This scholarship awards up to $5,000 for U.S. students with high financial need to study or intern abroad, tips to boost your application inside!
Have you always dreamed of studying abroad, but think it isn’t for you because of the cost? You’re in luck—the Gilman Scholarship is the golden ticket to making your global experience dream a reality, offering up to $5,000 for U.S. students to study or intern abroad. From Broad Street to abroad, a whopping 13 Temple students landed the Gilman Scholarship this spring 2025 cycle.
It’s more than just a scholarship; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, try new foods and swap stories with the amazing people in your host country through international exchange and apply what you learned back to the U.S.—but don’t wait until the last minute! The Oct. 3 deadline for the fall cycle is quickly approaching, so leave yourself enough time to start the application process early.
“When students come the day before the deadline, there is only so much we can do,” said Barbara Gorka, director of scholar development and fellowships advising. “One appointment can be the difference between success and not. Once students start working with our office, they often come back.”
“We really want to help students increase the quality of their essays and competitiveness for this award,” added Maureen Gordon, executive director of education abroad and overseas campuses. “We want them to know that there is money out there and that they can be successful in getting scholarships.”
No matter what stage you are in the process, we’ve got your back with the best resources and tips to refine your essays and strengthen your application.
But first, check to see if you are eligible for this scholarship.
If you are unsure about your Pell Grant status, check your financial aid package in TUportal or contact the One Stop Student Services Center.
Begin your Gilman application online and draft the required essays.
Fall cycle deadline is Oct. 3 (for spring 2026, summer 2026 and fall/academic year 2026 study abroad programs).
Spring cycle deadline is March 5 (for summer 2026, fall/academic year 2026 and spring 2027 study abroad programs).
One shining Owl who made it happen is Jose Samayoa, Class of 2026, who knocked the application process out of the park and landed the Gilman Scholarship under Gorka’s guidance.
“Barbara Gorka pushed me to go deeper in my essays, to really explain my goals and experiences in a way that showed my passion,” said Samayoa, who is majoring in secondary education with a focus on world languages. “She made me stronger as a writer and gave me more confidence in my application.”
In the summer of 2025, he took off on an adventure to Oviedo, Spain, as part of the Temple in Spain program. He immersed himself in Spanish literature (Composition) and culture classes (Spanish Culture) that helped him grow immensely as a student and a future teacher.
“I had deep conversations with people about immigration, how they see U.S. citizens and historical topics like the conquest,” said Samayoa, originally from Guatemala and now based in Philadelphia. “I just started teaching Spanish at the high school level and I’ve already been sharing with my students the idea of studying abroad and looking for scholarships like Gilman. I want them to see that learning a language is not only about grammar or vocabulary, but about connecting with people, cultures and real experiences.”
The $3,000 Critical Need Language Award is also up for grabs for students studying high-demand languages in nontraditional locations. And applicants exploring STEM-related research as part of their study abroad or international internship program can apply for a STEM supplemental award of up to $1,000!
The good news is, with the right approach, following a few helpful tips and giving yourself enough time, you can submit a strong application that best demonstrates your goals, passion and commitment and speaks to your authentic self. Remember: Temple advisors and resources are always here to help you one step at a time. And don’t wait until the last minute—the Gilman Scholarship could be your golden ticket to a life-changing global experience, regardless of if you have high financial needs!
Email Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses at study.abroad@temple.edu or attend walk-in hours, Monday through Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Tuttleman Learning Center 200.
Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising (feladv@temple.edu) and the Writing Center are also available to review draft essays.
Students can schedule an appointment with Fellowships Advising through Handshake: temple.joinhandshake.com/edu/appointments.
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