Gilman Scholarship
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State offers its Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to enable eligible students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad and to provide them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Every year, 3,000 students across the U.S. are awarded financial grants ranging between $2,500 to $5,000, depending on their financial report and program of study.
Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, undergraduate students in good standing at accredited institutions, and receiving a Federal Pell Grant either during the time of application or during the term of their study abroad program or internship. Applicants must be applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country. This scholarship program includes studying over 14 languages, each has its own prerequisites.
Applicants must provide their financial statement, three essays, grade transcripts, and advisor certificates of financial aid approval and that of studying abroad.
Scholarship Summary
The U.S. Department of State offers its Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to enable eligible students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad and to provide them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Every year, 3,000 students across the U.S. are awarded financial grants ranging between $2,500 to $5,000, depending on their financial report and program of study.
Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, undergraduate students in good standing at accredited institutions, and receiving a Federal Pell Grant either during the time of application or during the term of their study abroad program or internship. Applicants must be applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country. This scholarship program includes studying over 14 languages, each has its own prerequisites.
Applicants must provide their financial statement, three essays, grade transcripts, and advisor certificates of financial aid approval and that of studying abroad.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Freshman – Undergraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Gilman Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
Health Care
Country of Study
Any
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Grade transcript
- School Verification
- Financial Information
- Essay
Gilman Scholarship Timeline
August 15
October Applications Opening Date
Applications open in mid August.
October 5
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in early October.
December
October Deadline Awards Announcement Date
Winners are announced in early December.
January 15
March Applications Opening Date
Application open around mid January.
March 7
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is early March.
May
March Deadline Awards Announcement
Winners are announced in early Mat.
How to ace the Gilman Scholarship
Start the application process right away
You should start the application process as soon as possible. This will allow you enough time to acquire all necessary documents and complete all forms and work on your personal statement in the application if required. Have everything organized and planned to avoid any last-minute complications.
Keep your grades up
This scholarship program has no GPA requirement, yet you must demonstrate good academic standing. Therefore, work hard on keeping your grades up and maintaining your GPA. Grades will be an indicator of how dedicated and serious you are.
Demonstrate your character and skills
In your application, showcase your character, ambitions, and abilities. Add your experience in community service and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership skills. Judges are looking for those demonstrating their motivation, dedication to their study programs, and promoting individual growth, and supporting American economic competitiveness and national security.
Prove your interest in language study
In your essay, demonstrate your interest and motivation to study the specific Lantau age you are pursuing. You need to showcase how this scholarship will help you reach your academic goals. You are required to submit three essays, in which you answer a specific question; so keep your topics concise and interesting. It is always best to allow yourself enough time to edit and review. Stay focused and get a second or third eye review from your mentor or instructor.
How the Gilman Scholarship is Judged
Applications are determined by financial need, program length, overall program costs and the strength of the application during the selection panel recommendation process.
Why We Love the Gilman Scholarship
It is more than a study abroad program
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a unique program that not only provides eligible college students a chance to study 14 languages across multiple countries, but also you can enroll in an internship program to advance your cultural knowledge.
Multiple cycles
This program is available several times a year for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Deadlines are in October and March. This means you can reapply if you don't win in the previous cycle.
It is inclusive
All eligible students are welcome to apply without any prejudice. The program is open to all regardless of gender, race, age, background, ethnicity, etc.
5 Facts About Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Travel Advisory Level 1, 2 required
Applicants must obtain an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System.
Students must be enrolled full-time
Applicants must be enrolled full-time as defined through credit hours at their institution.
It is a one-time award
The program can be awarded once.
It is one language at a time
You need to study one language at a time. Each has its own requirements and prerequisites.
Pell Grant is a must
Applicants must be receiving a Pell Grant or prove that they will receive one during their study abroad or internship abroad program.