The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is now inviting applications for the 2026 academic cycles, offering up to $5,000 to help U.S. undergraduate students with financial need study or intern abroad.
This prestigious program aims to support students who are typically underrepresented in international education due to financial constraints, opening global opportunities that empower students to engage in diverse cultures, languages, and career-enhancing experiences.
To qualify for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens and Federal Pell Grant recipients at the time of application or demonstrate they will receive the Pell Grant during the study/internship period. The program encourages applications to a broad range of countries and world regions, enhancing U.S. students’ academic and professional development through global exposure.
Upcoming Info Sessions & Essay Reviews (Fall 2025)
Prospective applicants can attend the following free online webinars and in-person sessions to enhance their applications:
- August 28, 2025 12 PM: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Zoom – link coming soon)
- September 10, 2025, 6 PM: Program Overview Webinar (Zoom – link coming soon)
- September 22, 2025, 12 PM: Program Overview Webinar (Zoom – link coming soon)
- September 23, 2025, 2:30–4:30 PM: In-Person Essay Review at International Center, Room 3119
- September 30, 2025, 12–2 PM: In-Person Essay Review at International Center, Room 3119
- October 2, 2025, 2–4 PM: Drop-In “Ask Us Anything” Session (Zoom link coming soon).
Apply: https://globallearning.ucdavis.edu/resources/funding/studyabroad/gilman
Application Timeline
or the October 2025 deadline, the application period for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship will run from mid-August 2025 to Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. This cycle is open to students whose study abroad or internship programs begin between December 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026, including programs taking place in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026, as well as the entire 2026–2027 academic year. Applicants will receive their award notifications in December 2025.
For the March 2026 deadline, the application window will open in mid-January 2026 and close in March 2026 (exact closing date to be announced). This cycle supports programs starting between May 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027, including Summer and Fall 2026, the 2026–2027 academic year, and Spring 2027. Notification of results will be sent out in May 2026.
