U.S. Department of State Awards 2,100 Benjamin Gilman Scholarships to Expand Study Abroad Opportunities for American Undergraduates
Washington, D.C. – In a major effort to increase access to international education for American undergraduate students, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced the selection of 2,100 recipients for the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. These scholarships will provide financial support for study or internship opportunities abroad, allowing students to explore academic and cultural experiences in more than 80 countries.
Representing 520 colleges and universities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, this diverse cohort of Gilman Scholars reflects the Department’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in U.S. foreign policy. The recipients, who all qualify for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, are drawn from various socioeconomic backgrounds, with 70 percent self-identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. Additionally, 60 percent of the scholars hail from rural areas and small towns across America, and half of them are first-generation college or university students.
The Gilman Scholarship, which has been the flagship scholarship program of the U.S. Department of State for undergraduate students since 2001, aims to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have the means to study abroad. By offering financial assistance to Pell Grant recipients, the program strives to make international education accessible to a wider range of students, enabling them to gain valuable intercultural skills and experiences.
In this year’s selection, the Department of State also awarded 50 scholarships under the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children of Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship). These scholarships are specifically designated for children and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel, furthering their opportunities for global learning and understanding.
Furthermore, in addition to the support provided by the U.S. Department of State, Gilman Scholars also receive assistance from various international partners. The governments of France, Germany (through the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD), Israel, New Zealand, and Wales have all contributed to the program, as well as the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) in Portugal and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO).
Over the years, the Gilman Scholarship has empowered more than 38,000 scholars to study or intern in over 160 countries around the world. The impact of this program extends beyond academic achievements, as it fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the relationships between the United States and other nations.
The implementation of the Gilman Scholarship is carried out by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). To find out more about the Gilman scholarship and its latest cohort of scholars, visit the official Gilman Scholarship website.