Study abroad programs are slowly, but surely, returning to pre-pandemic levels. During 2020, the number of students participating in study abroad dropped dramatically as most places prohibited visitors from other countries.
Now, there is a renewed desire amongst students to see and experience the world beyond the U.S. While study abroad costs are comparable to paying tuition and room and board and a student’s home college, there are extra costs that come along with living abroad.
Fortunately, there are quite a few study abroad scholarships from one provider alone: the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
Gilman Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students with limited financial means to experience study abroad opportunities. It was established by the late Congressman of New York, Benjamin A. Gilman, through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000.
Its mission is threefold:
1. To develop future leaders who represent the diverse cultural fabric of our country and have international networks and skills to advance U.S. national security and policy.
2. Expand the number of American students who can study abroad and contribute to their development of professional skills, language abilities, and knowledge and understanding of the world.
3. Explore destinations, like developing countries and those critical to U.S. security, that aren’t as popular for study abroad in order to build relationships, bolster mutual understanding, and represent American culture and values.
Each year, 3,000 applicants are selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship that can help to cover study or intern abroad costs, like tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport, and visa fees.
Gilman Scholarship applicants must
receive Pell Grants in order to qualify. They must also show that they will be receiving a Pell Grant for the time that they plan to study or intern abroad.
Furthermore, Gilman Scholarship recipients receive an extra benefit throughout their job search. For 12 months after, they are eligible for Noncompetitive Eligibility (NCE) for federal employment.
This process allows Gilman alumni to compete for job openings without going through formal processes. At times, all that is required is a resume with the necessary experience and education for the open role, according to the
Gilman Scholarship Program site.
In addition to the Gilman Scholarship, there are several scholarship awards under the umbrella of the program.
Deadline: 10/5/23
Available to: College Students
Award Amount: $5,000
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are in good academic standing. You must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant, have been accepted to or applied to a study abroad program or internship, and plan to study abroad for at least four weeks in one country in order to be eligible for this award.
Deadline: 10/5/23
Available to: College Students
Award Amount: $5,000
The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Families is open to dependents and spousal dependents of active or activated military personnel during the time of application. Applicants must also be receiving any type of Type IV federal financial aid. Finally, recipients must be participating in a study or intern abroad program.
Deadline: 10/5/23
Available to: College Students
Award Amount: $3,000
This is a supplemental award that Gilman scholarship applicants can also apply for. In addition to their Gilman Scholarship, recipients who plan to study a critical need language while they are abroad will also be eligible for a $3,000 award. A short essay submission is required in addition to the Gilman Scholarship application.
A limited number of recipients will be selected for this particular award.
Critical need languages can be found here.
Deadline: 10/5/23
Available to: College Students
Award Amount: Up to $1,000
Finally, eligible applicants may be awarded a STEM Supplemental Award. Students who are conducting STEM-related research are considered for this scholarship. A 1,000-character essay is required to apply in addition to the Gilman Scholarship Application.
This supplemental award can cover:
• Lab fees
• Equipment or gear required to conduct research.
• Hardware or software required to conduct research.
• Fees required to conduct research, such as Internet, cell phone, or printing costs.
• Local transportation required to conduct research.
Study Abroad Scholarships
In addition to the Gilman Scholarship, there are other awards available to college and graduates for study abroad. These include programs like:
British Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are available to graduate students who wish to pursue one year of their master’s studies in the United Kingdom. Scholarships fund the entire cost of the year of education as well as flights, accommodations, and course fees.
Marshall Scholarships
Marshall Scholarships are also available to graduate students who wish to study abroad in the U.K. Awards cover the full cost of studying abroad, including book grants, thesis grants, research and daily travel grants, fares to and from the U.S., and even contributions toward the support of a dependent spouse.
George Mitchell Scholarships
Approximately 12 George Mitchell Scholarships are available each year to postgraduates between the ages of 18 and 30. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend for recipients.
Rhodes Scholarships are one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduate students, giving them the opportunity to study at Oxford University. The scholarship covers university course fees, and recipients receive an annual stipend to cover living expenses.
AIFS International Scholarships
AIFS International Scholarships are available to students studying abroad or interning through their programs. Various awards are available, ranging from $500 to half off of all costs.
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Foundation offers several different international scholarship opportunities. They are available to college and graduate students as well as working professionals. Scholarships can be found through local Rotary clubs.
Learn more about
financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
