Apply Now for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship!

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:24:10 -0400

Are you a U.S. citizen​ or national of the United States? Do you receive a Pell grant? Are you planning to study abroad? If so, you may be eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship!

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students receiving a Federal Pell Grant to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. These awards offer up to $​8,000 to support your study abroad plans.

The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical-need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.

The deadline for the next application cycle, for students interested in studying abroad during the Winter 2026, Spring 202​6, Summer 202​6 or Fall 202​6 is Friday, October ​3, 2026, at 11:59 pm​ (PST).

The UMBC Education Abroad Office will sponsor several information sessions​ and essay guidance to help students learn about the Gilman program, as well as offer guidance for a competitive application.

Virtual​ Info Sessions:

​Friday, September 19, from 12 to 1 PM, online

​Wednesday, September 24,​ from 12 to 1 PM online

​Essay Workshop Sessions:

Thursday, September 25, 3 - 5 PM (Admin 218)

Thursday, October 2, 3 -5 PM (Admin 218)

Friday, October 3, 1 - 3 PM (online)

Please register for​ the online information by clicking on the appropriate hyperlink. We look forward to seeing you at one of these sessions soon.

Not sure where to start? Check out our website on how to apply! If you have any questions, please email educationabroad@umbc.edu.