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The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) is a prestigious initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It supports U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or credit-bearing internships abroad, thereby fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.

Objectives

  • To increase access to international education opportunities for U.S. students with financial need.
  • To diversify the students and destinations of U.S. study abroad programs.
  • To develop future leaders with cross-cultural competencies and international perspectives.
  • To promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the United States and other nations.

Eligibility & Selection

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • Be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited U.S. higher education institution (2-year or 4-year).
  • Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or provide proof of receiving one during the study abroad term.
  • Be applying to, or accepted into, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
  • Be planning to study in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 (as per the U.S. Department of State).

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, financial need, and the potential impact of the proposed program on the student’s future.
  • Preference is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds and those choosing non-traditional study abroad destinations.
  • Final selection is done by an independent panel and approved by the Gilman Program.

Benefits & Coverage

  • Award amounts up to $5,000 based on program length, cost, and financial need.
  • Additional supplemental awards up to $3,000 for students studying a critical need language, bringing the total possible award to $8,000.
  • Funds may be used to cover tuition, program fees, room and board, books, local transportation, airfare, passport and visa fees, and other related costs.

Application & Portal Advantages

  • Centralized Online Portal: Streamlined application submission through the official Gilman Program website.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Clear instructions, deadline reminders, and documentation checklists to support applicants throughout the process.
  • Advisor Certification Integration: Built-in feature for institutional advisors to review and endorse student applications.
  • Secure Submission & Tracking: Safe upload of required documents with real-time application status monitoring.
  • Dedicated Support Channel: Direct access to Gilman Program staff for prompt resolution of applicant queries and clarifications.
  • Official Website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/deadlines-and-timeline/

Summary Table

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameBenjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Offered ByU.S. Department of State – Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Level of StudyUndergraduate (Study Abroad / Internship)
Application DeadlineOctober 3, 2025
Advisor Certification DeadlineOctober 10, 2025
EligibilityU.S. citizens receiving Pell Grant, enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions
Award AmountUp to $5,000 (plus up to $3,000 for critical need languages)
Mode of ApplicationOnline through official portal
Official Websitehttps://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/deadlines-and-timeline/

Disclaimer

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