Overview
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 Scholarship, applicants must meet all Gilman Scholarship eligibility requirements. Want to put together a great application? Check out the Gilman application information, essay information and application tips on the Gilman website or attend an upcoming webinar or essay review session.
Upcoming Information Sessions and Essay Review
- Monday, August 31, 6–7 p.m.: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview. Register for the August 31 Gilman overview webinar.
- Thursday, September 17, 7–8 p.m.: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview. Register for the September 17 Gilman overview webinar.
- Tuesday, September 22, drop in between 3–5 p.m. (in person): Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Essay Review. Third Floor Conference Room (3119), International Center. Bring a copy of your essays to have them reviewed by staff members from the Global Learning Hub and Prestigious Scholarships.
- Tuesday, September 29, drop in between 2–4 p.m. (virtual): Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Essay Review. Bring a copy of your essays to have them reviewed by staff members from the Global Learning Hub and Prestigious Scholarships. Join the September 29 Gilman essay review on Zoom.
- Wednesday, September 30, 2:30–4 p.m.: Drop-In “Ask Us Anything” event. Join the September 30 Gilman “Ask Us Anything” event on Zoom.
Application Opening Dates
- Fall 2026 application cycle: The application will open in mid-August for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
- Spring 2027 application cycle: The application will open in mid-January for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2027 and April 30, 2028. This cycle encompasses Summer 2027, Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2026 deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
- Spring 2027 deadline: Thursday, February 25, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2027 and April 30, 2028. This cycle encompasses Summer 2027, Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
Application Status Notification
- Fall 2026 application cycle: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2026.
- Spring 2027 application cycle: Applicants will be notified of their status in May 2027.
Study Abroad Certifying Advisors for UC Davis Students
- Select Nicole Uhlinger as the Study Abroad advisor if you are a UC Davis student participating in UC Davis Summer Abroad or 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 for UC Davis Students
- Select Scott Palmer as the Financial Aid advisor if you are a UC Davis student participating in UC Davis Summer Abroad or 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 third most Gilman Scholars in the country, with 51 students receiving Gilman scholarships in the 2018–19 year. Read about UC Davis being named a top producer of Gilman Scholars.
Critical Need Language Award
Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country or location in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000. Critical Need Language Awards for a country or location where a language is not predominantly spoken may be considered for applicants who make a strong case for their desired location in the application essay. More information about the Critical Need Language Award.
STEM Supplemental Award
Applicants who are conducting STEM-related coursework or internships as part of their overseas 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 Gilman-McCain Scholarship eligibility requirements. Review the resources and advisors listed above and attend one of our information sessions.
Application Opening
- Fall 2026 application cycle: The application will open in mid-August for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
- January 2027 application cycle: The application will open in mid-November for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between February 1, 2027 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
Application Deadline
- Fall 2026 deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
- January 2027 deadline: Thursday, January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between February 1, 2027 and October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027–2028 programs.
Application Status Notification
- Fall 2026 application cycle: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2026.
- January 2027 application cycle: Applicants will be notified of their status in February 2027.
Certifying Advisors
For the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, use the same Study Abroad certifying advisors and Financial Aid certifying advisors listed for the Gilman Scholarship.
Contact Information
Nicole Uhlinger
Senior Coordinator, Student Services and Enrollment
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
[email protected]