The Gates Scholarship, a transformative US college scholarships initiative, invites 300 U.S. high school seniors annually to pursue undergraduate degrees at accredited institutions nationwide, including Harvard, Stanford, or MIT. Launched in 2017 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a global philanthropy leader since 2000, this program, administered through The Scholarship Program (TSP), empowers low-income and minority students to excel in fields like STEM, Business, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Arts, and Health Sciences. As a global impact visionary, the Bill Gates leadership program fosters a transformative academic odyssey, cultivating leaders to drive equity and innovation across communities.

Scholars engage in rigorous curricula and leadership development at top U.S. institutions, supported by a cohort-based model that emphasizes peer mentorship and community impact. STEM students pioneer technological advancements, while Business scholars develop entrepreneurial strategies. Public Policy candidates shape inclusive governance, and Arts majors enrich cultural narratives, contributing to global knowledge. Since 2017, over 3,000 scholars have joined a vibrant alumni network, with 90% graduating within six years and excelling as scientists, policy advisors, or social entrepreneurs, supported by partnerships with Google, United Way, and U.S. Department of Education. Alumni initiatives, like Gates Scholars Leadership Summits, amplify professional impact, with 15% launching community-driven projects.

The Gates Scholarship promotes global leadership networking. Scholars connect with peers, faculty, and industry leaders across 50 states, participating in leadership workshops, career fairs, and community service projects. The program’s inclusivity framework prioritizes underrepresented groups, aligning with U.S. educational equity goals. Cultural events, like New York’s Global Citizen Festival, Atlanta’s Juneteenth celebrations, or San Francisco’s Pride Parade, and student-led organizations, such as Gates Scholars Network, enrich the diverse leadership experience, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

Studying across the USA, scholars embark on a transformative academic odyssey. They explore landmarks like Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill, California’s Yosemite National Park, or Chicago’s Art Institute, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Boston’s Freedom Trail tours, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, or Austin’s SXSW deepen engagement. U.S. campuses, with state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and student hubs, support a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to London, Singapore, and Cape Town. The USA’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Countries 2025) complements academic pursuits.

Join a global cohort to champion leadership excellence, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with Gates Scholarship!

Gates Scholarship in the United States:

Host Country:

•United States

Host Organization:

•Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Host Institutions:

•University across the USA.
•Community Colleges across the USA.

Degree Level:

•Undergraduate Programs

Scholarship Duration:

•5 years

Number of Scholarships:

•full scholarship awards in the USA

Bill Gates Scholarship Benefits:

•The tuition fee will be covered.
•Residential accommodation will be covered.
•Board and room allowance will be provided.
•Transportation costs will be covered.
•Other incidental costs will be also covered.

Eligibility Criteria of the Gates Scholarship in the USA:

1. The applicant must be a high school senior.

2. The applicant must be from one of these ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American.

3. The applicant must be a US citizen, national or permanent resident.

4. The applicant must be Pell-eligible.

5. The applicant must not be receiving any other grant or family support.

6. The applicant’s academic performance must be outstanding i.e. GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

7. The applicant must be planning to enroll in a four-year degree program in the USA.

8. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Documents required for Gates Scholarship in the USA:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of high school degree.

3. Academic transcript of high school program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in September 2025.

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.