Gilman Scholarship recipients can only receive the scholarship once. If a student previously declined the Gilman Scholarship, they are welcome to re-apply, as long as they still meet all eligibility requirements listed below.

• A citizen or national 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 or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship;
• In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
• Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. It is important to note that certain areas within a country or location that has an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either Level 3 or Level 4; Gilman scholars will not be allowed to travel to these specific areas. Gilman scholars are unable to participate in programs located in a country or location — or an area within a country or location — that is designated as either a Level 3 (“Reconsider travel to”) or Level 4 (“Do not travel to”).

Step 1: Submit application by student deadline. 

The following are critical components of the application.

• Statement of Purpose and Community Impact Essays
• Transcripts (unofficial and official both accepted)

Step 2: Both Study Abroad and Financial Aid Certifying Advisors must certify your application by the advisor deadline.

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that both advisors have certified their application by the advisor deadline.
• All applicants must contact the appropriate offices at their home institutions in order to determine the correct study abroad and financial aid certifying advisors to certify their application.
• If an advisor is not listed within the online application, reach out to the appropriate advisor(s) at your institution and ask them to register as a Gilman advisor prior to the application deadline. Once they are registered you will be able to select your institution and advisors in your application.
• Applications without certifications will not be considered.

Experiencing cherry blossom season in Japan is my favorite memory of study abroad. Seeing flower petals showering from the trees is something that I will never forget.

The Gilman Scholarship has helped me financially while abroad but has also prompted me to share my love of studying abroad with other students. After returning from my trip, I started working at UB's Office of Study Abroad this past academic year. I am very grateful for the memories the office has given me while abroad and in the office.

Applying for the Gilman Scholarship while filling out your study abroad application will be a lot at times, but it is worth trying out. The essay prompts for the scholarship will make you understand why you want to study abroad, and when you read over it after your trip abroad, you will cherish the experience as a whole. My study abroad experience has taught me that being thankful and appreciating those around you can take you very far. Without the help of the study abroad advisors, financial aid advisors, my professors, and many other UB staff members, I would not have been able to go abroad. 

The Gilman scholarship offers financial independence and allows students to experience the country of choice without breaking the bank. In fact the scholarship is awarded as a zelle payment so students can use the funds for food, entertainment, flights, and many more. The Gilman program cares about individuality and wants students to tap into your inner self and find your core values. Receiving this award has relieved me of a financial burden and I was able to enjoy myself without worrying what I can and can't afford. Gilman provides a sense of security and dependability and I believe every student  should apply for the scholarship.          

Advice to Future Students: STUDY ABROAD!! Go out and meet new people and get away from the campus stress. Even if it's during the winter/summer session, use this opportunity to learn more about yourself and grow in a different environment. I have met some amazing people and made lifelong friends, not to mention I know my way around London pretty well! It was the best decision I made and my only regret was doing it once.

Nicole Bradley studied abroad at Bilkent University in Turkey with the Gilman Scholarship in Spring of 2023. This video captures Nicole's experience in Turkey as well as educates viewers on the Gilman Scholarship in general.