Students planning to study in the United States should consider applying for the Gates Scholarship. This program provides students with a range of resources to grow from students to professionals. From financial aid to career development, this program assists with a wide range of comprehensive benefits that will come in handy during your study period.
While this is an American scholarship, it still makes room to assist international students. It encourages applications from individuals from different walks of life. However, successful candidates are typically intellectually capable individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on society.
During the application, organizers are looking out for students with exceptional abilities and leadership skills. In this article, we’ll discuss this program further and what it offers international students.
Overview of Gates scholarship
The Gates Scholarship was launched by the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation in 2017. It was created to provide financial support to students from low-income households.
Every year, the foundation awards over 300 scholarships to both citizens and foreign students across the United States. Moreover, it presents an opportunity for scholars from developing countries to access quality education in the United States.
What started with a $1.6 billion donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has become a popular funding program for students. Beneficiaries include high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students.
Also Read: Erasmus Mundus scholarships for undergraduates
What are the eligibility criteria for the Gates scholarship?
For your application to be considered, you must meet several requirements. Scholars interested must review this list to ensure they are the ideal candidates for this scholarship.
Academic excellence
Candidates must have a sound academic record with at least a GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Minority status
Individuals belonging to minority ethnicities will be considered
Pell-eligible
To be qualified for a Pell Grant, the Department of Education must confirm you have financial need based on your family’s annual income
Other requirements include:
- Demonstrable leadership skills through community service and extracurricular activities
- Personal success skills like maturity, perseverance, and motivation.
What countries are eligible for the Gates scholarship?
Applicants the the for Gates scholarship can be citizens from any country except the United Kingdom. That said, you can come from any of these ethnicities:
- African American
- American Indian/Alaska Native
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
What are the benefits of Gates‘s scholarship?
This refers to what perks to expect as a recipient of this award. Gates offers scholars benefits under two categories. They include:
Full cost of attendance
This covers 100% tuition fees, personal allowance, books, accommodation, and transport allowance, and health insurance
Support services
Under support services, students will get training, academic support, and mentorship opportunities that will be helpful even after their degree
How to apply
To begin with, interested candidates must ensure they meet the program’s requirements. Once this is certain, you can:
- Create a TGS profile on the Gates scholarship website. Next, you must
- Complete the application form by providing the right information
Also, eligible candidates will have to submit the following documents along with their application:
- Headshot photo
- ACT or AT scores
- Resume
- A copy of their recent transcripts submitted by the counselor
- Letter of admission to a four-year bachelor’s degree at a not-for-profit, public or private university
- Financial information
- Extracurricular information
- Letter of recommendation
- You must attach a well-written essay stating your intentions, aspirations, and achievements and why you should be considered for the scholarship. Submit and follow up your application for feedback from the organizers
Application deadline: September 15, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Gates Scholarship
At what grade level can I apply for this scholarship?
You can apply if you are a high school senior
Will I be considered eligible if I have a GED Diploma?
No. Only students with a high school diploma can apply for this scholarship.
