The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.
Scholarship Details
- Administered by the U.S. Department of State
- Supports study abroad and international internship programs for Pell Grant–eligible students
- Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, books, transportation, airfare, insurance, passport and visa fees, and other approved expenses
- Gilman scholars receive 12 months of federal noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status, with potential extensions
- Applications are offered twice annually based on program or internship timing
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof of Pell Grant eligibility for the study abroad period
- Must be applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or international internship program
- Must meet all additional requirements outlined by the Gilman Program
Application Process
- Identify an approved study abroad program or international internship
- Complete the Gilman Scholarship application through the program’s online portal
- Prepare required essays and application materials addressing goals, financial need, and program fit
- Submit all components by the appropriate cycle deadline (spring or fall)
- Await the competitive selection decision from the Gilman Program
- If selected, apply award funding toward eligible international education expenses
The Gilman Scholarship opens the door to transformative global learning experiences for students who may otherwise be unable to study abroad. Since the program’s inception, the extensive alumni network has grown to more than 44,000 students and professionals worldwide. Every year, the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships fund students to study and intern abroad in more than 170+ countries.
