U.S. Department of State 2024 Gilman Scholarship Program For Undergraduate Students

The Gilman Scholarship Program, founded under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, is a prestigious initiative designed to support undergraduate students from the United States in their quest for international study and internship opportunities. Specifically aimed at those receiving Federal Pell Grant funding and enrolled in either two-year or four-year colleges or universities, this program facilitates a global learning experience by offering substantial financial awards for study and intern abroad programs across the globe.

Administered by the U.S. Department of State and backed financially by the U.S. Government, the program’s implementation is expertly handled by the Institute of International Education (IIE). This year alone, over 3200 scholarships worth up to $5,000 each are set to be distributed, with the potential for an additional $3,000 for students who qualify for the Critical Need Language Award. The scholarship amounts are tailored based on the study duration and individual student needs, to make international education accessible to a diverse group of students, including those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

Eligibility for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program requires U.S. citizenship, an undergraduate standing in good academic status, receipt of a Federal Pell Grant, and acceptance into a credit-bearing study or internship abroad program. The program emphasizes support for students with high financial need, those targeting study in non-traditional destinations, students of diverse ethnicities, and those from a wide array of educational institutions. The application process is thorough, requiring submission by October 10, 2024, and includes the completion of three essays as part of the package. Applicants are encouraged to craft their essays carefully, adhering to specified guidelines, and to apply directly through the United States Department of State’s dedicated application portal. For further details and application instructions, prospective applicants can visit the University of Minnesota website.