Want to Study Abroad? The Gilman Scholarship Could Help Pay the Way…
Free “Ask Me Anything” Virtual Sessions Begin September 2 as the Fall 2026 Gilman Scholarship Application Period Gets Underway
If studying or interning abroad is on your college wish list, this is the week to start asking questions—and looking for money to help make it happen.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program’s Fall 2026 application is now open, and beginning Wednesday, September 2, Gilman Program staff will host free virtual “Ask Me Anything on Open Application”sessions to help prospective applicants understand the application process and get their questions answered live.
The first session is September 2 from 2:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by additional Wednesday sessions on September 9, 16, 23 and 30. With the student application deadline only one month away—October 1, 2026—students interested in studying abroad should take advantage of these sessions now.
Visit the Gilman Website to register: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
What Is the Gilman Scholarship?
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a U.S. Department of State program that helps American undergraduate students with financial need participate in credit-bearing study or internship programs abroad.
Gilman Scholarships can provide up to $5,000 toward an eligible international experience. Additional funding opportunities are available for qualifying students studying critical-need languages or participating in STEM-related coursework or internships abroad.
Since its establishment in 2001, the program has grown to a network of more than 50,000 alumni who have studied or interned in more than 170 countries.
Could You Be Eligible?
The Gilman Scholarship is designed primarily for undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant who meet the program’s other eligibility requirements.
Students should not assume that studying abroad is financially beyond their reach. If you receive a Pell Grant and have considered studying or interning internationally, check your eligibility before ruling it out.
Military families should also investigate the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, which provides $5,000 awards for eligible undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel who receive qualifying federal financial aid. A special Gilman-McCain “Ask Me Anything” virtual session is scheduled for September 3.
Mark Your Calendar
The Fall 2026 application covers eligible study abroad programs and internships beginning December 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027, including Spring, Maymester, Summer and Fall 2027 and academic-year 2027–2028 programs.
Student Application Deadline: October 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Advisor Certification Deadline: October 8, 2026
Award Notification: December 2026
Don’t wait until the deadline. The application requires four short essays, transcripts, details about the proposed international program, and identification of both a study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor. Both advisors must certify the application.
Gilman Program – Scholarships to Study or Intern Abroad
Visit the Gilman Website Before You Apply | https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
The Gilman website should be the first stop for students and parents. In addition to the online application, you’ll find eligibility requirements, application checklists, essay guidance, selection criteria, FAQs, deadlines, an advisor directory and information about supplemental awards.
Most importantly this month, visit the site’s Events section to register for an “Ask Me Anything” session. Hearing directly from Gilman Program staff could help students avoid mistakes and submit stronger applications.
Travel Talk Tip
Parents, professors, counselors and college advisors—share this opportunity with a student today.
And students: Don’t decide that studying abroad is too expensive before researching scholarships that were created specifically to make international education more accessible.
The application is open. The virtual help begins this week. And October 1 will be here before you know it.
Disclaimer: Scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, award amounts, application procedures, deadlines, virtual-session dates and other program details are subject to change. This article is provided for general informational purposes. Students and parents should visit the official Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program website directly to verify all current eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines, program dates and event information before applying or making financial or travel decisions.
About Travel Talk with Sheila and Friends Blog
Travel Talk with Sheila and Friends Blog Series serve as a digital companion to the Travel Talk with Sheila and Friends Podcast. It expands on the “Travel Talk Study and Work Abroad Tips” segment, offering practical insights, resources, and advice for students, recent graduates, and young adults interested in study and work abroad opportunities. By creating a dedicated space for written content, the blog strengthens community engagement, provides evergreen resources, and encourages ongoing discussion beyond podcast episodes.
Travel Talk with Sheila and Friends encourage families to research universities, accreditation, financial aid, visa requirements, health coverage and professional licensing directly with the appropriate institutions and government agencies before making enrollment or financial decisions.
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