by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) · Any accredited U.S. higher education institution (for study abroad programs globally)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Partial Funding🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate (Associate or Bachelor's degree)🌍 United States📌 Need-based and Merit-based
Up to $5,000 (Standard Award) or up to $8,000 (Critical Need Language Award)
Duration
Duration of the study abroad program (minimum 2 weeks for community college students; 3 weeks for others)
Deadline
Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March
Level
Undergraduate (Associate or Bachelor's degree)
Acceptance
Approximately 25%
Difficulty
Moderate to High
Quick Summary
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) offers Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a funding opportunity designed for international students heading to United States. The award covers The scholarship covers various study abroad costs including tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. Recipients also receive NCE status for U.S. government jobs. and is open to undergraduate (associate or bachelor's degree) students studying all academic fields of study. The scholarship runs for duration of the study abroad program (minimum 2 weeks for community college students; 3 weeks for others). Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or the term of study abroad, and must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. institution. The application deadline is Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March, with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 25%. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
28%
Win Probability
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Reward Score
20-35 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 25%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to $5,000 (Standard Award) or up to $8,000 (Critical Need Language Award)
⏳
Duration
Duration of the study abroad program (minimum 2 weeks for community college students; 3 weeks for others)
📅
Deadline
Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March
🌎
Fields
All academic fields of study
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 3,000 awards per academic year
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 25%
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or the term of study abroad, and must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited U.S. higher education institution (for study abroad programs globally)
🤝 Sponsor
Institute of International Education (IIE) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State
🌎 Fields of Study
All academic fields of study
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship covers various study abroad costs including tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. Recipients also receive NCE status for U.S. government jobs.
🎯 Target Students
Students from underrepresented groups, including minorities, first-generation students, veterans, and students with disabilities.
🏷 Tags
Study AbroadPell GrantUndergraduateU.S. GovernmentInternational InternshipDiversity
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Estimated 10,000 to 12,000 annually
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 3,000 annually
Winners
Approximately 25%
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 25%
Competition Level
Win Probability
28%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
Living Stipend
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
Total Award
Up to $5,000 (Standard Award) or up to $8,000 (Critical Need Language Award)
✈️ Travel: Yes (as part of the total award amount)🏠 Accommodation: Yes (as part of the total award amount)💊 Health Insurance: Varies (usually provided by the specific study abroad program or host institution)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (as part of the total award amount)
💊 Health Insurance
Varies (usually provided by the specific study abroad program or host institution)
🎁 Other Benefits
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for federal employment, Gilman Alumni Network access, and professional development seminars.
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
U.S. citizen, Federal Pell Grant recipient, undergraduate student in good academic standing, applying for credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Associate or Bachelor's degree)
📊 Minimum GPA
Check official website (usually requires 'good academic standing' rather than a specific numeric GPA)
🗣️ English Requirement
Native or proficient (standard for U.S. undergraduate enrollment)
🍢 Age Limit
None (must be an undergraduate student)
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not required, but leadership potential is evaluated in essays
💰 Financial Need
High (must be Pell Grant eligible)
🎯 Target Students
Students from underrepresented groups, including minorities, first-generation students, veterans, and students with disabilities.
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Statement of Purpose, Community Impact, and Follow-on Service Project)
Rec Letters
No (requires online certification from Study Abroad and Financial Aid advisors instead)
Interview
No
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
No (requires online certification from Study Abroad and Financial Aid advisors instead) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Native or proficient (standard for U.S. undergraduate enrollment)
Interview: No
Min GPA: Check official website (usually requires 'good academic standing' rather than a specific numeric GPA)
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on the 'Follow-on Service Project' essay; detail how you will promote study abroad and the Gilman scholarship in your home community or campus.
💡 Insider Tip: Work closely with your university's study abroad advisor and ensure your chosen destination is not under a Level 3 or 4 U.S. Travel Advisory.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Mid-August for the October deadline; Mid-January for the March deadline
⏰ Deadline
Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
Varies by the applicant's chosen study abroad program
Mid-August for the October deadline; Mid-January for the March deadline
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies by the applicant's chosen study abroad program
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic readiness, diversity of applicant, impact of the program on the student's career goals, and the quality of the Follow-on Service Project proposal.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Benjamin A. Gilman International ScholarshipCurrent
United States
Partial Funding
Undergraduate (Associate or Bachelor's degree)
—
🇺🇸 NCAA Division I Athletic Scholarship
United States
Full Funding
Undergraduate (primarily), with limited Graduate eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or the term of study abroad, and must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship covers various study abroad costs including tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. Recipients also receive NCE status for U.S. government jobs.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is Twice annually: First Tuesday of October and first Tuesday of March. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 25%. Acceptance rate: Approximately 25%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Native or proficient (standard for U.S. undergraduate enrollment), No (requires online certification from Study Abroad and Financial Aid advisors instead) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.