Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, 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. The Institute of International Education (IIE) has administered the program since its inception in 2001. The Gilman Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program encourages students to study or intern abroad in all world regions and from all U.S. states, academic fields, backgrounds, and types of institutions. Almost 60% of all Gilman Scholars come from small towns or rural communities across the United States. Almost half of all Gilman Scholars are the first in their family to attend college. By supporting outstanding American undergraduate students who have high financial need, the program has been successful in enabling these students to pursue study or internships abroad, during which they gain skills that promote individual growth, contribute to career readiness, serve as citizen ambassadors, and support American economic competitiveness and national security.