Bridging Scholarships
Funding for American undergraduates studying abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year. Academic-year scholarships consist of a $4,500 cash stipend; semester scholarships consist of a $2,500 cash stipend.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Goes By: Gilman
Be sure to consult the Fellowship Website for complete eligibility and competition requirements.
Deadlines
Gilman Electronic Deadline
Thursday, March 5, 2026
11:59 p.m. PT
Gilman Electronic Deadline
Thursday, October 1, 2026
11:59 p.m. PT
About this Fellowship
Provides funding for Pell Grant recipients to study or intern abroad.
Gilman Scholarships expand opportunities for study abroad for students whose demonstrated financial need might otherwise keep them from pursuing such an experience. The program encourages participation by students in a broad range of fields of study in a wide range of countries. Students who have not studied abroad previously are encouraged to apply.
Students may apply for an additional $3,000 award for study of critical need languages and/or up to $1,000 to support STEM research abroad.
There is no minimum required program length, but you must get academic credit from your program. Applicants must be eligible for Pell Grants either in the semester they apply and/or the semester they are abroad.
Special funding is reserved for applicants who are dependents of active military members (Gilman-McCain).
There are multiple application cycles, so please be sure to apply for the cycle that corresponds to your intended study abroad semester. If you plan ahead, you might be able to apply twice (although you can only be awarded once)! You do not have to be accepted to a study abroad program to apply for Gilman.
Please note: Students applying for the Gilman must also complete the study abroad application process with the Education Abroad Office. They can also assist with picking a Gilman-eligible program. See more information about the study abroad application process and their deadlines at the Education Abroad website.
Hear more about this fellowship by checking out our podcast, Engage in the Process!
Disability Resources
Disability-related accommodations are considered eligible expenses and can be covered by Gilman funds if awarded. Recipients should reach out to Gilman with further questions.
For general resources on studying abroad with a disability, visit the Mobility International USA (MIUSA) website.
Award Value
Up to $5,000 for undergraduate study up to one year is provided with the potential for up to an additional $3,000 if also studying a critical language, and up to an additional $1,000 to support STEM research costs.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Year(s) of Application | Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
Citizenship |
US Citizen |
| Campus Nomination Required | Yes |
Events
Gilman Workshop
Friday, January 30, 2026
1:00 pm
Russell House 302
Gilman Drop-In
Friday, February 20, 2026
10:00 am
Library
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Other Fellowships to Consider
Freeman-ASIA
Provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Summer awards up to $3000, semester awards up to $5000, and academic year awards up to $7000.
Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
Provides funding for students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad and earn academic credit . Scholarships range from $1,250 - $10,000.