Undergraduate students who might otherwise be unable to participate due to financial restrictions are supported through the Gilman Scholarship Program. Students are encouraged by the program to study and intern in various parts of the world as well as to learn languages, particularly those that are in urgent need. Veterans are urged to apply, and where all other considerations are equal, preference is given to veterans.
Students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education overseas, such as first-generation college students, students in STEM disciplines, students from ethnic minorities, and students with disabilities, have benefited from the Gilman program’s support.
The prize must be used to cover expenditures associated with qualified study or internships abroad. Recipients are chosen through a competitive selection process. Tuition for the program, board and lodging, books, local transportation, insurance, overseas travel, and passport and visa fees are among these expenses.
Host Institution(s)
Universities and organisations outside the US.
Level/Field(s) of study
Study abroad and internships programs
Number of Scholarships
About 3,000
Target group
U.S. citizens of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
Scholarship value/inclusions
The scholarships have a value between $100 and 5000 USD (with the possibility of receiving a Critical Need Language Award up to 8000 USD). The scholarship must be used to pay for approved study or internship expenditures abroad. Scholars are chosen through a competitive selection process. Included in these expenses are tuition, board and lodging, books, local transportation, insurance, overseas airfare, and passport and visa fees. The final award amount for a Gilman Scholar will be based on their financial need, program length, overall program expenditures, and the quality of their application.
Eligibility For Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship is only available once to each recipient. If a student has previously turned down the Gilman Scholarship, they are welcome to do so again as long as they still match all criteria, which are as follows:
- • A citizen of the United States;
- An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both 2-year and 4-year institutions);
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship;
- In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
- Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. But certain locations within these countries or areas may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either “Do not travel to” (Level 4) or “Reconsider travel to” (Level 3) locations, as such; students will not be allowed to travel to these specific locations. Moreover, students are not eligible to apply for programs in a country or area with an overall Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory.
The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to request program changes for specific countries or locations if deemed necessary during any stage of the application, selection process, or while on program. Final awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the health and security situation in a country or location. Furthermore, a Gilman Scholar’s status may be affected should the health or security situation in a country or location change.
Application instructions
During the spring, summer, fall, winter, or academic year terms, students have the option of studying and interning abroad. For applicants whose in-person programs or internships begin between 1 December 2023 and 31 October 2024, the October 2023 Deadline application will open in mid-August 2023. This cycle includes the academic year 2024–2025 as well as the Winter or January term 2024, Spring 2024, Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 programs. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, applications must be submitted.
For applicants whose in-person programs or internships begin between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025, the March 2024 Deadline application will open in mid-January 2024. This cycle includes programs or internships for Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Academic Year 2024–2025, and Spring 2025. The application window closes on March 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
For comprehensive instructions on how to apply for this scholarship, it is crucial to visit the official website (link provided below).
Website For Application
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Applicant and Recipient Inquiries:
A – D
Phone: 832.369.3477
Email: gilmanforms@iie.org
E-K
Phone: 832.369.3484
Email: gilman@iie.org
L-Q
Phone: 832.369.3475
Email: gilmandocs@iie.org
R-Z
Phone: 832.369.3485
Email: gilmanapp@iie.org
For Gilman Alumni and Scholars Currently Abroad:
Phone: 832.369.3496
Email: gilman_scholars@iie.org