Gilman Scholarship

Information Sessions: NISO Week Sept 16-19, 2024

Cycle 1 Deadline: (study abroad start date 12/1/24-10/31/25) October 10, 2024

Cycle 2 Deadline: (study abroad start date 5/1/25-4/30/26) March 13, 2025

Fields of Study: Open

Funding for: Study abroad

Begin Application: freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year

Program Website: www.gilmanscholarship.org

Description

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. undergraduates of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or credit-bearing internships abroad in any discipline. Such international exchange is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.The program encourages students to choose non-traditional study and intern destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, and supports students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad. Students who receive the Gilman Scholarship may also be eligible to receive an additional Critical Need Language Award from the Gilman Scholarship Program.

Gilman Scholars receive non-competitive eligibility (NCE) for future employment. This is a special hiring authority granted by the U.S. government.

Eligibility Requirements

• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of his/her study abroad program or internship.
• Applying to or been accepted into a study abroad program or internship eligible for credit by an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.
• Studying or interning abroad in any country except Cuba or a country on the U.S. Travel Warning list at level 3 or 4.It's important to note that travel warning levels can change quickly.

Candidate Profile

• Application to or acceptance into an appropriate and reputable study abroad program.
• Strong rationale for studying abroad in a chosen program and connection with future goals.
• Creative and feasible Follow-On Service Project with a clear purpose and target audience.
• Member of a group traditionally under-represented in study abroad (e.g., minority, first generation or working class student, physical or learning disability, STEM major, etc.)
• Desire and plan to study a Critical Need Language while abroad.

Application Components

• Online application
• Online certifications from study abroad and financial aid advisors
• Certified transcript(s)
• Statement of Purpose of no more than 7,000 characters 
• Building Mutual Understanding Essay of no more than 3,000 characters
• Follow-on Service Project Proposal of no more than 3,000 characters

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be reviewed and certified by their college or university. As such, Purdue applicants work with the National and International Scholarships Office (NISO) to receive support and feedback throughout the application process and are certified by the Study Abroad Office per Gilman Scholarship requirements.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.