The Benjamin A. Gilman International Grant

Name: The Benjamin A. Gilman International Grant

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Information And Eligibility:
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Grant is a federally funded program designed to help undergraduate students with limited financial resources participate in study abroad or international internship opportunities. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the program’s primary goal is to expand access to global education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford international experiences due to financial constraints.

This grant is especially valuable for first-generation college students, students from low-income households, and those attending public institutions, community colleges, or minority-serving institutions. By supporting international education, the Gilman Program aims to strengthen U.S. national security, global competitiveness, and workforce readiness by preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens who are currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of the proposed study abroad program. Students must be enrolled as undergraduates in an accredited U.S. college or university and plan to participate in a credit-bearing study abroad program or approved international internship. Programs must take place in a country with no Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. Department of State at the time of application.

Eligible programs must last a minimum of three weeks for summer programs or at least one academic term for fall or spring participation. Both traditional study abroad programs and certain international internships are eligible, provided they meet program guidelines. Students from all academic majors may apply, and there is no minimum GPA requirement beyond what the student’s institution requires for study abroad participation.

The Gilman application process places a strong emphasis on written essays. Applicants must clearly explain how studying or interning abroad will contribute to their academic, professional, and personal goals. A competitive application typically demonstrates strong career alignment, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of how international experience will benefit both the student and their community upon return. Many recipients describe how they plan to apply their global knowledge to their future careers, community leadership, or public service.

In addition to the standard award, some applicants may be eligible for supplemental funding. The Critical Need Language Award offers up to $3,000 in additional funding for students studying languages deemed critical to U.S. national interests. There is also an optional STEM Supplemental Award for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields. These supplements are competitive and require additional essays.

Students are encouraged to work closely with their institution’s study abroad office and financial aid office during the application process. These offices can help ensure the proposed program meets eligibility requirements and assist with required certifications. Because the Gilman Grant is highly competitive, early preparation, careful proofreading, and clear goal-setting significantly improve an applicant’s chances of success.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the study abroad term.
• Must plan to study or intern abroad in an approved program.
• Destination country must not have a Level 4 U.S. State Department travel advisory.

Application Requirements:

• Complete the Gilman online application.
• Submit official academic transcripts.
• Provide required essays outlining academic, career, and global engagement goals.
• Obtain certification from a study abroad advisor and financial aid office.

Deadline: October

Apply Now

View Grant / Fellowship Data

Grant Categorization

CollegeWhale offers one of the only true College Grant and Fellowship Databases online. Our College Grant and Fellowship Database is one of the largest databases, containing multi-millions of dollars in college Grant and Fellowship money. Unlike other online databases, ours is college Grant and Fellowship specific, it is not mixed with college scholarship opportunities. Get matched with TONS of college Grants and Fellowships in just a few simple clicks. Grant and Fellowship money for college made simple, period.