Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Program provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to undergraduates receiving Federal Pell Grants who plan to study or intern abroad. In addition to the standard award, the Gilman Program offers supplemental funding opportunities for students who want to conduct STEM coursework or internships abroad (up to up to $1,000) and students studying critical languages deemed important to national security (up to $3,000). Gilman scholars are also eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met.

Note: Financial need is based on study abroad expenses provided by the applicant’s advisor and additional financial aid information submitted through the application. A Gilman scholar’s final award amount will be determined by financial need, program length, overall program costs and the strength of the application during the selection panel recommendation process.

To apply, you must:

• Be a citizen or national of the United States
• Be an undergraduate in good standing at an accredited higher education institution in the U.S. (two-year or four-year institution)
• Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that you will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of your study abroad program or internship
• Be in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement
• Be applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System
  • It is important to note that certain areas within a country or location that have an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either Level 3 or Level 4; Gilman scholars will not be allowed to travel to these specific areas
• Use the award to fund eligible study or intern abroad costs
  • These costs include tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees
• Gilman scholarship recipients can only receive the scholarship once. If a student previously declined a Gilman scholarship, they are welcome to re-apply, if they still meet all eligibility requirements.

Please refer to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program website for a detailed list of the eligibility criteria. 

To be a competitive candidate, applicants should: 

• Describe how a specific program and destination will support them in reaching their academic and/or career goals.
• Articulate what they anticipate gaining academically and professionally, as well as what skills and knowledge they hope to develop.
• Demonstrate academic preparedness, as well as ability to adapt to and thrive in a different environment.
• Articulate how they will engage with their host community and share what it means to be an American.
• Design a follow-on service project proposal that meets the Gilman Program’s goals.
• Demonstrate a commitment to proficiency in a Critical Need Language (only applicable for CNLA applicants).
• Demonstrate a commitment to a STEM field (only applicable for STEM supplemental award applicants). 

• Application form
• 4 required short essays (Maximum 500 words each)
• Optional Critical Need Language Award essay (Maximum 300 words) 
• Optional STEM supplemental Award essay (Maximum 300 words)
• Transcripts (official or unofficial)
• Abroad program details (only credit-bearing programs are eligible)
• Financial aid information (Pell status, cost of program, etc.)
• Certifying Advisors (study abroad and financial aid advisor)
  • Advisors MUST certify the application by the Advisor Deadline (typically one week after the National Deadline). All applicants must contact the appropriate offices at their home institutions to determine the correct study abroad and financial aid certifying advisors they should select to certify their application.
  • Note: applications without certifications from advisors will not be considered.

Carefully review the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program’s Submission Tips & Requirements.  

• In the Fall or Spring, attend an NCA information session on the Gilman Program.
• Complete two NCA forms:
  • Intake Form
  • Records Release Form
• Contact your Financial Aid and Study Abroad Certifying Advisors before the National Deadline to determine your study abroad program and financial aid information.
  • Financial Aid: SFAO-STAB@ucmail.uc.edu
  • Study Abroad: global@uc.edu
• Submit your application by the National Deadline: October 1, 2026 @ 11:59pm PT (Fall); February 25, 2027 @ 11:59pm PT (Spring)
• Your Financial Aid and Study Abroad Certifying Advisors will certify your application by the Advisor Deadline (typically a week after the National Deadline). 

• Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program’s website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the Gilman Program’s website takes precedence.
• Though you should seek out others’ advice and feedback on your application, the essays should be your original work (no one should be writing your essays for you). UC’s Student Code of Conduct applies.