Are you an undergraduate student dreaming of studying or interning abroad but worried about the financial burden? The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program might be your gateway to international education and career development. This scholarship enables students of limited financial means to gain valuable international experience, contributing to their personal growth and future career success.
Why the Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Scholarship is designed to help American students become proficient in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are crucial for our national security and economic prosperity. By supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints, the Gilman Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens and undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Additionally, they must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during their study abroad program or internship.
Benefits of the Gilman Scholarship
Nearly 3,000 scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded annually, helping students cover costs such as program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, and passport and visa fees. Additionally, students studying critical need languages can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000.
For those interested in STEM fields, the Gilman Program offers supplemental awards of up to $1,000 to conduct STEM-related research abroad. This opportunity not only supports your current studies but also bolsters your future academic and career goals.
Making an Impact
The Gilman Program encourages students to choose a wide range of countries and regions for their studies or internships, with a special focus on areas critical to U.S. national security. Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent. The program also actively supports students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, and those from rural communities.
Gilman Scholarship Application Process
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering the impact of the program and destination on the student’s academic and career trajectory, community impact abroad and at home, academic preparedness, and diversity of background and experience.
A successful application will clearly articulate how the chosen program and destination will help the applicant achieve their academic and career goals, and what they hope to gain from their international experience.
Gilman Scholarship Deadlines & Timeline Overview
Students can study and intern abroad during the spring, summer, fall, winter, or academic year term. Refer to each term for specific dates on the deadlines and timelines for the application cycle. It is important that students apply for the correct scholarship term according to their program dates in order to be considered for the Gilman Scholarship.
PACIFIC TIME ZONE
Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time (PT) and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application. Late applications are not accepted.
Application Deadlines & Timeline
MARCH 2024 DEADLINE
Gilman Scholarship Application Deadline Update: March 2024 Cycle
Attention aspiring Gilman Scholars! The application deadline for the March 2024 cycle, covering in-person programs or internships starting between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, has now closed. This cycle includes opportunities like Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, academic year 2024-2025, and Spring 2025 programs or internships.
Key Dates to Remember:
Application Deadline: Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Advisor Certification Deadline: Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Please note that all deadlines are in Pacific Time, so make sure to adjust for any time differences as you prepare your application.
Notification Timeline:
All applicants will receive notification of their application status via email in May 2024. Advisors will also be informed of scholarship recipients and will have access to the status of each student in their Gilman advisor account.
Re-Application Option:
If you applied for the March 2024 cycle and were not selected, don’t be discouraged! You can re-apply for the next cycle as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and your program or internship falls within the start dates of that cycle.
Stay tuned for updates and best of luck to all applicants!
OCTOBER 2024 DEADLINE
Gilman Scholarship Application Update: October 2024 Deadline
Hello, prospective Gilman Scholars! We’re excited to announce that the application for the October 2024 cycle will open in mid-August 2024. This cycle is for applicants planning in-person programs or internships starting between December 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. It covers a wide range of opportunities including Winter or January term 2025, Spring 2025, Maymester 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and academic year 2025-2026 programs.
Key Dates to Remember:
Application Opens: Mid-August 2024
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Advisor Certification Deadline: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Please note that all deadlines are in Pacific Time, so make sure to account for any time differences as you prepare your application.
Notification Timeline:
Applicants will receive notification of their application status via email in December 2024. Advisors will also be informed of scholarship recipients and can track the status of each student through their Gilman advisor account.
Re-Application Opportunity:
If you apply for the October 2024 cycle and are not selected, don’t worry! You can re-apply for the next cycle as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements and your program or internship falls within the start dates of that cycle.
Keep an eye out for updates and start preparing for your Gilman Scholarship journey. Good luck to all future applicants!
How to Apply
Ready to take the leap? Once the Gilman Program application is open, you can apply through the Gilman Online Application System. The site also provides answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, application procedures, and the award process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, and receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that you will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of your study abroad program or internship.
How much funding can I receive from the Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Scholarship awards up to $5,000 per student. Additionally, students studying critical need languages may receive a supplemental award of up to $3,000, and those conducting STEM-related research abroad can receive up to an additional $1,000.
What expenses does the Gilman Scholarship cover?
The scholarship can be used to cover eligible study abroad or intern abroad costs, including program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, and passport and visa fees.
How do I apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
You can apply for the Gilman Scholarship through the Gilman Online Application System. The application includes essays and requires proof of your Pell Grant status and acceptance into a study abroad or internship program.
What is the selection process for the Gilman Scholarship?
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering factors such as the impact of the program and destination on the student’s academic and career trajectory, community impact, academic preparedness, and diversity of background and experience.
Can veterans apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
Yes, veterans are encouraged to apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.
What is the Critical Need Language Award?
The Critical Need Language Award is a supplemental award of up to $3,000 for students studying critical need languages while abroad. These languages include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Russian, and several others.
What is the STEM Supplemental Award?
The STEM Supplemental Award provides up to $1,000 for Gilman scholars conducting STEM-related research abroad. This award supports costs such as lab fees, equipment, and local transportation required for research.
How can the Gilman Scholarship benefit my career?
The Gilman Scholarship enhances your resume by providing international experience, language proficiency, and cultural awareness. Additionally, under Executive Order 13750, Gilman scholars are eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government.
Conclusion
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program opens doors to invaluable global experiences for students who might otherwise miss out due to financial constraints. By supporting students in their academic and professional journeys, the Gilman Scholarship not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to a more interconnected and understanding world. Whether you’re pursuing STEM research, mastering a critical need language, or simply seeking to broaden your horizons, this scholarship can be your stepping stone to a brighter future. Don’t let financial barriers hold you back—apply for the Gilman Scholarship and take the first step towards an unforgettable international adventure.