Engage in a life-changing study abroad experience without breaking the bank. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program – commonly known as the Gilman Scholarship – is a prestigious study abroad scholarship that empowers American college students with limited financial means to study or intern overseas. This competitive program funded by the U.S. Department of State aims to make global learning accessible to a broader range of students. In this post, we’ll cover everything a prospective applicant needs to know: what the Gilman Scholarship is, eligibility requirements, how to apply (including key deadlines), the benefits and opportunities it offers, tips for a successful application, FAQs, and the career impact of being a Gilman Scholar. Whether you’re researching ways to fund your international education or seeking application tips to strengthen your chances, this guide has you covered.

 

Since its inception in 2001, the Gilman Scholarship Program has awarded over 44,000 scholarships for study abroad and internships around the world. It provides up to $5,000 in grant funding per student to apply toward program costs abroad (with the possibility of additional funds for critical language study). By targeting students who receive federal Pell Grants, the Gilman Scholarship focuses on those with financial need and aims to diversify the participants of study abroad. If you’re an undergraduate dreaming of international study but worrying about costs, keep reading – the Gilman could be your ticket to an affordable adventure abroad.

What Is the Gilman Scholarship?

The Gilman Scholarship (officially the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program) is a federally funded grant designed to help U.S. undergraduate students study or intern abroad. The program is run by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. Its mission is to enable students of limited financial means to gain international experience, thereby equipping them with critical skills and fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. In essence, Gilman is not just about providing money – it’s about broadening horizons. The scholarship specifically encourages participation from students who traditionally have been underrepresented in education abroad, including first-generation college students, students from minority-serving institutions, community colleges, rural areas, and students with diverse backgrounds or disabilities. By lowering financial barriers, the Gilman Program opens the door for these students to study abroad in a wide array of countries, learn new languages, and develop skills that support U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

See also: The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program: All You Need to Know

How much funding does Gilman provide?

A typical Gilman Scholarship award is up to $5,000 for an individual student. The exact amount is determined based on factors like the length of your program, the cost of living in your host country, and your financial need. In addition, applicants who plan to study a critical-need language (such as Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Russian, and others) can apply for a Critical Need Language Award, which can add up to $3,000 extra on top of the base scholarship. That means some Gilman Scholars can receive as much as $8,000 total funding for an immersive language-learning study abroad experience. This funding can be applied toward a variety of expenses, including program tuition, airfare, housing, meals, local transportation, and even passport or visa fees. Essentially, Gilman funds aim to cover those costs that might otherwise prevent a student from going abroad.

Gilman Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Not everyone can apply for the Gilman – it’s targeted to a specific group of students. Here are the eligibility requirements in a nutshell:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States. (Permanent residents are not eligible, unfortunately.)
• Undergraduate Status: You must be an undergraduate student in good academic standing, enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution (this includes both two-year and four-year colleges and universities). High school students or graduate students are not eligible.
• Pell Grant Recipient: This scholarship is only open to students with financial need – specifically, you must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the academic term of your application or provide proof that you will receive a Pell Grant during the term of your study abroad program. (The Pell Grant is a federal need-based grant for low-income students – if you’re not sure whether you receive one, check with your financial aid office.)
• Accepted into a Study Abroad or Internship Program: You should be in the process of applying to, or already accepted in, a credit-bearing study abroad program or internship that is approved by your home institution. Before the scholarship funds are disbursed, you’ll need to show proof of program acceptance. The program can be for academic credit in any discipline, including language study, research, or academic internships abroad.
• Program Location Requirements: The study abroad program must take place in a country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 (generally considered safe). Programs in countries or specific regions under Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) or Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) advisories are not eligible for Gilman funding. (Always double-check the current advisory level for your intended destination; Gilman will not support travel to high-risk areas.)
• One-Time Scholarship: Note that a student can receive the Gilman Scholarship only once. If you’ve already been awarded a Gilman in the past (and accepted it), you cannot get a second one. However, if you applied before and were not selected – or if you were awarded but declined the scholarship – you can re-apply, as long as you still meet all other eligibility criteria,

These requirements ensure that Gilman Scholars are students who truly need financial assistance and will use the opportunity to further their academic degree progress. If you meet all of the above criteria, you’re eligible to apply! (If you’re unsure about any condition – for example, what counts as an eligible program or country – consult the official Gilman Program website’s FAQ  or talk to your study abroad advisor.)

Application Process and Deadlines

Applying for the Gilman Scholarship involves a multi-step process, but it’s fairly straightforward if you plan. Here’s what to expect:

• Online Application: The Gilman application is done online through the program’s portal. You’ll need to fill out personal and academic information and, importantly, write a couple of essays (more on those below in the tips section). You’ll also upload transcripts from your current and any previous institutions (unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application) and detail your study abroad program information.
• Essays: The application requires two main essays: a Statement of Purpose essay (why you’re studying abroad and how it fits into your goals) and a Community Impact Essay, which includes the Follow-on Service Project proposal. The Follow-on Service Project is a commitment that, if you become a Gilman Scholar, you will carry out a project upon returning to promote study abroad and the Gilman Program among your peers (for example, presenting to other students or creating content about your experience). Each essay has a specific prompt and word limit, and they are critical to the selection process – put significant effort into these.
• Advisor Certification: As part of submitting your application, you will identify two advisors at your home college – typically, a study abroad advisor and a financial aid advisor. These advisors must certify that you are eligible (for example, confirm you receive a Pell Grant and that your program credits will transfer). Make sure to inform these advisors early that you’re applying, because your application isn’t complete until they submit their certifications online. Gilman gives a short grace period after the student deadline for advisors to certify, but you must submit your part by the student deadline.

Application Deadlines: The Gilman Program holds two major application cycles each year, and you should apply for the cycle that matches when your study abroad program will start. In general, the deadlines occur in March and October every year:

• The March Deadline is for study abroad programs that begin (or internships abroad that begin) between early May of that year through April of the following year. This typically covers summer, fall semesters, and the next spring semester programs. For example, a March 2025 deadline would cover programs starting May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. The student application deadline usually falls in the first week of March. If you apply in this cycle, you’ll be notified around May to June on whether you received the scholarship 
• The October Deadline is for programs starting between late December of that year through October of the following year. This covers spring semester, summer, fall, and even early winter programs of the next year. For instance, an October 2025 deadline would cover programs starting December 1, 2025, up to October 31, 2026. The student deadline is typically in the first half of October.

Make sure you confirm the exact dates on the official Gilman site for the year you’re applying, as they can shift slightly. Late applications are not accepted, so plan to submit well before the 11:59 p.m. PT cutoff on deadline day (especially if you’re in a different time zone!)

After you submit, all applications are reviewed by selection panels. Generally, about 25% of applicants nationwide are awarded the scholarship (the program is competitive – roughly 1 in 4, though this can vary by cycle). If you aren’t selected on your first try and your study abroad plans are flexible, you can attempt again in a future cycle (as long as you still meet eligibility and your program dates align with that cycle).

Benefits of the Gilman Scholarship

The most obvious benefit of the Gilman Scholarship is financial support – but the advantages go far beyond just the money:

• Financial Support for Study Abroad: Awardees receive up to $5,000 in funding (and possibly more with supplements) to directly cover study abroad program costs. This can make the difference between being able to afford an international experience or not. Unlike loans, this is grant funding you do not have to repay.
• Critical Need Language Award: If you’re studying a critical-need language abroad, you can get an extra $3,000 Critical Need Language Award (for a total of up to $8,000). Gilman defines a list of critical languages (including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Turkish, Swahili, etc.), and the goal is to encourage Americans to gain proficiency in languages deemed important to national interests. This is a fantastic opportunity if you’ve been wanting to seriously pursue language study – not only do you get the extra funding, but Gilman Critical Need awardees can also take an official language proficiency test for free after returning, to certify their language skills.
• Professional Development and Prestige: Being a Gilman Scholar is a mark of distinction. It’s a nationally recognized award, and it signals to grad schools, scholarship committees, and employers that you’re ambitious, globally-minded, and dedicated to your education. It shows you competed for and won a federal scholarship – which is a resume booster. Many Gilman alumni also leverage their experience when applying to other programs (like Fulbright grants or Boren Awards, for example).
• Cultural Immersion and Growth: Of course, the core benefit is the study abroad experience itself. Gilman Scholars often have transformative experiences overseas – you’ll earn academic credit while immersing in a new culture, possibly learning a new language, and developing independence and cross-cultural communication skills. These experiences can broaden your perspective and influence your future career path in unexpected ways.
• Gilman Alumni Network and Resources: After your program, you join a growing Gilman Alumni community of thousands of former scholars. This comes with some perks: networking opportunities, invitations to alumni events, chances to become a Gilman Alumni Ambassador, or apply for follow-on grants (like the Gilman Alumni Changemaker Grant for project funding). The Gilman Scholar Network also provides access to exclusive job postings and professional development resources for alumni.
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for U.S. Government Jobs: A lesser-known but major benefit – if you receive a Gilman Scholarship, you gain Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) hiring status for federal employment for 12 months after you complete your program abroad. NCE is like a fast track that lets U.S. government agencies hire you without the typical competitive process, which can be a huge advantage if you’re interested in federal jobs. (This NCE can be extended up to 2 additional years in certain cases, such as if you go to grad school or join the military after graduation.

Finally, an intangible but important benefit: is confidence and skills. Going through the Gilman application and study abroad process helps you improve skills like writing compelling essays, interviewing (if your campus conducts a review), planning and executing a service project, and adapting to new environments. Gilman Scholars often return home with improved self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a clearer sense of their goals – all of which are incredibly beneficial as you finish college and start your career.

Tips for a Successful Gilman Scholarship Application

Applying for the Gilman Scholarship is competitive, but with careful preparation, you can maximize your chances of success. Here are some pro tips and best practices for your application:

• Start Early and Plan Ahead: Don’t procrastinate on the application. Successful applicants often begin working on their essays and gathering materials weeks (if not months) before the deadline. Starting early gives you time to refine your story and handle any unexpected hurdles (like delays in getting transcripts or advisor approvals). Remember, you need to coordinate with both your study abroad office and financial aid office – so give them and yourself plenty of lead time.
• Understand the Essays and Tell Your Story: The heart of your application is in your essays. You will write a Statement of Purpose and a Follow-on Service Project Proposal (community impact essay). Together, these essentially ask: “Why do you want to go abroad, what do you hope to achieve, and how will you give back?” Make sure you address all parts of the prompts. A great approach is to tell a cohesive story that links your background, your academic and career goals, the specific study abroad program you chose, and how the experience fits into your future. Be specific about how this particular international experience will impact you academically and professionally – remember that the selection panel looks for clear articulation of your goals. Rather than generic praise of studying abroad, mention concrete skills you plan to gain (e.g., learning GIS mapping in Japan to help your environmental science major, or improving your Spanish to work in healthcare).
• Demonstrate Financial Need & Resilience: Gilman is aimed at Pell Grant recipients, so the reviewers know you have financial need. However, use your essays to humanize that need – you might briefly mention any financial or personal challenges you’ve overcome to pursue college or study abroad. The goal is not to solicit pity, but to show your determination and why this scholarship is vital for you. If applicable, discuss how you’ve contributed to funding your education, or why study abroad would be out-of-reach without programs like Gilman. The selection criteria also allow you to discuss any academic challenges and how you’ve prepared to succeed abroad despite them(for example, if you had a rough semester, what did you change to improve?).
• Emphasize Impact and Reciprocity: A unique aspect of Gilman is the idea of impact, both abroad and at home. In your essays, clearly explain how you will be an effective citizen diplomat abroad – e.g., how will you engage with the local community or represent your home culture? Gilman Scholars are considered ambassadors of the U.S. in their host countries. Share any plans you have to get involved while abroad (volunteering, community projects, cultural exchange activities). Just as importantly, detail a realistic and creative plan for your Follow-on Service Project when you return. This project is your way to “pay it forward” by inspiring others to study abroad. It could be anything from giving presentations at local schools, creating a video/blog series about your experience, organizing a study abroad info session for first-gen students on your campus, or writing an article for a campus publication. The key is that it should be feasible, utilize your abroad experience, and target an audience that you can influence (e.g., your peers, community, or incoming students). A strong follow-on project proposal shows the panel that you’re committed to spreading the benefits of international education.
• Choose Your Destination and Program Wisely: You don’t have to go to an extremely non-traditional country to win Gilman, but Gilman does encourage study in diverse destinations outside Western Europe and Australia. No country is outright favored (aside from meeting the safety level requirement), but if you choose an atypical destination or a program tied to critical languages or fields, be sure to explain why it’s the right choice for you. Whether you go to Ghana or Germany, what matters is articulating the “why” – why that location and program best suit your academic and personal growth. If your program has a unique component (research, internship, homestay, etc.), highlight how that will enrich your experience. If you want to study in a country of your heritage or one you’ve long been fascinated by, say so – genuine passion can shine through.
• Strong Writing and Proofreading: This may seem obvious, but polish your application essays to perfection. Write multiple drafts and have someone else review them – ideally a study abroad advisor or writing counselor who knows what Gilman is looking for. Many campuses have writing workshops for Gilman applicants. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and tone. Make sure you refer to the scholarship correctly (“Gilman Scholarship” not “Gilman Fellowship” for example). The essays should reflect you – be sincere and let your personality and motivations come through, rather than writing what you think they want to hear. Remember, the readers review thousands of essays; authentic stories stand out.
• Get Your Documents and Recommendations in Order: Request transcripts well ahead of time (your current transcript must include your latest completed term). If you’ve attended multiple colleges, you’ll need transcripts from each. Check that your passport is valid (or start the application process for one, since you’ll need a passport to go abroad; you don’t need it for the Gilman application, but if you mention needing a passport, it shows foresight). While Gilman doesn’t require recommendation letters, you do need those two advisors to certify your application – so meet with your study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor early. Politely ensure they know the certification deadline and follow up appropriately. An incomplete advisor certification can nullify your application, so this is crucial.
• Meet the Deadline (Double-Check Time Zones!): Aim to submit your application at least a few days before the deadline. Technical issues can happen, and websites can get slow on deadline day due to heavy traffic. Remember the deadline is usually 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the due date – which might be 2:59 AM Eastern Time the next day, for example. Don’t get caught off guard by the time difference. Once you hit submit, ensure you get a confirmation that your application was received. After that, remind your advisors to complete their part by their deadline.
• Leverage Campus Resources and Examples: Use all resources available to you. Gilman’s official website has tips and webinars, and its YouTube channel features videos of alumni sharing advice. Your study abroad office might have example essays from past winners or might connect you with Gilman alumni on campus who can share their experiences. Sometimes seeing a successful essay or hearing from a peer can spark ideas for your application.

By following these tips and investing time in your application, you’ll not only increase your chances of securing the scholarship, but you’ll also gain clarity about your goals and the value of your intended experience. Hundreds of students win Gilman each year – with the right approach, you could be one of them!

Frequently Asked Questions about Gilman Scholarship

Q: Who can apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
A: U.S. citizen undergraduates who demonstrate financial need. In practice, this means you must be a U.S. citizen studying at an accredited U.S. college and receiving a Pell Grant (the federal need-based grant) at the time of application. If you are not on Pell Grant or are not a U.S. citizen, you are not eligible. (Permanent residents are not eligible, unfortunately.) You also need to propose a study abroad or internship program for academic credit that meets the program’s criteria (see eligibility section above for full details).

Q: How much money does the Gilman Scholarship award?
A: Up to $5,000 per student, with potential additional funds for critical languages. The standard maximum award is $5,000, but if you plan to study a Critical Need Language (like Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, etc.) you can apply for an extra $3,000 supplement, making your total possible award up to $8,000. The exact award amount you receive depends on factors like program length and your financial need – some students might get less than the max if their program is short or costs are lower. This money is a grant (not a loan), and it goes to you/your institution to cover study abroad program expenses.

Q: What can the scholarship money be used for?
A: It can be used for just about any expenses related to your study abroad program. This includes tuition/program fees, airfare, passports and visas, housing, meals, local transportation, books, insurance, and even things like immunizations required for travel. The intent is to offset the added costs of going abroad. If you’re awarded, you will receive further instructions on how the funds are disbursed (often through your school). Important: If you receive other study abroad scholarships or grants, coordinate with your financial aid office to ensure you remain within the cost of attendance – but Gilman funds are very flexible in covering.

Q: Do I need an acceptance from a study abroad program before applying?
A: You need to have a specific program in mind and ideally be in the application process for it. You can apply for Gilman before you’re officially accepted into your study abroad program, many students do, due to the timing. However, by the time you’d receive the scholarship and definitely before any money is disbursed, you must show proof of acceptance into the program. On the application, you’ll need to provide details about the program (location, dates, host institution or provider, etc.), so you should have your program selected when you apply. If you end up changing programs or dates after submitting your application, you’d need to notify Gilman (changes might be allowed if within the same cycle dates, but it’s not guaranteed, so choose carefully). The safest route is to apply to your study abroad program early and mention in your Gilman essays why that specific program is a perfect fit.

Q: Is there a minimum GPA to be eligible?
A: No, Gilman does not impose a minimum GPA requirement. You need to be in good academic standing at your home institution, but there’s no specific cutoff GPA to apply (unlike some honor scholarships that require 3.5+). That said, the selection committee will see your transcript and consider your academic preparedness. If you have a lower GPA, you should address any academic challenges in your essay and explain how you’ll succeed in your abroad program. Plenty of students with average GPAs win Gilman by showcasing determination, a turnaround story, or strong goals. Don’t let a less-than-perfect GPA stop you from applying – just be ready to discuss what you’ve learned from any academic setbacks.

Q: What is the Follow-on Service Project, and do I have to do it?
A: The Follow-on Service Project is a required part of being a Gilman Scholar – you design a small project to promote study abroad to others, to be completed after you return. Every Gilman recipient signs an agreement to carry out the service project within about 6 months of returning to the U.S. The project is meant to increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Program among your peers or community. Examples include giving a presentation to other Pell-eligible students on campus about how you funded study abroad, creating a photo exhibit of your experience for your community, writing a series of advice posts for a student blog, or volunteering with the study abroad office or a relevant organization to help more students go abroad. In your application, you need to propose what you plan to do for this project. If you’re selected, you’ll later submit a report to Gilman describing what you did. It’s a key part of the scholarship’s mission – ensuring that your experience doesn’t stop with you, but encourages others to pursue global learning as well. Don’t worry, the project doesn’t have to be massive; it just needs to be meaningful and realistically doable. Many alumni enjoy doing their follow-on projects and take pride in them!

Q: Can I apply more than once?
A: Yes – if you’re not selected, you can reapply in a future cycle (or even for a different abroad term), and if you are selected but couldn’t go, you can decline and reapply later. But you cannot receive the scholarship twice. You only get to be a Gilman Scholar one time. If you applied and didn’t get it, you’re encouraged to try again as long as you still meet eligibility and your new application addresses any weaknesses (many students win on a second try). If you did win and had to decline (say, your program was canceled or you postponed plans), you can reapply in the future; having been selected once before does not hurt your chances if you remained eligible. However, if you’ve already gone abroad with Gilman funding once, that’s it – the program wants to spread the opportunity to as many new students as possible.

SEE ALSO → Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): A Complete Guide for You

If you’re eligible, applying for the Gilman Scholarship could be one of the best decisions you make in your college career. Imagine yourself walking the streets of a foreign city, earning credits toward your degree, all while knowing that a prestigious scholarship helped make it possible. That’s the opportunity Gilman offers. The process will require effort – introspection for your essays, diligence in meeting deadlines, and creativity in planning your follow-on project – but the rewards, both tangible and intangible, are well worth it.