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 Scholarships applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Want to put together a great application? Check out the application information, 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
- Monday, August 31, 6–7 p.m.: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Webinar Registration)
- Thursday, September 17, 7–8 p.m.: Gilman Scholarship Program Overview (Webinar Registration)
- Tuesday, September 22, drop-in between 3–5 p.m. (in-person): 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 29, drop-in between 2–4 p.m. (virtual): Gilman Scholarship Drop-In Essay Review (Virtual). Bring a copy of your essays to have them reviewed by a Global Learning Hub and Prestigious Scholarships staff members. (Zoom Meeting)
- Wednesday, September 30, 2:30–4 p.m.: Drop-In "Ask Us Anything" event (Zoom Meeting)
Application Opening Dates
- Fall 2026 Deadline: The application will open in mid-August for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and academic year 2027-2028 programs.
- Spring 2027 Deadline: The application will open in mid-January for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2027, to 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 pm Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026, to 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 pm Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2027, to April 30, 2028. This cycle encompasses Summer 2027, Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and academic year 2027-2028 programs.
Application Status Notification
- Fall 2026 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2026.
- Spring 2027 Deadline: 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 doing a 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 for UC Davis Students
- Select Scott Palmer as the Financial Aid advisor if you are a UC Davis student doing a 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
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 eligibility requirements. Review the resources and advisors listed above and please attend one of our Information Sessions.
Application Opening
- Fall 2026 Deadline: The application will open in mid-August for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Winter 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and academic year 2027-2028 programs.
- January 2027 Deadline: The application will open in mid-November for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between February 1, 2027, to 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 pm Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2026, to 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 11:59pm Pacific Time for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between February 1, 2027, to October 31, 2027. This cycle encompasses Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and academic year 2027-2028 programs.
Application Status Notification
- Fall 2026 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2026.
- January 2027 Deadline: Applicants will be notified of February 2027.
Certifying Advisors
- Same as above
Contact Information
Nicole Uhlinger
Senior Coordinator, Student Services and Enrollment
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
[email protected]