Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship – Fall 2025
Are you a U.S. undergraduate student dreaming of studying or interning abroad, but facing financial challenges? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), was created to make international education accessible. This award empowers Pell Grant recipients to pursue transformative experiences abroad — turning financial obstacles into global opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Recipient of a Federal Pell Grant (or proof you will receive one during the study abroad term).
- Accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
- Eligible under U.S. Department of State travel advisory rules.
Application Deadline
October 3, 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
Scholarship Benefits
🪩 Get Your Scholarship, Visa, Grant or Proposal Approved
Strategy, positioning, and expert restructuring for high-stakes applications.
⚡ Limited weekly review slots • Structured • Results-focused
Who is this for?
Applicants applying for competitive funding, study visas, academic programs, research grants, or professional proposals needing expert-level positioning.
Selected scholars will receive:
- Up to $5,000 to cover costs of studying or interning abroad.
- Supplemental awards:
- Critical Need Language Award – up to $3,000
- STEM Supplemental Award – up to $1,000
Funds may be applied to tuition, housing, meals, local transportation, airfare, insurance, passport/visa fees, and other necessary expenses.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online via the official Gilman portal: 👉 Apply here
For questions: gilman@iie.org
Why the Gilman Scholarship Matters
This scholarship is more than funding — it’s about equity, diversity, and representation in international education. By lowering financial barriers, it ensures that more U.S. students, regardless of background, can participate in global learning opportunities.
Scholarship Essay Inspiration
Here’s a sample draft outline to inspire your application essay:
Sample Motivation Letter
Interview & Application Preparation Guide
Possible Essay & Interview Questions
- Why do you want to study or intern abroad?
- How does your chosen program align with your academic or career goals?
- How will you overcome challenges while abroad?
- What does receiving the Pell Grant mean for your educational journey?
- How will you represent the U.S. while overseas?
- Describe how your background or identity shapes your interest in international education.
- What do you hope to bring back to your home community?
Do’s & Don’ts
- Do be personal and authentic in your essay.
- Do highlight how the scholarship will impact your future.
- Do research your host country and program thoroughly.
- Don’t use vague statements — be specific.
- Don’t copy templates word-for-word.
- Don’t forget to proofread before submission.
Preparation Checklist
- Confirm Pell Grant eligibility and documentation.
- Gather program acceptance letters.
- Draft and revise your personal essay.
- Ask for recommendations early.
- Review U.S. Department of State travel advisories.
Extra Pro Tips
- Start your essay early to allow time for feedback.
- Practice telling your story in a clear and confident way.
- Frame your essay around both personal growth and community impact.
- Emphasize resilience, adaptability, and curiosity — qualities valued in global scholars.
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