The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Gilman Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be 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. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.

The program encourages students to study or intern abroad in all world regions and from all U.S. states, academic fields, and types of institutions.  Almost 60% of all Gilman scholars come from small towns or rural communities across the United States.

In addition to the standard Gilman award, the Gilman Program offers limited supplemental funding opportunities for students who want to conduct STEM-related research abroad as part of their study abroad or international internship program and students studying critical languages (those deemed important to national security).