The U.S. Department of State has awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to approximately 1,600 American undergraduate students for the fall 2024 cycle, providing them with the opportunity to study or intern abroad in over 90 countries. This diverse group of scholars hails from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, with the majority of recipients coming from rural areas and small towns.
The Gilman Scholarship program, designed to help students with high financial need—specifically federal Pell Grant recipients—offers American undergraduates the chance to gain global experience while pursuing academic goals in international settings. On average, 65 percent of the recipients are from rural areas, and half are first-generation college students, making this program an essential tool for increasing access to global education.
Expanding Global Opportunities for Underserved Students
This year’s cohort includes 51 students receiving the Critical Need Language Award, which supports those studying languages critical to U.S. national security, and 40 students who are recipients of the STEM Supplemental Award. The latter is particularly significant, as it encourages students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees to conduct research abroad, bridging gaps between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Additionally, 49 students have been awarded the John McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship), which assists dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel in pursuing educational opportunities abroad.
The program also benefits from partnerships with international organizations and governments, including Germany’s German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), New Zealand, and Wales, which have provided additional scholarships. Other sponsors include the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) in Portugal and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. (TECRO), further expanding opportunities for Gilman scholars to study in these regions.
A Legacy of Global Engagement and Educational Access
Since its launch in 2001, the Gilman Scholarship has allowed more than 44,000 students to study or intern in over 170 countries, facilitating cultural exchange and enhancing international understanding. The program, which is supported by the U.S. Congress, is an initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the U.S. Department of State and is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Gilman scholars are chosen not only for their academic achievements but also for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program specifically seeks to empower students who might otherwise face financial or institutional barriers to studying abroad, ensuring that a wide range of U.S. students have the chance to gain a global perspective.
“The Gilman Scholarship has become a vital tool for expanding access to international education. It’s a critical way for us to ensure that American students, regardless of background or financial need, have the opportunity to gain the global experience that will help them excel in their careers and become leaders in our increasingly interconnected world,” said Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State.
An Expanding Network of Scholars and Alumni
The newly announced cohort of 1,600 Gilman Scholars represents over 500 U.S. colleges and universities, making this one of the largest and most diverse groups in the program’s history. Through their study abroad experiences, these students will not only engage with other cultures but also contribute to advancing the U.S. Department of State’s mission of fostering international collaboration, economic development, and cultural diplomacy.
The Gilman Scholarship serves as a springboard for many students’ careers, providing them with the skills, networks, and global understanding that are increasingly valuable in today’s globalized job market. Graduates of the program are encouraged to stay connected through the Gilman Alumni Association, which offers professional development, networking opportunities, and support for continued global engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Opportunity for U.S. Undergraduates
The spring 2025 application cycle for the Gilman Scholarship will open in January 2025, offering more students the chance to participate in life-changing study abroad programs. The U.S. Department of State encourages all eligible students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to apply for this transformative opportunity.
As the program grows, the Department of State remains committed to increasing educational access, global opportunities, and cultural exchange for American students. The Gilman Scholarship remains a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, demonstrating the power of education in fostering mutual understanding and long-term diplomatic relationships.
For more information about the Gilman Scholarship, including how to apply, visit gilmanscholarship.org.