Are you a U.S. undergraduate student dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity to make your international education dreams a reality. This prestigious U.S. government-funded program provides financial support to students with limited means, enabling them to gain valuable global experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Gilman Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and tips to strengthen your application.
About the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is one of the most recognized study abroad scholarships in the United States. Established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this program aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad.
The scholarship is named after Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 30 years and was a strong advocate for international exchange programs. The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
What makes the Gilman Scholarship particularly notable is its focus on supporting students who might otherwise lack the financial resources to participate in study abroad programs. The scholarship specifically targets Pell Grant recipients, first-generation college students, students from underrepresented backgrounds, and those studying in non-traditional destinations.
Since its inception in 2001, the Gilman Scholarship has supported over 44,000 American students in their pursuit of international education across more than 170 countries worldwide.
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship 2025-2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | 170+ countries worldwide |
| Sponsoring Organization | U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Eligible Programs | Study Abroad and International Internships |
| Scholarship Coverage | Up to $5,000 (up to $9,000 with supplemental awards) |
| IELTS Requirement | Not required by Gilman (host institution may vary) |
| Eligible Nationalities | U.S. Citizens only |
| March 2026 Deadline | Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time |
| October 2026 Deadline | Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time |
| Category | Government-Funded Merit-Based Scholarship |
Benefits of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship provides substantial financial support and additional benefits that make studying abroad more accessible. Here is what recipients can expect:
Financial Benefits
• Award Amount: Up to $5,000 for study abroad or international internship programs
• Critical Need Language Award: An additional $3,000 (total of $8,000) for students studying a critical need language in a country where it is predominantly spoken
• STEM Supplemental Award: An additional $1,000 for students conducting STEM-related coursework or research abroad (total potential of $9,000)
• No Repayment Required: Unlike student loans, this is a grant that does not need to be repaid
• Average Awards: Approximately $4,000 for fall and spring terms, and $3,000 for summer programs
Critical Need Languages Include
Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bahasa Indonesian, Bangla, Chinese (Mandarin), Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, and other languages designated as critical by the U.S. government.
Non-Financial Benefits
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE): Gilman Scholars receive NCE for future federal employment, a special hiring authority granted by the U.S. government
• Resume Enhancement: The Gilman Scholarship is a prestigious honor that strengthens your academic and professional profile
• Alumni Network: Access to a growing community of over 44,000 Gilman alumni worldwide
• Language Proficiency Testing: Critical Need Language Award recipients can take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) at no cost
• Professional Development: Enhanced cross-cultural communication skills and global perspective
Eligibility Criteria for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
To be considered for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements. Understanding these criteria is essential before beginning your application.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Pell Grant Recipient: Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that you will receive a Pell Grant during the term of your study abroad program
• Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States
• Good Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing with your home institution (no minimum GPA requirement)
• Program Approval: Must be applying to or accepted into a study abroad program or international internship that is eligible for credit by your home institution
Program Requirements
• No Minimum Duration: There is no minimum program length requirement, so short-term programs are eligible
• Credit-Bearing: The program must be eligible for academic credit from your U.S. institution
• Travel Advisory: Programs must take place in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System
Who is Encouraged to Apply?
The Gilman Scholarship particularly welcomes applications from first-generation college students, students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, students from rural areas (almost 60% of Gilman scholars come from small towns or rural communities), community college students, students studying in non-traditional study abroad destinations (especially outside Western Europe), students majoring in STEM fields, and veterans of military service (preference is given when other factors are equivalent).
Required Documents for Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Application
Preparing a strong application requires gathering all necessary documents in advance. Here is a comprehensive list of what you will need:
Mandatory Documents
• Online Application Form: Completed through the Gilman Scholarship online portal
• Statement of Purpose Essays (2): Two essays of no more than 500 words each explaining why you want to study abroad and how it aligns with your academic and career goals
• Representing America Abroad/Hometown Impact Essays (2): Two essays of no more than 500 words each describing your role as a citizen diplomat and your proposed Follow-on Service Project
• Critical Need Language Essay: Only required if applying for the Critical Need Language Award (300 words maximum)
• STEM Supplemental Award Essay: Only required if applying for the STEM award (300 words maximum)
• Unofficial Academic Transcript: From your current U.S. institution
• Study Abroad Program Information: Details about your chosen program, including dates, location, and credit information
• Financial Aid Documentation: Proof of Pell Grant eligibility from your financial aid office
• Advisor Certification: Your study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor must certify your application through the online system
Application Timeline for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship 2025-2026
The Gilman Scholarship operates on multiple application cycles throughout the year. Planning ahead is crucial for a successful application.
March 2026 Deadline
• Application Opens: Mid-January 2026
• Application Deadline: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
• Advisor Certification Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
• Results Announced: May 2026
• Eligible Programs: Programs starting between May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 (Maymester 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Academic Year 2026-2027, Spring 2027)
October 2026 Deadline
• Application Opens: Mid-August 2026
• Application Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
• Advisor Certification Deadline: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
• Eligible Programs: Programs starting between December 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027 (Winter/January 2027, Spring 2027, Maymester 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, Academic Year 2027-2028)
How to Apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
Follow this step-by-step guide to submit a strong application for the Gilman Scholarship:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before investing time in the application, verify that you meet all eligibility requirements. Confirm your Pell Grant status with your financial aid office and ensure your study abroad program qualifies. Check that your destination country has a Level 1 or 2 Travel Advisory.
Step 2: Research Study Abroad Programs
Select a program that aligns with your academic goals, budget, and interests. Consider non-traditional destinations (especially outside Western Europe), as these can strengthen your application. Speak with your study abroad advisor about credit transfer and program approval.
Step 3: Create an Account on the Gilman Portal
Visit the official Gilman Scholarship website at gilmanscholarship.org and create an account on the online application portal. You can save your progress and return to complete your application over time.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out all sections of the application form accurately. This includes personal information, academic details, study abroad program information, and financial background.
Step 5: Write Compelling Essays
Your essays are the heart of your application. There are four required essays (500 words maximum each): two Statement of Purpose essays and two Representing America Abroad/Hometown Impact essays. For Statement of Purpose, explain why you chose your specific program and destination, connect your study abroad goals to your academic major and career aspirations, and discuss how this experience will impact your personal growth. For the Hometown Impact essays, describe a meaningful Follow-on Service Project you will complete upon return, explain how you will share your experience with your community, and show creativity and genuine commitment to giving back.
Step 6: Request Advisor Certification
Contact your study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor well before the deadline. They must certify your application through the online system within one week after the application deadline.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Carefully review every section of your application before submitting. Check for errors, ensure all essays are within word limits, and verify that all supporting information is accurate.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
• Start early to avoid last-minute stress (nationally, about 1 in 5 students are awarded)
• Be authentic in your essays rather than writing what you think reviewers want to hear
• Demonstrate financial need clearly but without over-emphasizing hardship
• Show how you will maximize the opportunity and give back to others
• Utilize campus resources such as writing centers and study abroad offices for essay feedback
• Proofread multiple times and have others review your application
FAQs About the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
Who is eligible for the Gilman Scholarship?
U.S. citizens who are undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant and enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions are eligible. Students must be applying to credit-bearing study abroad or internship programs in countries with Level 1 or 2 Travel Advisories.
Is IELTS required for the Gilman Scholarship application?
No, the Gilman Scholarship itself does not require IELTS or any English proficiency test. However, your host institution or program abroad may have its own language requirements, so check with your specific program.
Can community college students apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
Yes, community college students are strongly encouraged to apply. The program values diversity in its applicants, including students from two-year institutions.
How competitive is the Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Scholarship is competitive. Nationally, about 1 in 5 applicants receive the scholarship. However, the program awards nearly 3,000 scholarships annually, so well-prepared applicants have a reasonable chance of success. Some universities report acceptance rates as high as 1 in 3 for their students.
Can I apply for the Gilman Scholarship more than once?
Yes, you can reapply if you were not selected in a previous cycle, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. However, you can only receive the Gilman Scholarship once. If you previously declined a Gilman scholarship, you are welcome to re-apply.
What is the Follow-on Service Project requirement?
All Gilman Scholars must complete a Follow-on Service Project to share their study abroad experience with their home community. The goal is to highlight the value of study abroad, promote the Gilman Program, and demonstrate how international experiences contribute to U.S. prosperity. This can include presentations, social media campaigns, mentoring, or community events targeting undergraduate students or future college students.
Do I need to apply to my study abroad program before applying to Gilman?
No, you do not need to be accepted to your study abroad program before applying to Gilman. You must be in the process of planning to apply, currently applying, or accepted to a credit-bearing study abroad program. The Gilman deadline may be earlier than your program deadline. If awarded, you will be asked to provide proof of acceptance at that time.
Final Thoughts on the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity for U.S. undergraduate students to expand their horizons through international education. With awards of up to $9,000 (including supplemental awards) and the chance to study in over 170 countries, this scholarship removes financial barriers that often prevent students from experiencing the transformative power of studying abroad.
If you are a Pell Grant recipient with dreams of international study, the Gilman Scholarship could be your pathway to achieving those goals. The application process requires effort and planning, but the rewards are well worth it. From enhanced career prospects and federal employment advantages through Non-Competitive Eligibility to personal growth and cross-cultural understanding, the benefits of this scholarship extend far beyond the financial support.
Remember that the Gilman Scholarship values diversity, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to learning. Whether you are a first-generation college student, a community college student, a veteran, or someone from an underrepresented background, your unique perspective is exactly what this program seeks.
Apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Today
Do not let financial constraints hold you back from experiencing the world. Submit your application before the deadline closes and take the first step toward an unforgettable study abroad experience.
Official Application Portal: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Need Help With Your Application?
Applying for competitive scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship can be challenging. From crafting compelling essays to organizing your documents, every detail matters. ScholyHub Consultancy offers expert support to help you succeed, including application strategy and timeline planning, statement of purpose and essay writing assistance, document preparation and review, and interview preparation (if applicable).
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request professional consultancy services and maximize your chances of winning the Gilman Scholarship.
