Welcome

Welcome to the Gilman Scholarship Program application! The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman
International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad,
providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.

The Gilman Scholarship is available to child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States
military personnel to study or intern abroad. You can review the eligibility criteria for the Gilman scholarship
here.

Application Instructions
Your entire application must be submitted electronically and must consist of the materials listed below:

• Application Essays: You must upload all 3 required essays to your application in order to
submit.
• Transcripts: You must provide official or unofficial transcripts from your current institution,
as well as any previously attended institutions where you were a degree-seeking student.
• Advisor Certification: Your application requires the certification from both the Study Abroad
and Financial Aid advisors from your currently enrolled institution. It is your responsibility as
an applicant to ensure that advisors are aware of and complete their portion of your
application by the stated advisor deadlines.

Watch a step by step walkthrough of the Gilman application!

For more information on upcoming application cycles, please visit our Deadlines and Timelines page for more
details.

Questions?
If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]. Additional program information is also available
at our website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Gilman Scholarship, an applicant must be:
• A citizen or national of the United States;
• An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in
the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);
• 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;
• In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship
program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
• Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel
Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System.
However, certain locations within these countries or areas may be designated within the
Travel Advisory as either “Do not travel to” (Level 4) or “Reconsider travel to” (Level 3)
locations, as such; students will not be allowed to travel to these specific locations.

To be eligible for a Gilman-McCain Scholarship, an applicant must be:

• A citizen or national of the United States;

• An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in
the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);
• Dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated United States military personnel during the
time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army
National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine
Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS
Commissioned Corps);
• Recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide
proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program
or internship;
• In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship
program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
• Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel
Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System.
However, certain locations within these countries or areas may be designated within the
Travel Advisory as either “Do not travel to” (Level 4) or “Reconsider travel to” (Level 3)
locations, as such; students will not be allowed to travel to these specific locations.
The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to request program changes for specific countries or areas if
deemed necessary during any stage of the application, selection process, or program period. Final awards are
contingent upon the availability of funds and the security situation in country. Furthermore, programs in
progress may be suspended in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in country during the course of the program.
Program Eligibility
Data Privacy & Consent
IIE values your privacy. We encourage you to read our Privacy Statement, located on the Privacy page on IIE's
website.

The Privacy Statement outlines how IIE handles your data and includes the types of data we process, why we
process it and with whom we share it.

Please note that IIE may be required to process data that is generally considered to be sensitive. IIE only
processes this information when it is necessary to execute the management of your application or program.

Please see the IIE Privacy Statement for more details.

I have read IIE’s Privacy Statement and give consent for IIE to process my data. *

Eligibility
Are you currently an enrolled undergraduate student in good academic standing at an accredited institution
of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions) and will you
remain enrolled as an undergraduate student for the duration of your abroad program? *

Does your abroad program or internship have the option to be taken for undergraduate credit? *
Note: Your program or internship must be credit-bearing but does not need credit(s) to be transferred back or
affiliated with your home U.S. institution.

All abroad programs or internships must be in a country or area with an overall U.S Department of
State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Is your program or internship in a country or area with an overall Travel
Advisory Level 1 or 2? *

Note: It is important to be aware that certain areas within a country or location that have an overall Travel
Advisory Level 1 or 2 may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either Level 3 or Level 4; Gilman
scholars will not be allowed to travel to these specific areas.

Have you received and accepted Gilman Scholarship funds in the past? *

Are you a U.S. Citizen? *

Dependent Status Information
Are you a dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated U.S. military personnel? *
If you respond yes, you will be required to upload a copy of your DD1173 Form (military ID) on the next
page to prove your dependent status.

Financial Aid
Gilman Program: You must be receiving the Federal Pell Grant either at the time of your Gilman
application or when you study abroad.
Please confirm this information with your Financial Aid Office.

Please select all that apply to you *

• I am receiving the Pell Grant in my current academic term
• I will be receiving the Pell Grant during my academic term abroad
• I am NOT receiving the Pell Grant this current academic term and will NOT be receiving the Pell Grant
during my academic term abroad

Gilman-McCain Scholarship: You must be receiving Federal Financial Aid either at the time of your Gilman
application or when you study abroad.
Please confirm this information with your Financial Aid Office.

Please select all that apply to you *

• I received Federal Financial Aid during this current academic term (the term I have submitted my
Gilman application)
• I will receive Federal Financial Aid when I study abroad
• I am NOT receiving the Federal Financial Aid this current term and I will NOT be receiving Federal
Financial Aid when I study abroad
Does this current academic term and/or your study abroad term financial aid package include the Federal
Pell Grant? *
Institution & Advisor Selection
Institution Selection

Current Enrolled Institution

State: *

Current Enrolled Institution: *

Can’t find your institution?

Contact us and our team will be happy to assist you.

Advisor Selection
Your application requires the certification from both the Study Abroad and Financial Aid advisors from your
currently enrolled institution.

Study Abroad Advisor: *

Can't find your Study Abroad advisor or not sure who to select?
Please contact your campus study abroad offices to determine the
appropriate advisors at your school or contact Gilman so our team can
assist you.

Financial Aid Advisor: *

Can't find your Financial Aid advisor or not sure who to select?
Please contact your campus financial aid offices to determine the
appropriate advisors at your school or contact Gilman so our team
can assist you.
Personal Information
Biographical Information
Prefix *

First (Legal) Name *

Last (Legal) Name *

Middle Name

Preferred Name

Birthdate *

How did you become a U.S. citizen? *

Place of Birth *
Country

City

State

Contact Information
Phone (Cell) *

Phone (secondary, if applicable)

Primary Email Address *

Email (secondary, if applicable)

If you are selected, your scholarship funds will be sent to you via Zelle using your primary email address. Is
this primary email address the same as the one associated with your US bank account for electronic
payment? *
Address Information
Address Note: A permanent address is required for submission.
Type Street 1 Street 2 City Region/State ZIP Code US ZIP4 Code
Add Address
Congressional Voting State *

If your Permanent Address State is different from your Congressional Voting State, please enter your Voting
Address in the table above. If both states are the same, you do not need to enter your Voting Address.

Program Priority Information

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? *

Note on Dependent Status Information

Gilman-McCain Scholarship ONLY: Please upload a copy of your DD1173 Form to prove your dependent
status. *
If selected, please note that further proof may be requested at the recipient stage, such as your active duty
parent or spouse's military ID.

Which dependent of active military personnel are you? *

Child: How many of your parents currently serve in the military? *

What branch of the military is your parent/spouse serving in? *

Where is your parent/spouse currently stationed? *

Please include the Base Name, City and State or Country.
Current Institution Information
Your Current Enrolled Institution:
Your Study Abroad Advisor:
Your Financial Aid Advisor:

Note: If this is incorrect, please return to the Advisor Selection page to correct.
Student ID *

Classification *

My current institution evaluates academics by *

Please enter your GPA at your current institution *

Major *

Note: If your Major is not listed, please select the closest option

Second Major (if applicable)

Minor (if applicable)

If your Minor is not listed, please select the closest option

Second Minor (if applicable)

Graduation Date *
Please enter the date on which all credits towards your undergraduate degree will be completed. You must be
enrolled in your institution throughout your program abroad.

Degree *

Current Enrolled Institution Transcript Upload *

Upload your unofficial OR official transcript. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will eventually need
to provide an official transcript later to receive the award.

Having trouble uploading your transcript? Try re-saving and re-uploading the PDF.
Academic History
Institution Information: Please provide information about any PREVIOUS institution(s) you may have
attended as a degree-seeking student. Do not include information on your current institution.

*If you are a Freshman and this is your first term, you are highly encouraged to provide your high school
information and transcript. Another option is to upload an Enrollment Verification Letter, which is usually
issued by your institution’s registrar office and includes your currently enrolled courses.

Transcript Information: On this page, you will upload your unofficial OR official transcript(s) for each
institution you list.

Please visit our website for further Transcript information and FAQs.

Institution

Add Institution
Abroad Program
Abroad Program Information
Please provide your abroad program information below. Note: you do not need to have applied to your
program yet in order to be eligible.

Program Type for Academic Credit *

What institution/organization will be administering your program? *

If your program administrator is not listed, please select ‘Other’.

Program Title *

Foreign Institution Information

Will you be studying at a foreign institution? *

How many foreign institutions will you attend? *

Foreign Institution 1
Foreign Institution 1 Name *

Foreign Institution 1 Country *

Countries
Length of Program *

Academic Term *

Please enter your study abroad program dates. Do not include the day(s) spent traveling to and from your
host country. Any aspect of the program that takes place in the U.S. should not be included.
First day of your study abroad program *

Last day of your study abroad program *

Please indicate how many countries are included in your program. Do not include non-academic activities.

How many countries are included in your program?

Any country not listed below currently has a Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory and is not eligible for the Gilman
Scholarship. Your program must take place in a country or area with a Level 1 or 2 Travel Advisory. Please
contact [email protected] with any questions.

Abroad Program Country 1

Country *

City *
Please select all cities included in your abroad program, hold CTRL to select multiple options. If your city is not
listed, please select ‘Other’ and provide the name in the text box.

What is the timeframe you will be in this country?

First day *

Last day *
STEM Supplemental Award
STEM Research Information
Will you be conducting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) research while abroad? *

You have indicated that you are conducting STEM research while abroad. You can apply for a supplemental
award of up to $1,000 that would be in addition to a Gilman award of up to $5,000. Would you like to
complete a short essay to be considered for the STEM Supplemental Award? *

Title description of research (in 100 characters or less) *

STEM Supplemental Award Essay

In 1,000 characters or less, please summarize your STEM-related research component and how this will
contribute to your future academic and/or career goals.

STEM Supplemental Award Essay Upload *

Important! This essay is limited to 1,000 characters (including spaces). Please ensure your essays are single
spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
International Experience
International Experience Information

Have you previously studied or interned abroad for undergraduate academic credit? *
This does not include personal travel, non-credit volunteering, living abroad, or high school exchanges.

How many countries have you traveled to? *

Country 1
Country 1 *

How long was your experience in Country 1? *

Essays
There are three essays required as part of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship application:
Statement of Purpose Essay, Building Mutual Understanding Essay, and the Follow-on Service Project
Proposal.

• The Statement of Purpose Essay is limited to 7,000 characters (including spaces)

• The Building Mutual Understanding Essay is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces)
• The Follow-on Service Project Proposal is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces)

Compose your essays first in a word processing program, and then upload the file below. Please ensure your
essays are single spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.

Compose your essays in paragraph format (not as numbered responses to the questions below).
Please preview your essays once you have uploaded them into the application to ensure the correct file was
uploaded.
Resources for Essay:

1. Strategies to complete the Gilman Essays

• Statement of Purpose
• Building Mutual Understanding Essay
• Follow-on Service Project Proposal

2. Be sure to watch this helpful video for information and tips on writing your Gilman
Scholarship essays.
3. Review the essay section of the Gilman website.
4. Applications are reviewed holistically with consideration of this selection criteria.

Statement of Purpose Essay

The Statement of Purpose essay is an important factor in the selection of Gilman Scholarship recipients. We
strongly encourage you to read the Gilman Selection Criteria, carefully review your essay, and ask an advisor,
faculty member, or others to proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and content prior to submission.
In your essay, be specific in describing your individual reasons for studying abroad, keeping in mind that this
is a scholarship for academic study abroad or credit bearing international internships. Please address all of
the questions below, in no particular order:

• How will studying or interning abroad help you achieve your future academic or professional
goals?
• Why did you select your specific program and host country?
• How are you academically prepared to be a successful scholar abroad? If you have faced
significant academic difficulties, tell us about those and how you are overcoming them.
 • What examples of knowledge, skills, and experiences will you draw on to meet the
challenges of going abroad?

Statement of Purpose Upload *

Important! This essay is limited to 7,000 characters (including spaces). Please ensure your essays are single
spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.

Community Impact Essays

The two community impact essays are equally important in the selection of Gilman Scholarship recipients.
We strongly encourage you to read the Selection Criterion Community Impact Abroad & Student’s Return
Home, carefully review your essay, and ask an advisor, faculty member, or others to proofread your essay for
spelling, grammar, and content prior to submission.

Building Mutual Understanding Essay

Gilman Scholars represent the United States as citizen diplomats in their host communities; they reflect a
diversity of values, beliefs, and opinions that is fundamental to providing a balanced representation of the
United States abroad. Gilman Scholars are expected to contribute to the goal of building mutual
understanding by sharing what it means to be an American, learning about the host culture, and building
meaningful relationships.

• As a U.S. citizen, how will you represent and share what it means to be an American during
your program? How will you seek opportunities to become more culturally engaged and have
meaningful interactions with people and cultures different from your own during your
abroad program?

Building Mutual Understanding Upload *

Important! This essay is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces). Please ensure your essays are single
spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.

Follow-on Service Project Proposal

Gilman Scholars are expected to complete the Follow-on Service Project which is to increase awareness of
study abroad and the Gilman Scholarship among their peers in their home or campus communities.

• In no particular order, describe your Follow-on Service Project in more detail: What is your
project and how will it increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Program among
your peers in your home or campus community? Identify and explain why you chose the
specific community you will be reaching. How will you integrate the impact of your
experience abroad into your project? With which campus departments, student
organizations, or community organizations will you collaborate?
Follow-on Service Project Proposal Upload *
Important! This essay is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces). Please ensure your essays are single
spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
Foreign Language Study
Foreign Language Study Information
Will you be studying a foreign language while abroad? *

How many? *

Foreign Language 1
Foreign Language 1 *

Are the classes you will be taking abroad being taught in a foreign language? *

Critical Need Language Award

You have indicated that you are studying a Critical Need Language while abroad! You can apply for a
supplemental award of up to $3,000. Please visit our website to confirm eligibility for the Critical Need
Language Award before answering the questions below.

• Are you studying a Critical Need Language in a country where it is predominantly spoken?
• Is one of your goals to increase your foreign language proficiency while studying abroad?
• Is language study a major component of your coursework while abroad?
• Is language proficiency something that is needed or desired in your future career or
academic trajectory?
• Will you continue to learn and use the language after your study abroad experience?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, we recommend applying for the Gilman Critical Need
Language Award!
Would you like to complete a short supplemental essay and be considered for the Critical Need Language
Award? *

Critical Need Language Award Essay

You have indicated that you would like to complete this supplemental application essay and be considered
for the Critical Need Language Award.

In no more than 2,000 characters, including spaces, please address all of the questions below, in no particular
order:

• What are your motivations for improving your language proficiency academically,
professionally, and personally?
• How do you intend to improve your language skills while studying abroad? How will you
increase your proficiency in the language inside and outside of the classroom setting?
 • How do you intend to use the language after you study abroad, and how will the Critical
Need Language Award prepare you for this?
• If you would like to be considered for an exception to our policy of studying a language in a
country/location where it is predominately spoken, please explain why you chose your
particular location and the benefits and resources for studying the selected language there.

Please use 1-inch margins and Times New Roman 12-point font.
Critical Need Language Award Essay Upload *
Important! This essay is limited to 2,000 characters (including spaces). Please ensure your essays are single
spaced with 1-inch margins and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
Financial Aid Information
Study Abroad Program Total Cost
Estimated total cost of your study abroad program *

Click here to review all eligible and non-eligible expenses on our website.

Financial Aid Total Amount

Estimated total amount of financial aid (excluding student loans) to be applied
to the study abroad program *

Please include any additional scholarships that will be applied towards your abroad program.

Certification
Financial Aid Certification *
I certify that I have received this information from the financial aid office and that the information provided is
true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Additional Information
Note: Responses to the questions below will be used for statistical purposes only. This information will not be
included in your application during the selection process and your responses will not affect your application
for the Gilman International Scholarship.

How did you hear about the Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad? *
(Select all that apply)
Campus Military Office
CIEE
Facebook/Instagram Ads
Family Member
Financial Aid Advisor/Office Flyer
Friend/Classmate
Gilman Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Gilman Website
Google
Military Branch Website
Professor
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Stars & Stripes Ad
Student Newspaper
Student Services Staff/Advising
Study Abroad Advisor/Office
The Posse Foundation
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
YouTube
Other
Prefer Not To Answer

Please select what scholarships you have received *

(Select all that apply)
Barry Goldwater Scholarship
Boren Scholarship
Coca-Cola Scholarship
Critical Language Scholarship
Dell Scholars Program
Freeman/ASIA Scholarship
Gates Scholarship
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Marshall Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship
Posse Foundation Scholarship
Rangel International Affairs Program
Rhodes Scholarship
Rotary Scholarship (District Grant)
Shawn Carter Scholarship
 Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
Udall Scholarship
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarship
None of the above

Have you participated in the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy? *

When did you first hear about the Gilman Scholarship Program, relative to the current application cycle’s
deadline? *

Are you applying to other scholarships to study abroad? *

Race/Ethnicity *
(Select all that apply)
Asian or Pacific Islander
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino/a
American Indian/Alaska Native
White (Non-Hispanic)
Prefer Not To Answer

Do you have a physical or mental disability? *

Do you identify as LGBTQIA+? *

Gender *

Are you the first in your family to go to college? *

Definition: An individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or in the case of any
individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only
such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

Are you the first person in your family to study abroad? *

Select the location that best describes where you grew up. *
Consent
Acknowledgement
Depending on a number of factors, including the health and safety situation in the host country, the Gilman Program reserves
the right to:

• Suspend its program at any time.

• Require changes to study abroad program dates and/or locations.
• Not allow Gilman funding to be used for study abroad in certain countries and/or locations.
• Note that if you apply for a Gilman Scholarship to study in a location with a U.S. Department of State Travel
Advisory of Level 1 or 2 at the time of application and it changes to a Level 3 or 4, the Gilman program will
review your application. However, if selected, funds will only be disbursed if the indicated location changes
to a Level 1 or 2 before the program start date. If not, the recipient will be required to change their program
location to an eligible country, or forfeit their award.

For requested cancellations or changes as outlined above, Gilman Scholars may be able to use their funding for another eligible
location that meets Gilman eligibility criteria.

Only applications that are complete by the deadline and eligible based on Gilman eligibility criteria will be considered for the
competitive, merit-based selection process based on Gilman selection criteria. Application completion is the applicant’s
responsibility and includes financial aid and study abroad certifying advisors’ application certification. This may also include
providing them with the necessary release of information forms.

The Gilman applicant acknowledges all information shared in this application, including written essays, is their own work,
accurate and honest to the best of their knowledge.

Gilman applicants’ and Gilman Scholars’ information and award status (excluding responses to the application survey section,
which is for statistical purposes only) will be shared with:

• Application certifying advisors (financial aid and study abroad/fellowship offices)

• Selection reviewers, including scholarship partners such as foreign governments, organizations, or
companies

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and agree to the above information *

Release Consent
Your consent selection will not impact your Gilman Scholarship application, selection, or participation if awarded. *
I AGREE to the U.S. Department of State and its implementing partner, Institute of International
Education, releasing and publishing my name, U.S. home institution, U.S. home state/territory, program
location(s) abroad, and program term abroad if I am awarded the Gilman Scholarship.
I DECLINE the U.S. Department of State and its implementing partner, Institute of International Education,
releasing and publishing my name, U.S. home institution, program location(s) abroad, program term
abroad, and home state if I am awarded the Gilman Scholarship. Note that by selecting this option, your
name will not be included on the recipient list published on the Gilman website.

Signature
I understand that by providing my name in the box below, this is my electronic signature and verification that the
information I have provided in my application is true and accurate. *