Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Important Dates

Visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/ for details.

Online application availability: 
Spring application: January
Fall application: August

Application Deadlines:
Campus deadline: 
Spring application: Early February
Fall application: Early September

National deadline: 
Spring application: Early March
Fall application: Early October

Notification of winning candidates: 
Spring application: November
Fall application: Late May

Scholarship Overview

Are you seeking to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures that are critically important to your academic and career development?

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions they go by offering awards to US undergraduates who are receiving a Federal Pell Grant to participate in study abroad and internship programs worldwide. The program aims to support students who might otherwise not participate in study abroad opportunities due to financial constraints.

 

Information for Applicants

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be:

    • Undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior students currently enrolled at a US college or university and in good academic standing
    • A US citizen
    • Receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application, or be able to prove that you will receiving the Federal Pell Grant during your study abroad term
    • Applying to or accepted to a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2

     

    Who cannot apply:

    • International students
    • Students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
    • Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree

     

    For more information about eligibility requirements, visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/.

  • Additional Requirements

    Applications must be certified by a Gilman certifying advisor at UAA. Contact TBD for more details. 

    Seek advising early in the application process. Schedule an advising appointment with the Gilman Scholarship Campus Advisor, TBD to discuss intent to apply.

  • Award Benefits

    Up to $5,000 that can be used on eligible study abroad costs:

    • program tuition
    • room and board
    • local transportation
    • insurance
    • international airfare
    • passport and visa fees

     

    Award amounts vary, with the average award being $4,000.

    Applicants studying a critical need language can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of up to $8,000. For a list of critical need languages visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/critical-need-languages/. 

    Award cannot be deferred or renewed.

  • Candidate Profile
    • Students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs, including students with disabilities and students in STEM fields
    • Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, high financial need, and attending a range of institutions
    • Academic preparedness and significant impact of study abroad program on your academic and career trajectory
    • Language skills will be critically important to your academic and career development
    • Interested in studying critical need languages, which are languages deemed important to national security, diplomacy, and economic competitiveness
    • Seeking to study in non-traditional countries
  • Application Procedure
    1. Decide which application cycle you plan to apply for the Gilman Scholarship (spring or fall). For more information about application due dates and other details, visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/.
    2. Make an advising appointment with TBD before you begin your application for the Gilman Scholarship.
    3. Find a faculty member willing to serve as your mentor during the application process.
    4. Register for the Gilman Scholarship online and start completing the application.
    5. Start working on your essays early. Three essays are required: Statement of Purpose essay, Building Mutual Understanding essay, and Follow-on Service Project Proposal. For more information about the requirements of these essays, visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/essays/. If you are planning on applying for the critical need language supplement, you must complete a fourth Critical Need Language Award essay.
    6. Submit a complete application by the campus deadline.
    7. Your study abroad and financial aid advisors will certify your submitted application.
    8. Applications are reviewed by a selection panel of advisors across US institutions of higher education. If your application is recommended by panelists, the US Department of State will review and approve your application. You will be notified whether you will receive an award or not at the end of the process.

     

    About 29% of applicants receive awards.

  • Advising

    Gilman Scholarship Campus Advisor:

    TBD

    In the meantime, contact Ray Ball at rball11@alaska.edu.

    Information sessions:
    Webinars for candidates are available at https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/news-events/events-2/.