Gilman Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for undergraduate students to pursue academic studies abroad. The program aims to support students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including students with high financial need, students in fields such as the sciences and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The program encourages students to choose non-traditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Gilman Scholarships are funded through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State.
Recipients use the award to defray eligible study abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need; the average award is approximately $4,000.
- Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States;
- Applicants must be undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States;
- Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship;
- Applicants must be in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
- Applicants must apply for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. Travelling to a Level 3 or 4 location is not allowed.
Applications are submitted online and include:
- Three essay responses
- Statement of Purpose and Community Impact essays
- Certifications from the applicant's study abroad and financial aid advisors
- Three copies of the applicant's transcript(s)
All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community. The Follow-on Project Proposal, Statement of Purpose essay, and the applicant's academic progress are criteria that are closely considered during the selection process.
University of Idaho Deadline: not applicable
Foundation Deadline:
- October - For spring and "early" summer programs
- March - For summer, fall, and academic year programs
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email in late November (for spring programs), late February (for "early" summer program applicants), late April (for summer programs) and late May (for fall and academic year programs).