University of California

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is inviting eligible undergraduate students to prepare for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program 2027, one of the most competitive U.S. government-funded study abroad scholarships. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program provides financial assistance to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, enabling them to participate in academic study or international internships around the world.

Students selected for the program may receive funding of up to $9,000, helping cover essential study abroad expenses such as tuition, travel, accommodation, insurance, and other educational costs. Although the scholarship is open to eligible students from accredited colleges and universities across the United States, UC Davis offers dedicated application support through its Global Learning Hub, including application guidance, essay feedback, and advisor certification assistance.

Scholarship Overview

Degree Level

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is available exclusively for undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

Graduate, doctoral, and professional degree students are not eligible under the current scholarship guidelines.

Eligible Fields of Study

Students from nearly every undergraduate discipline are encouraged to apply. Eligible academic fields include:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Agriculture
• Environmental Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Education
• Other accredited undergraduate majors

The scholarship also supports approved international internship programs that provide academic credit.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants can receive financial assistance worth up to $9,000 through multiple funding opportunities.

Funding may include:

• Standard Gilman Scholarship of up to $5,000
• Critical Need Language Award of up to $3,000
• STEM Supplemental Award of up to $1,000

The scholarship can be used to cover a wide range of study abroad expenses, including:

• International airfare
• Tuition and program fees
• Accommodation
• Meals and living expenses
• Local transportation
• Passport application fees
• Visa costs
• Health insurance
• Books and required educational materials

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must meet the following nationality requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Receive a Federal Pell Grant during the study abroad program.

International students studying in the United States are not eligible unless they hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. nationality.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program 2027, applicants should satisfy all of the following conditions:

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Receive or be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant during the overseas program.
• Apply for or secure admission to a credit-bearing study abroad or international internship program.
• Select an approved destination that complies with U.S. Department of State travel advisory requirements.
• Complete and submit all required scholarship documents before the official deadline.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the application:

• Completed online scholarship application
• Personal statement essays
• Proof of Federal Pell Grant eligibility
• Study abroad or internship application
• Advisor certification forms
• Academic transcripts or records (if requested)
• Additional supporting documents required by the scholarship committee

How to Apply

Applicants can complete the application by following these steps:

1. Verify that you meet all Gilman Scholarship eligibility requirements.
2. Apply to an approved credit-bearing study abroad or international internship program.
3. Complete the online Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship application.
4. Write compelling scholarship essays highlighting your academic goals, leadership potential, and career aspirations.
5. Obtain certifications from your financial aid advisor and study abroad advisor.
6. Review all application materials carefully before submission.
7. Submit the completed application before the official deadline and await the scholarship selection results.

Eligible Study Destinations

The Gilman Scholarship supports study abroad programs located in countries that meet U.S. Department of State travel safety requirements.

Generally, eligible destinations include countries classified as:

• Travel Advisory Level 1
• Travel Advisory Level 2

Programs located in destinations with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories are generally not eligible unless otherwise specified by the scholarship program.

Why Choose the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship?

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is designed to increase access to international education for students with financial need. Beyond financial support, the program helps students build valuable academic, professional, and cultural skills that can benefit them throughout their careers.

Key advantages include:

• Financial support for overseas education
• International internship opportunities
• Global leadership development
• Cross-cultural communication skills
• Foreign language learning opportunities
• Enhanced career prospects
• Strong international professional networks
• Opportunity to represent the United States as a citizen ambassador

Students who participate in the program gain meaningful international experience while strengthening their academic credentials and preparing for careers in an increasingly global workforce.

Conclusion

The UC Davis Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program 2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for eligible U.S. undergraduate students to study or intern abroad with financial support of up to $9,000. Through funding provided by the U.S. Department of State and application assistance from the UC Davis Global Learning Hub, students can pursue international educational experiences that enhance their academic, professional, and personal development. Interested applicants should begin preparing their application materials early and monitor the official application timeline to ensure they meet all deadlines.