Why should you apply for the Gilman scholarship?

The top reasons are:

  • Up to $5,000 would almost be enough to cover the cost of this program
    Plus, it covers tuition, food, passport fees which are not often times not included in the fee of IUE's study abroad programs. 
  • It's a prestigious scholarship funded by the US State Department
    Four of your peers at IU East have received a Gilman scholarship already Alex Hakes, Links to an external site. Shelley Smith Links to an external site., Roz J and Paula Gallegos Links to an external site. so it is possible to receive it.
    In fact, it is not an elitist scholarship so being from a regional campus will work in your favor.
  • With over 30,000 alumni, it's a great way to network!
  • There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply.
  • If you're not successful, you can still receive IU East’s campus and School scholarships.

Keep in mind that the next deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct 9, 2025.
(for programs that start between Dec 1, 2025, to Oct 31, 2026)
NB: If you don't get it this time around and if you trip/program starts on or after May 1, 2026, you can re-apply during the next application cycle in October 2025.

Resources and help to apply:

  • There are lots of resources to assist students with the application process (mainly with writing their essay). There’s an optional Canvas site (managed by Amanda Roshan-Rawaan and Ochmaa Escue who are Gilman Scholarship experts in Bloomington) designed to help students as well as a recording of an info session Links to an external site. they held online in Spring 2024. 

Below are application and essay tips:

For general questions about Gilman scholarships, please contact Ochmaa Escue oescue@iu.edu at IU's central office of Education Abroad or contact the Gilman Program directly at Gilman@iie.org.