benjamin a gilman international scholarship 2026

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a high impact initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Named after the late Congressman Benjamin Gilman, who believed in the power of cultural exchange to ensure national security and economic prosperity, the program is designed to democratize study abroad. It specifically targets U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study or intern abroad due to financial constraints. By supporting students from diverse backgrounds and those attending various types of institutions, including community colleges, the Gilman Scholarship seeks to represent the true diversity of the United States on the global stage.

Since its inception in 2001, the Gilman Scholarship has enabled more than 41,000 Americans to gain critical skills in over 160 countries. The program encourages students to choose “non-traditional” destinations, particularly those outside of Western Europe, and to study “critical need” languages. For the 2026 cycle, the scholarship continues to offer significant financial support, helping students build global networks, enhance their resumes, and develop the cross-cultural competency required in today’s interconnected economy.

The scholarship is highly competitive but focuses on more than just academic grades. The selection committee looks for “citizen diplomats” students who are prepared to engage deeply with their host communities and return to the United States to share their experiences through a Follow-on Service Project. This unique requirement ensures that the impact of the scholarship extends far beyond the individual student, inspiring future generations of Americans to explore the world.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides a robust financial and professional package to help students succeed abroad:

• Financial Grant:up to $5,000 to be used toward tuition, room and board, international airfare, insurance, and visa fees.
• Critical Need Language Award (CNLA): An additional $3,000 (for a total of up to $8,000) for students studying critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Swahili.
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE): Upon successful completion of the program, scholars receive NCE for federal government employment, making it significantly easier to secure a job at agencies like the State Department or USAID.
• STEM Supplement: Specific funding opportunities for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to conduct research or study abroad.
• Gilman-McCain Scholarship: A specialized track providing $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active-duty service members.
• Global Alumni Network: Lifetime access to a network of professionals and mentors through the Gilman Scholar community.
• Also check: Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the benjamin a gilman international scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen or national of the United States.
• Financial Need: Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will receive a Pell Grant during their study abroad term.
• Academic Status: Must be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited university in the U.S.
• Program Type: The study or internship abroad program must be at least three weeks.
• Credit-Bearing: The program must be eligible for credit from the student’s home institution.
• Destination Safety: The destination must not be under a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory from the U.S. Department of State.

Required Documents

Gilman application is primarily essay-based. You will need to submit the following via the online portal:

1. Statement of Purpose Essay
2. Community Impact Essay
3. Follow on Service Project Proposal
4. Critical Need Language Essay
5. Unofficial Transcripts
6. Advisor Certification

Deadline

Gilman Scholarship has two main application windows per year. Students should apply during the cycle that corresponds to their program start date.

Step by Step Application Process

1. Confirm Pell Grant Eligibility: Check your FAFSA status to ensure you are receiving a Federal Pell Grant.
2. Select a Program: Work with your university’s Study Abroad Office to choose a program that earns credit and aligns with your major.
3. Connect with Advisors: Before starting the application, inform your study abroad and financial aid advisors. They will need to certify your application later.
4. Draft Your Essays: The essays are the most important part of the application. Focus on your “resilience” and how you will give back to your community.
5. Create a Gilman Account: Register on the official Gilman Scholarship portal.
6. Submit the Application: Ensure all essays and unofficial transcripts are uploaded before the Thursday deadline at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
7. Advisor Certification: After you submit, your advisors have about one week to certify your academic and financial details.
8. Wait for Results: If selected, you will receive an award letter and will need to complete several pre-departure steps, including a health and safety orientation.
9. check: Schwarzman Scholarship program 2026