Eligibility

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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

• A citizen 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 for, a study abroad or internship program of at least two weeks for community college students and three weeks for students from four-year institutions, eligible for credit from the student’s home institution. Multi-country, multi-area, and multi-city programs are eligible and have no minimum requirement on length of time spent in one country, city, or area.  The entirety of the program abroad must be at least two weeks (14 days) for community college students and three weeks (21 days) for students from four-year institutions. There are no maximum or minimum number of countries, cities, or, areas within the required time frame of two weeks (14 days) for community college students and three weeks (21 days) for students from four-year institutions. Travel days do not count toward the minimum day requirement. 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. Moreover, students are not eligible to apply for programs in a country or area with an overall Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory.
  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 at the request of the U.S. Embassy in country should security situation deteriorate during the course of the program.   

The Gilman Program, under the direction of the U.S. Department of State, aims to work with students to make scholarship experiences a success. Should a Travel Advisory change to a Level 3 or 4 after the student has been granted the award, the program will coordinate with participants to select a different destination study site that falls within the guidelines provided by the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system. In determining a grantee’s status, the Gilman Program, under the direction of the U.S. Department of State, is the final decision making authority regarding the continuation of a student’s participation as a grantee of the Gilman Program.

Click here to determine the Travel Advisory Level of a country or area.

Click here to view a video on determining the Travel Advisory Level of a country or area. 

If you are unsure about your eligibility status, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions.