Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Up to $5,000 is available through the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. 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 Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions.

To be eligible for a Gilman Scholarships applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Want to put together a great application? Check out the videos, essay information and application tips on the Gilman website or better yet, attend an upcoming webinar or essay review session. 

Upcoming Information Sessions and Essay Review

• Thursday, August 28, 12 PM: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Webinar). Zoom Registration coming soon.
• Wednesday, September 10, 6 PM: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Webinar). Zoom Registration coming soon.
• Monday, September 22, 12 PM: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Webinar). Zoom Registration coming soon.
• Tuesday, September 23, drop-in between 2:30 - 4:30 PM: Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Essay Review (In Person). 3rd Floor Conference Room (3119), International Center. Bring a copy of your essays to have them reviewed by a Global Learning Hub and Prestigious Scholarships staff members.
• Tuesday, September 30, drop-in between 12 - 2 PM: Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Essay Review (In Person). 3rd Floor Conference Room (3119), International Center. Bring a copy of your essays to have them reviewed by a Global Learning Hub and Prestigious Scholarships staff members.
• Thursday, October 2, drop-in between 2 - 4 PM: Drop-In "Ask Us Anything" event. (Zoom registration coming soon)

Application Opening Dates

• October 2025 Deadline: Application will open in Mid-August 2025 for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. This cycle encompasses Winter 2026, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs or internships.
• March 2026 Deadline: Application will open in Mid-January 2026 for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. This cycle encompasses Summer 2026, Fall 2026, academic year 2026-2027, and Spring 2027 abroad programs or internships. 

Application Deadlines

• October 2025 Deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. This cycle encompasses Winter 2026, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs or internships.
• March 2026 Deadline: March 2026 (TBD) for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. This cycle encompasses Summer 2026, Fall 2026, academic year 2026-2027, and Spring 2027 abroad programs or internships. 

Application Status Notification

• October 2025 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2025.
• March 2026 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in May 2026. 

Study Abroad Certifying Advisors

• Select Nicole Uhlinger as the Study Abroad advisor for any UC Davis Summer Abroad and UC Davis Summer Abroad Internships.
• Select Nicole Uhlinger as the Study Abroad advisor for any UC Davis Quarter Abroad programs.
• Select Tiffany Macias Silva as the Study Abroad advisor for any UCEAP or Independent Study Abroad programs.

Financial Aid Certifying Advisors

• Select Scott Palmer as the Financial Aid advisor for any UC Davis Summer Abroad and UC Davis Summer Abroad Internships.
• Select Diana Raveica as the Financial Aid advisor for any UC Davis Quarter Abroad programs.
• Select Nataly Florian as the Financial Aid advisor for any UCEAP or Independent Study Abroad programs.

For advising and essay review, please contact Scott Palmer.
 

UC Davis has been recognized for producing the 3rd most Gilman Scholars in the country, with 51 students receiving Gilman scholarships in the 2018-19 year. Read more

Critical Need Language Award

Interested in studying a language abroad? Applicants who study a critical need language while abroad can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000 for a combined total of $8,000. More information about the Critical Need Language Award.

STEM Supplemental Award

Interested in conducting STEM-related research abroad? Applicants who conduct STEM-related research abroad as part of their study abroad or international internship program can apply for a supplemental award of up to $1,000. More information about the STEM Supplemental Award.

The Gilman/McCain Scholarship

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship. Read more about the eligibility requirements. Review the resources and advisors listed above and please attend one of our Information Sessions.

Application Opening

• August 2025 Deadline: Application is now open for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between September 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
• October 2025: Application will open in mid-August 2025 for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. This cycle encompasses Winter 2026, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs or internships.

Application Deadline

• August 2025 Deadline: Thursday, August 7, 2025 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between September 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
• October 2025 Deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. This cycle encompasses Winter 2026, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs or internships.

Application Status Notification

• August 2025 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in September 2025.
• October 2025 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2025.

Contact Information

Nicole Uhlinger

Senior Coordinator, Student Services & Enrollment
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
nmuhlinger@ucdavis.edu