Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Application guidance

Applicants should approach the Gilman as a scholarship for study abroad, not as an arts grant. The selection process prioritizes financial need, academic plan, and the proposed overseas program's alignment with the applicant's goals. For artists, the strongest applications articulate how the international experience will inform their practice or research, and they demonstrate a clear connection between the chosen destination and the applicant's artistic or academic trajectory. The Gilman-McCain variant requires proof of dependent status; all applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals and receive a Federal Pell Grant. Deadlines are typically in early March and early October; the online application opens months in advance. Advisors on campus can provide critical feedback, and the program offers extensive tips and webinars. Avoid generic statements about 'broadening horizons'; instead, specify courses, mentors, or cultural contexts that are unavailable in the U.S. and that will directly advance your work.