The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships 2026 support eligible U.S. undergraduate students who want to study or intern abroad. The programme provides awards of up to $5,000 for students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding. An additional award of up to $3,000 may be available to students who also apply for the Critical Need Language Award. The next student application deadline is October 1, 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships
Category: Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship
Eligible Applicants: U.S. undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding
Eligible Activities: Study and intern abroad programmes
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Additional Award Potential: Up to $3,000 for the Critical Need Language Award
Upcoming Student Deadline: October 1, 2026
About the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships 2026
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad. It was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000.
The scholarship supports students attending two-year or four-year colleges and universities. Eligible participants can use the award for study and intern abroad programmes worldwide.
More than 3,200 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded during the academic year. Award amounts vary depending on programme length and student need.
Award Amounts
Selected students may receive:
✓ An award of up to $5,000 for undergraduate study or an internship abroad
✓ The potential for an additional $3,000 through the Critical Need Language Award
✓ An average award of approximately $4,000 for semester-year programmes
✓ An average award of approximately $2,500 for short-term programmes
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be a U.S. citizen currently in good academic standing.
• Receive a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that they will receive one at the time of application or during the study abroad programme or internship.
• Apply to or receive acceptance into a study abroad programme or internship eligible for credit through an accredited higher education institution in the United States.
• Study in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2.
University of Minnesota policy does not allow staff to certify a Gilman application for participation in a non-affiliated study abroad programme.
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Selection Criteria
The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support students who have traditionally been under-represented in education abroad.
The selection criteria include:
• Students with high financial need.
• Students who have not previously studied abroad.
• Students who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Students studying in non-traditional destinations, particularly outside Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Students with diverse identities and academic backgrounds.
• Students attending a diverse range of institutions.
• Students with disabilities.
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Upcoming Application Deadline
The upcoming fall application cycle covers programmes beginning between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027.
Eligible terms include:
• Winter Break 2026–27
• Spring Semester 2027
• Calendar Year 2027
• May or Summer 2027
• Fall Semester 2027
• Academic Year 2027–28
The student application deadline is October 1, 2026.
Study abroad and financial aid advisers have one additional week after the student deadline to submit their certifications.
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How to Submit an Application
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship application has two components:
• Complete the online application and upload official transcripts.
• Obtain online certifications from a study abroad adviser and a financial aid adviser.
Both components must be completed by the relevant deadlines. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, and extensions cannot be granted.
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Page
