Institute of International Education - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

You will receive a grant of up to about 4,600 EUR (up to 5,000 USD) for a course of study or an eligible work placement abroad. This may last for a semester, a summer or a full academic year. The money is intended to cover tuition fees, accommodation and meals, books, local transport, insurance, flights, and passport or visa fees. A semester or a full academic year costs on average around 2,750 EUR (around 3,000 USD). Shorter summer or winter programmes cost on average around 1,400 EUR (around 1,500 USD). Two additional benefits may increase the total amount: up to around 2,750 EUR extra if you are studying a language of national security importance, and up to around 900 EUR extra if your courses abroad are in STEM subjects (agriculture, engineering, healthcare, mathematics, computer science or natural sciences). The programme is funded by the US Congress and administered by the US Department of State. You will also receive 12 months of ‘non-competitive eligibility’, a status that makes it easier for you to be recruited into positions within the US federal government.

Who can apply

• Citizenship: You are a US citizen or a US national.
• Level: You are a Bachelor’s student with a good academic record at an accredited US college, whether it is a two-year or a four-year institution.
• Financial need: You are currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant or can prove that you will receive one whilst studying abroad. The Pell Grant is a US government grant for students from low-income families.
• Where you go: You are applying for a study or work placement programme abroad that counts towards your degree, or you have already been accepted onto such a programme. 170 countries are eligible; however, the destination must correspond to travel advisory level 1 or 2. Levels 3 and 4 are excluded.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Grades: No minimum GPA required.
• Once only: The scholarship may only be awarded once.

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the Gilman online portal and must include four short essays, a transcript and details of your degree programme. Both your international studies adviser and your student finance adviser at your university must confirm your application by the deadline for advisers; otherwise, it will not be considered. The application deadline for students is 1 October for the autumn cycle and 25 February for the spring cycle (at 11:59 Pacific Time in each case). Results will be announced by email in December and May.

How realistic are your chances?

The programme awards nearly 3,000 scholarships each year – a large number – but is open to all undergraduate students in the country who receive a Pell Grant, so competition is fierce. There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, and the application as a whole is assessed comprehensively. Preference is given to veterans, first-time travellers abroad and less popular destinations. If you can demonstrate a clear financial need, choose a less-visited country and write compelling essays, your chances are good. Obtaining both certificates from your academic advisers well in advance will prevent your application from being rejected.