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U.S. undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant who are applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or international internship program may apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.
Awards are up to $5,000 for eligible program expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and passport or visa fees. Gilman scholars also receive 12 months of federal noncompetitive eligibility hiring status.
Apply through the Gilman Program online portal with required essays addressing your goals, financial need, and program fit. Applications are offered twice annually with deadlines tied to your program term.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program awards $5,000.
The deadline is October 1, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered, so plan to finish early.
Key requirements include: Undergraduate; Financial need; United States. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
Students participating in standard AIFS Abroad study or intern abroad programs who demonstrate strong academic achievement and/or community service may apply for the Cultural Engagement Scholarship. The award does not apply to customized faculty-led programs or virtual internships. Recipients receive up to $5,000 toward program costs. Up to four awards are available across fall and spring semesters. Complete both the scholarship application and the AIFS program application. Submit materials by April 15 for fall-semester programs or October 1 for spring-semester programs.
No essay requiredStudents pursuing law enforcement degrees or skilled trades careers (such as electrician, welder, or carpenter) who are accepted for full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. two-year university, law enforcement academy, or qualified trade program may apply. Awards of $1,000 support tuition and training costs. Law enforcement recipients also receive a ballistic helmet upon program completion; skilled trades recipients receive a hard hat. Submit a 500-word essay, letter of acceptance or transcript, and one recommendation. Hard Head Veterans offers this fund to support those serving in law enforcement and the skilled trades.
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Yes, the application includes 6 essay questions. Award Scholar drafts scholarship essays in your own voice, so the writing takes minutes instead of hours.
Create a free Award Scholar profile to confirm you qualify, draft the essays in minutes, and get the official application link with deadline reminders.