Deadline: October 3, 2017
The U.S. Department of State is proud to announce that application is now open for Spring and Summer (Early Application) 2018 Programs Abroad! The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to the US national security and economic competitiveness. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.
The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need languages (those deemed important to national security).
Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees.
Benefits
- Over 2,900 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded.
- Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need. Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of $8,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);
- Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that he/she will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of his/her study abroad program or internship;
- Be in the process of applying to, or accepted for, a study abroad or internship program of at least two weeks for community college students and three weeks for students from four-year institutions, in a single country and eligible for credit from the student’s home institution. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
- Be proposing to study in a country not currently under a Travel Warning issued by the United States Department of State or otherwise determined ineligible for program participation.
Application
- Begin the Online application which includes uploading official transcripts. The online application is due on October 3, 2017 at 11:59 PM Central Time.
- There are two essays required as part of the Gilman Scholarship application: the Statement of Purpose Essay and the Follow-on Service Project Proposal. See these guidelines to help you with your essay.
For more information, see FAQ or visit Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship Program.
