Resources

Study Abroad Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Requirements:

  • A citizen of the United States
  • An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions)
  • Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application
  • In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program, or a virtual international program.

Award:

up to $5,000

Application:

Apply Now

International Access Scholarship

Georgia State University

The International Access Scholarship (IAS) seeks to increase access to study abroad for students with demonstrated financial need and increase the representation of first-generation college students studying abroad. Your study abroad program application includes your application for the International Access Scholarship.

Requirements:

  • Students must have committed to their study abroad program by the scholarship deadline.
  • Students participating in faculty-led study abroad programs must make their initial deposit by the scholarship deadline.
  • Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at GSU and plan to earn credit for an experience abroad.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need by having a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
  • For undergraduates, “financial need” is defined as being eligible for Pell Grant and/or subsidized loans at the time of application.
  • For graduate students, “financial need” is defined as being eligible for federal direct loans.
  • Undergraduate students must have an established institutional GPA at the time of application and must be in Good Academic Standing. Transfer and overall GPAs will not be considered.
  • Graduate students must be actively enrolled and be participating in/have completed their first semester at GSU by the time of application.

Award:

up to $7,500

Application:

Apply Now

The College of Arts & Sciences Study Abroad Scholarship

Georgia State University

The Georgia State University International Access Scholarship is a financial aid program aimed at supporting international students who wish to study at Georgia State University in the United States. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to qualified international students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Requirements:

  • U.S. citizens at the time of the application deadline
  • A high school graduate, currently attend Georgia State University
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Award:

$8,000 - $25,000

Application:

Apply Now

Gilman Essay Tips & Tricks

Statement of Purpose

  • This essay is your chance to shine. Gilman wants to hear who you are. Be personal, share your background, identity, and personal stories.
  • Highlight your major and minor coursework and emphasize your academic achievements.
  • Discuss the program's highlights and how it aligns with your academic goals.
  • Explain the courses you plan to take and how they fit into your academic journey. Be specific about how this program will help you reach your internship, dream job, or grad school goals.
  • Connect your essay to a relevant dream or aspiration.
  • Mutual Understanding

  • In this essay, dive into the program's details, and community engagement. Discuss how you plan to connect with people during your study abroad experience.
  • Share insights about the community and cultural aspects, without making it sound too heavy.
  • Community Service Project

  • Explain how you'll promote Gilman during and after your study abroad experience.
  • Emphasize your intention to share your experience with your community.
  • Additional Tips

  • Look at the program description and use a lot of that language.
  • Have as many people read over your essay as possible. (Writing Studio and Advisors)
  • Reuse the Gilman Scholarship!
  • Use keywords and buzzwords in your essays.
  • Highlight your uniqueness, whether academic, personal, or achievements.
  • Diversify your study abroad program.
  • Consider scholarships available later and sooner.
  • Utilize University System of Georgia programs for STEM-based opportunities.
  • Study Abroad Scholarships

    Gilman Scholarship Essays