Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship at University of Chicago 2026

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship at the University of Chicago provides financial support to undergraduate students with limited financial means who want to participate in eligible study abroad programs.

The scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and helps students gain international experience and develop skills considered important to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Awards are generally up to $5,000, with additional funding opportunities for eligible students studying critical-need languages or participating in STEM-related coursework, research, or internships abroad.

Scholarship Overview

About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables undergraduate students with limited financial means to participate in study abroad programs in countries and regions around the world.

The program is designed to make international education more accessible while helping students develop skills and experiences that can contribute to their academic and professional development.

At the University of Chicago, eligible undergraduate students can apply for Gilman funding to support approved study abroad opportunities.

Scholarship Benefits

Gilman Scholarship funding can help cover eligible study abroad expenses, including:

• Program tuition
• Room and board
• Books
• Local transportation
• Insurance
• International airfare
• Passport expenses
• Visa fees

The standard scholarship award is up to $5,000.

Students studying a critical-need language while abroad may be eligible for an award of up to $8,000.

An additional $1,000 may be available for students who conduct eligible STEM-related coursework, research, or internships as part of their study abroad experience.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the provided information, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be an undergraduate student in good standing.
• Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant.
• Apply for a study abroad program that is eligible for credit at the University of Chicago.

Applicants should review the complete Gilman eligibility criteria before applying because additional program requirements may apply.

Selection Process

Gilman Scholarship recipients are selected through a competitive selection process.

Successful applicants must use their scholarship funds toward eligible costs associated with their approved study or internship abroad experience.

Eligible expenses can include program tuition, room and board, books, transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport costs, and visa fees.

Application Deadline

October 1, 2026

The application deadline is:

Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Application Cycle

The application opening in mid-August 2026 is intended for students whose eligible study abroad programs or internships begin between:

December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027.

This application cycle includes programs taking place during:

• Winter or January Term 2027
• Spring 2027
• Maymester 2027
• Summer 2027
• Fall 2027
• Academic Year 2027–2028

How to Apply

Eligible University of Chicago students should prepare their Gilman Scholarship application through the official program application process.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed study abroad program is eligible for credit at UChicago and that they meet the Gilman Scholarship eligibility requirements.

The application for the October 2026 deadline will open in mid-August 2026.

Applicants should submit their application by October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Important Note

The information provided lists the scholarship value as up to $8,000, but the standard Gilman award is up to $5,000, with additional funding opportunities depending on eligibility. Applicants should review the current official Gilman requirements and eligible-expense guidelines before applying.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship: Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
University: University of Chicago
Award: Up to $5,000; up to $8,000 for eligible critical-need language applicants
Additional STEM Funding: $1,000 may be available
Study Level: Undergraduate
Eligibility: U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Deadline Time: 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Program Period: December 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027

For more details, visit   UChicago Scholarship Webpage