The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious program funded by the U.S. Department of State. It provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds to study or intern abroad.
Named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, the program aims to broaden the student population that studies and interns abroad, especially those who might not otherwise have the financial means to do so.
Through this scholarship, students gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, acquire language skills, and develop the professional expertise necessary for a globally connected world. The experience also enhances employability and prepares participants for leadership roles in international affairs, diplomacy, and global business.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gilman International Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
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Enrollment: Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. institution.
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Financial Need: Must be a current recipient of a Federal Pell Grant.
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Program Type: Must apply for a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program that lasts at least:
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2 weeks for community college students, or
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3 weeks for university students.
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Destination: Programs can take place in any country not under a U.S. travel warning or restriction.
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Academic Standing: Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the home institution.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gilman Scholarship provides substantial support to help students experience the world without financial strain:
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Funding Amount: Between $1,000 – $5,000, depending on program duration and location.
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Critical Need Language Supplement: Additional $3,000 for studying languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Portuguese.
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Covers: Tuition, airfare, housing, meals, and program fees.
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Non-Repayable: This is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid.
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Networking: Recipients join an active network of global alumni and professionals.
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Career Boost: Enhances career prospects in education, business, diplomacy, and global relations.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before submission:
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Official or unofficial academic transcripts.
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Personal statement essay explaining motivation, goals, and how studying abroad aligns with academic and career plans.
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Follow-on Service Project proposal, demonstrating how they will inspire others to pursue study abroad.
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Financial Aid Statement signed by the applicant’s institution.
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Program details from the study abroad office, including duration and destination.
How to Apply
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Visit the official scholarship page:
Gilman Scholarship Application Portal -
Review the application guide and confirm program eligibility.
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Complete all required essays and upload documents through the online portal.
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Coordinate with your school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for verification.
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Submit your application before the deadline and await selection notifications.
Application Deadline
The next deadline for the Gilman International Scholarship 2026 is March 5, 2026, for programs starting between May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027.
Early submission is highly recommended to avoid technical issues or delays in verification.
Why Apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Program opens the door for students to develop cross-cultural competencies and global career skills.
Participants gain exposure to new perspectives, form lifelong connections, and return home with strengthened confidence, adaptability, and leadership potential — qualities highly valued by employers and graduate schools.
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