UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027 in the USA

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UC Davis Gilman Scholarship

UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027 in the USA

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The Gilman Scholarship 2027 at UC Davis provides up to $5,000 (plus a $3,000 critical-need language supplement, for a combined $8,000) to Pell Grant-eligible UC Davis undergraduates who want to study or intern abroad. It’s a national U.S. Department of State program, and UC Davis is one of the country’s top producers of Gilman Scholars, offering dedicated advising, essay reviews, and application support.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

Before diving in, it’s worth understanding exactly what this scholarship is: the Gilman Scholarship is not a UC Davis institutional award. It’s the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, a national scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). “UC Davis Gilman Scholarship” refers to UC Davis undergraduates applying for this national program, with dedicated support from UC Davis’s Global Learning Hub and Financial Aid and Scholarships offices. UC Davis has consistently ranked among the top producer institutions for Gilman Scholars nationwide.

Introduction of UC Davis Gilman Scholarship

Dreaming of studying or interning abroad but worried Pell Grant funding alone won’t stretch far enough? The Gilman Scholarship 2027 could be the answer for UC Davis undergraduates.

Named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York, the Gilman Program was established by Congress in 2001 to close the gap in study-abroad access for students with high financial need. It specifically targets Pell Grant recipients — students who might otherwise assume international study is financially out of reach — and helps fund their study, research, or internship experience abroad.

UC Davis has built a genuine reputation around this scholarship. Between 2015 and 2025, 574 UC Davis students received Gilman scholarships totaling more than $2 million, and the university has repeatedly ranked among the top producers of Gilman Scholars nationally among large institutions. That track record comes with real infrastructure: dedicated advisors for different types of study-abroad programs, essay review drop-in sessions, and writing workshops specifically built around the Gilman application.

This guide walks you through everything UC Davis undergraduates need to know about applying for the Gilman Scholarship in the 2026–2027 cycle — eligibility, benefits, the application process, and how UC Davis’s support system can improve your chances. Use the Table of Contents to jump to what matters most to you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE

Item Details
Scholarship Name Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Host Institution Applicable to UC Davis undergraduates studying/interning abroad
Funded By U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered By Institute of International Education (IIE)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Scholarship Type Partially Funded (merit- and need-based)
Coverage Up to $5,000, plus up to $3,000 for critical-need language study (combined total up to $8,000)
Eligible Applicants U.S. citizen undergraduates receiving a Federal Pell Grant
Application Deadline Varies by cycle (typically around October and March each year)
Study Mode Study abroad, research abroad, or internship abroad
Duration Varies by chosen study/internship program
IELTS Required Not applicable (this scholarship is for U.S. undergraduates, not international applicants to the U.S.)
Application Fee None

About the UC Davis Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Program exists to solve a specific problem: many talented students with financial need never consider studying abroad because they assume it’s unaffordable, even when they’re already receiving federal financial aid. By tying eligibility directly to Pell Grant status, the program targets exactly the students who are most likely to be priced out of international education otherwise.

Since its founding, the Gilman Program has awarded scholarships to tens of thousands of Pell Grant recipients across the country. UC Davis has been a particularly strong participant: the university has been recognized multiple times as a top producer of Gilman Scholars among large institutions, and its Global Learning Hub has built out significant institutional support — including dedicated advisors depending on whether you’re doing a UC Davis Summer Abroad programme, a UC Davis Quarter Abroad programme, or a UCEAP/Independent Study Abroad programme.

What makes UC Davis’s approach distinctive is the layered support system: separate advisors handle study-abroad program logistics versus financial aid questions, and the Global Learning Hub runs in-person essay review sessions, Writing Center workshops, and open “ask us anything” drop-in events specifically timed around Gilman deadlines.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

The Gilman Scholarship for UC Davis undergraduates provides:

✔ Base Award — Up to $5,000 to help fund your study, research, or internship abroad.

✔ Critical Need Language Supplement — An additional award of up to $3,000 for students studying a critical-need language while abroad, bringing the combined total to up to $8,000.

✔ Gilman-McCain Scholarship (for military-connected students) — A separate $5,000 award for child and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel, with eligibility based on receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid.

✔ UC Davis Advising Support — Dedicated study-abroad and financial aid advisors, plus essay review sessions and writing workshops built specifically around the Gilman application timeline.

✔ Career and Prestige Value — Gilman is widely recognized as a launchpad toward other prestigious opportunities; some UC Davis alumni have gone on to pursue Fulbright and other advanced international programs after their Gilman experience.

The award amount is intended to offset costs like flights, program fees, and living expenses abroad, but it’s not designed to cover 100% of a study-abroad program’s total cost — most students combine it with other financial aid and personal contributions.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Gilman funding can be applied toward a range of UC Davis-affiliated and UC-wide study-abroad pathways, including:

  • UC Davis Summer Abroad programs and internships
  • UC Davis Quarter Abroad programs
  • UCEAP (University of California Education Abroad Program) options
  • Independent Study Abroad programs approved through UC Davis

Coursework and internships across virtually any academic discipline are eligible, as long as the program is credit-bearing and meets Gilman’s country and eligibility requirements.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To apply for the Gilman Scholarship as a UC Davis undergraduate, you generally need to:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be an undergraduate student in good standing at UC Davis
  • Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application, or provide proof that you will be receiving one during the term of your study abroad or internship
  • Plan to study or intern in a country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 (countries at Level 3 or 4 are generally excluded)
  • Be enrolled in, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study, research, or internship program abroad

For the separate Gilman-McCain Scholarship:

  • Be a child or spousal dependent of active or activated U.S. military personnel at the time of application
  • Be a recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid, or provide proof you will be during your study/internship term

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

To apply, you’ll typically need:

  • Completed online Gilman application (through the official Gilman Program portal)
  • Proof of Federal Pell Grant eligibility (or Title IV aid, for Gilman-McCain applicants)
  • A Statement of Purpose essay
  • A Follow-on Service Project Proposal essay, outlining how you’ll share your experience after returning
  • Proof of acceptance into your chosen study, research, or internship abroad program
  • Confirmation of your UC Davis certifying advisor’s approval

UC Davis requires you to select the correct certifying Study Abroad advisor and Financial Aid advisor based on your specific programme type before submitting your application.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Confirm your Pell Grant eligibility. Check with UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships to confirm your current or upcoming Pell Grant status.

Step 2: Get accepted into your study, research, or internship abroad program. Secure your placement in a UC Davis Summer Abroad, Quarter Abroad, UCEAP, or approved Independent Study Abroad program before applying for Gilman.

Step 3: Select your UC Davis certifying advisors. Choose the correct Study Abroad advisor and Financial Aid advisor for your specific programme type, as required by UC Davis’s Gilman application process.

Step 4: Attend an information session or drop-in event. UC Davis’s Global Learning Hub runs info sessions and essay review drop-ins specifically for Gilman applicants — take advantage of these before writing your essays.

Step 5: Write your Statement of Purpose and Follow-on Service Project Proposal. These two essays are central to your application; use UC Davis’s writing support resources to refine them.

Step 6: Submit your application through the official Gilman portal. Complete your application by the specific cycle deadline (commonly around October or March, depending on your travel dates).

Step 7: Await notification. Results are typically announced a couple of months after the deadline; UC Davis advisors can help you interpret and act on your outcome.

IMPORTANT DATES

Milestone Timing
Fall/Winter Cycle Application Opens Typically mid-August
Fall/Winter Cycle Deadline Typically early October
Spring Cycle Application Opens Typically mid-January
Spring Cycle Deadline (for programs starting May–April the following year) Typically early March (e.g., March 5 for one recent cycle)
Notification of Results Roughly 2 months after each deadline

Since Gilman cycle dates shift slightly year to year, always confirm the current cycle’s exact dates on UC Davis’s Global Learning Hub Gilman page before applying.

IMPORTANT LINKS

SELECTION PROCESS

  1. Application submission — You submit your Gilman application, including essays and Pell Grant documentation, through the official portal.
  2. UC Davis certification — Your designated UC Davis advisors certify your enrollment and programme details.
  3. National review — The Institute of International Education reviews applications nationally against Gilman’s criteria.
  4. Merit and need assessment — Applications are evaluated on financial need, academic merit, and the strength of your essays.
  5. Award decision — Successful applicants are notified of their award amount, including any critical-need language supplement.
  6. Post-award requirements — Recipients are expected to complete a Follow-on Service Project after their programme, as outlined in their application.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES

  • Attend UC Davis’s Gilman information sessions and essay review drop-ins before submitting
  • Choose a critical-need language programme if it fits your academic goals, to access the additional $3,000 supplement
  • Write a Statement of Purpose that clearly connects your study-abroad goals to your academic and career plans
  • Make your Follow-on Service Project Proposal specific and realistic, not generic
  • Apply as early as possible within your application window, rather than waiting until the deadline
  • Get your programme acceptance and Pell Grant documentation sorted well before you start your Gilman application
  • Use UC Davis’s Writing Center resources specifically built around the Gilman essay requirements

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Applying without confirming your Pell Grant status first
  • Choosing a destination country with a Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4, which disqualifies your application
  • Selecting the wrong UC Davis certifying advisor for your specific programme type
  • Submitting generic essays that don’t reflect genuine personal or academic motivation
  • Missing your specific cycle’s deadline, since dates shift depending on your programme’s start date
  • Assuming Gilman covers 100% of your study-abroad costs (it doesn’t — plan for additional funding sources)
  • Skipping UC Davis’s dedicated Gilman support sessions, which are specifically designed to strengthen your application

STUDYING ABROAD ON GILMAN FUNDING

  • Award use: Gilman funds are generally applied toward program costs, flights, and living expenses during your time abroad
  • Combining funding: Most students combine Gilman with other financial aid, personal savings, or additional scholarships to fully cover their programme
  • Program flexibility: Whether you’re doing a UC Davis-run programme, a UCEAP exchange, or an independent study-abroad placement, Gilman funding can generally apply as long as it’s credit-bearing and properly certified
  • Post-return commitment: Gilman recipients are expected to complete a Follow-on Service Project, sharing their experience with their campus or community after returning

TRAVEL ADVISORY REQUIREMENTS

  • Gilman applicants must plan to study or intern in a country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) or Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”)
  • Countries rated Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) or Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) are generally not eligible destinations for Gilman funding
  • Travel Advisory levels can change, so confirm your destination’s current rating on the official U.S. Department of State travel advisories page before applying
  • If your destination’s advisory level changes after you’ve applied, contact your UC Davis advisor and the Gilman Program directly for guidance

WHY APPLY THROUGH UC DAVIS

  • UC Davis has repeatedly ranked among the top producers of Gilman Scholars nationally, reflecting strong institutional support
  • Dedicated advisors are assigned by programme type, so you always know exactly who to contact for study-abroad or financial aid questions
  • In-person essay review drop-ins and Writing Center sessions are timed specifically around Gilman deadlines
  • A track record of over 570 UC Davis Gilman recipients and $2 million+ in funding since 2015 demonstrates a genuinely supportive pipeline
  • Gilman has served as a stepping stone for UC Davis students toward other prestigious opportunities, including Fulbright

IMPORTANT FAQs

1. Is the Gilman Scholarship fully funded? No, it provides up to $5,000 (or up to $8,000 with the language supplement), which typically covers part, not all, of a study-abroad program’s cost.

2. Is this a UC Davis-specific scholarship? No, it’s a national U.S. Department of State program; UC Davis provides dedicated advising and support to help its undergraduates apply successfully.

3. Who can apply? U.S. citizen undergraduates at UC Davis who are receiving, or will be receiving, a Federal Pell Grant during their study-abroad term.

4. Can international students at UC Davis apply? No, Gilman is specifically for U.S. citizens; international students are not eligible for this particular scholarship.

5. Can graduate students apply? No, Gilman is an undergraduate-only scholarship.

6. Is IELTS required? No, since this scholarship funds U.S. students studying abroad rather than international students studying in the U.S., IELTS isn’t relevant here.

7. Is there an application fee? No, there’s no fee to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

8. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status doesn’t affect eligibility, provided you meet the Pell Grant and citizenship requirements.

9. What GPA is required? There’s no fixed minimum GPA published; selection weighs financial need, academic standing, and the strength of your essays.

10. Can I study any language critical-need language abroad? Studying a Department of State-designated critical-need language abroad qualifies you for the additional $3,000 supplement, on top of the base award.

11. Can I intern abroad instead of studying? Yes, Gilman funds credit-bearing internships abroad as well as study and research programs.

12. What countries are eligible? Countries with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2; Level 3 and 4 countries are generally excluded.

13. How many UC Davis students receive Gilman scholarships each year? This varies annually; in 2025 alone, 60 UC Davis students received a combined $183,000 in Gilman funding.

14. Can I apply more than once? Policies on reapplying vary; check current guidance with your UC Davis Gilman advisor if you’ve previously applied.

15. What happens after I’m selected? You’ll be notified of your award and will need to complete a Follow-on Service Project after your programme abroad.

16. How competitive is this scholarship? Competitive, though UC Davis’s strong institutional support and dedicated advising meaningfully improve applicants’ chances compared to going through the process alone.

17. Can I apply with a programme still pending acceptance? You generally need to have secured or be actively pursuing acceptance into your study/internship program as part of your Gilman application.

18. What expenses are not covered? Gilman funding doesn’t guarantee full coverage of your programme; students typically combine it with other financial aid or personal funds.

19. Can I defer my scholarship to a later cycle? Deferral isn’t a standard feature; if your plans change, contact your UC Davis Gilman advisor directly.

20. Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship? There’s no stated restriction against holding other scholarships alongside Gilman; confirm with your UC Davis advisor if you have specific concerns.

21. How will I know if I’ve been selected? Notifications are sent through the official Gilman portal, typically about two months after each cycle’s deadline.

22. Does UC Davis offer help writing the essays? Yes, UC Davis’s Global Learning Hub runs dedicated essay review drop-ins and Writing Center sessions specifically for Gilman applicants.

23. What is the Gilman-McCain Scholarship? A related $5,000 award specifically for child and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel, with slightly different eligibility criteria.

24. Who administers the Gilman Program? It’s funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

25. Who do I contact at UC Davis for help? Contact the Global Learning Hub’s Prestigious Scholarships office, and select the correct Study Abroad and Financial Aid advisors for your specific programme type.

FINAL SUMMARY

The Gilman Scholarship 2027 gives UC Davis undergraduates a genuine, well-supported path to studying or interning abroad without letting financial need be the deciding factor. With up to $8,000 available for eligible students studying critical-need languages, and one of the strongest institutional support systems in the country behind it, UC Davis undergraduates are in a particularly good position to apply successfully.

The most important first steps are confirming your Pell Grant eligibility, securing your study-abroad or internship placement, and connecting with UC Davis’s Global Learning Hub early to take full advantage of their advising, essay review, and writing support before your cycle’s deadline.

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