- Apply through the official portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Gates Scholarship fully funded?
It is a last-dollar award covering remaining eligible cost of attendance after other aid and the Student Aid Index.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Not as ordinary international applicants; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.