Studying abroad can be one of the most valuable experiences of an undergraduate degree. It gives students the opportunity to experience different cultures, develop international networks, gain new academic perspectives, and build skills that can be useful long after graduation. However, the cost of an international academic program can prevent talented students from taking advantage of these opportunities.
The UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027 provides an important funding opportunity for eligible undergraduate students who want to study or intern abroad but need additional financial assistance. Through the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, students can receive awards of up to $5,000 toward eligible study-abroad or international internship expenses.
The program is particularly designed to expand access to international education for U.S. undergraduate students with significant financial need. UC Davis encourages eligible students to apply and provides campus advising and certification support through its Global Learning Hub.
For students planning a study-abroad experience in 2027, understanding the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, essays, and selection process early can make a major difference.
What Is the UC Davis Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State-funded international education award administered by the Institute of International Education. It supports American undergraduate students who receive a Federal Pell Grant and want to participate in eligible credit-bearing study-abroad programs or international internships.
The program can provide up to $5,000 per recipient. The actual award depends on factors such as financial need, program length, overall program costs, and the strength of the application.
UC Davis promotes the Gilman Scholarship through its Global Learning Hub as one of the funding opportunities available to students seeking international academic or internship experiences.
The scholarship is not a general tuition scholarship for studying at UC Davis. Instead, it is specifically intended to help eligible undergraduate students participate in approved international study or internship programs.
For a UC Davis student planning to spend part of 2027 abroad, this distinction is important: you generally need to have an eligible international program or internship connected to your undergraduate education rather than simply applying for money to travel overseas.
Harvard Academy Scholars Program
The standard Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000.
The amount awarded is not automatically $5,000 for every recipient. The selection process considers financial need, program expenses, program duration, and the overall strength of the application.
There are also opportunities for eligible applicants to receive additional supplemental funding.
Critical Need Language Award
Students studying a language identified as a critical need language may be eligible to compete for a Critical Need Language Award of up to $3,000.
This is a competitive supplement and is not automatically awarded simply because a student studies a qualifying language.
STEM Supplemental Award
Students participating in STEM-related coursework or internships abroad may also be eligible for a STEM Supplemental Award of up to $1,000.
These supplemental opportunities can potentially increase the amount of financial support available to an eligible student, although applicants should carefully review the requirements for each supplement before applying.
Who Can Apply for the UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027?
The Gilman Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, so students should check each requirement carefully before beginning an application.
According to the official Gilman program, applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.
- Undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited U.S. higher-education institution.
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant when applying or able to provide proof that they will receive a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.
- Applying to or accepted into a qualifying credit-bearing study-abroad program or internship.
- Participating in an eligible destination under the Department of State Travel Advisory requirements.
UC Davis students must also work with the appropriate study-abroad and financial-aid advisors to complete the certification portion of their application.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement
One of the most important requirements is citizenship.
The Gilman Scholarship is intended for U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. Permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for the regular Gilman Scholarship.
This means that being enrolled at UC Davis alone does not make a student eligible.
Undergraduate Requirement
The scholarship is specifically for undergraduate students.
High-school students, graduate students, and post-graduate students are not eligible for the standard Gilman Scholarship. Students must remain current undergraduates for the duration of their study-abroad program.
Pell Grant Requirement
Financial need is central to the program.
Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the application period or provide documentation showing that they will receive one during the term in which they study or intern abroad.
Other forms of federal financial aid do not replace the Pell Grant requirement. Students who are uncertain about their Pell Grant status should consult their financial-aid office.
What Programs Are Eligible?
The Gilman Scholarship supports credit-bearing study-abroad programs and international internships.
This can include different types of undergraduate international experiences, depending on the specific program and its eligibility.
The scholarship is not intended to finance ordinary tourism or a personal vacation.
For UC Davis students, eligible opportunities may include programs arranged through UC Davis, UC Education Abroad Programs, and qualifying independent study-abroad experiences.
Students should verify that their specific program meets Gilman requirements before investing significant time in an application.
Where Can Gilman Scholars Study?
The Gilman program allows study and internship opportunities in many countries and locations.
However, there are important travel-security restrictions.
The current eligibility rules state that programs must be located in a country or area with an overall U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or Level 2. Students cannot participate in Gilman-funded programs located in areas designated Level 3 or Level 4 under the relevant advisory system.
Students should therefore check the current Travel Advisory information for their proposed destination before submitting their application.
Travel conditions can change, so meeting the destination requirement at one point does not necessarily guarantee that the destination will remain eligible throughout the application and program process.
UC Davis Gilman Scholarship Deadlines for 2027
One of the most important things for prospective applicants is understanding which Gilman application cycle corresponds to their study-abroad dates.
For programs beginning during 2027, students may have more than one application opportunity depending on their program start date.
Fall 2026 Application Cycle
The current Fall 2026 Gilman application cycle covers programs beginning from December 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027.
This includes:
- Winter/January 2027
- Spring 2027
- Maymester 2027
- Summer 2027
- Fall 2027
- Academic Year 2027–2028
The student application deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
The advisor certification deadline is October 8, 2026.
Applicants are scheduled to receive notification in December 2026.
Spring 2027 Application Cycle
A second opportunity is available for programs beginning from May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2028.
The Spring 2027 application is scheduled to open in mid-January 2027.
The student deadline is February 25, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, while the advisor certification deadline is March 4, 2027.
Applicants are scheduled to receive notification in May 2027.
Because deadlines are listed in Pacific Time, UC Davis students and applicants elsewhere should pay close attention to the time zone when submitting their applications.
UC Davis-Specific Advising and Certification
Applying for Gilman at UC Davis involves more than simply submitting an online form.
The university identifies specific study-abroad and financial-aid advisors who certify applications.
UC Davis currently directs students to different advisors depending on the type of international program they are pursuing. For example, students participating in UC Davis Summer Abroad or UC Davis Summer Abroad Internships have designated study-abroad advising arrangements, while students participating in UCEAP or independent study-abroad programs have different advising contacts.
This is an important part of the application process because applications without the required certifications are not considered.
The official Gilman application process requires both the appropriate study-abroad advisor and financial-aid advisor to certify the application.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants should prepare their materials well before the deadline.
The Gilman application includes several important components, including:
- Four required short essays.
- Academic transcripts.
- Study-abroad program details.
- Study-abroad advisor information.
- Financial-aid advisor information.
- Additional documentation where applicable.
The official program states that unofficial and official transcripts can be accepted during the application process, depending on the requirements specified for the cycle.
Award recipients must later provide additional documentation, including proof of U.S. citizenship and acceptance into their study-abroad or internship program.
The Four Gilman Scholarship Essays
The essays are one of the most important parts of a Gilman application.
There are four required short essays, each with a maximum length of 500 words.
They focus on:
- Motivations for Studying or Interning Abroad
- Preparation and Skill Development
- Gilman Scholars as Citizen Diplomats
- Contributions to U.S. Communities and Follow-on Service Project Proposal
Applicants seeking certain supplemental awards may have additional essays to complete.
Essay 1: Your Motivation
The first essay gives applicants the opportunity to explain why they want to study or intern abroad.
A strong response should go beyond saying that the destination is interesting or that the applicant wants to experience another culture.
Instead, explain how the international experience connects with your academic interests, career goals, personal development, or long-term plans.
Essay 2: Skills and Preparation
The second essay focuses on how the proposed experience will help you develop knowledge and skills.
Think about what you expect to learn abroad and how those skills could influence your education and career.
For example, an international program could help a student develop language skills, research abilities, intercultural communication, technical experience, or a better understanding of a particular field.
Essay 3: Citizen Diplomacy
The third essay asks applicants to consider their role as representatives of the United States while abroad.
The goal is not to write a political speech.
Instead, applicants can discuss how they will engage respectfully with people from different backgrounds, learn from cultural differences, challenge assumptions, and contribute positively to cross-cultural understanding.
Essay 4: Community Impact
The final essay asks students to connect their international experience with their home communities.
Applicants should think about how they can share what they learn after returning to the United States.
This may involve a campus presentation, community activity, educational project, student organization, cultural event, or another meaningful follow-on service project.
The key is to propose something realistic and connected to the experience abroad.
How to Apply for the UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027
The application process can be broken into several manageable stages.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before writing anything, check whether you meet the fundamental requirements.
Confirm your:
- U.S. citizenship or nationality.
- Undergraduate status.
- Pell Grant eligibility.
- Study-abroad or internship plans.
- Destination eligibility.
Step 2: Choose Your International Program
Identify the program you intend to attend.
Make sure it is credit-bearing and meets Gilman requirements.
You should also understand the program’s total cost, dates, academic structure, location, and expected learning outcomes.
Step 3: Contact UC Davis Advisors
Do not wait until the last few days before the deadline to contact your advisors.
UC Davis requires the appropriate study-abroad and financial-aid advisors to certify the application.
Giving advisors enough time to review and certify your application can help prevent a technical problem from becoming a missed deadline.
Step 4: Prepare Your Essays
Draft all four essays early.
Write them in a separate document before transferring them into the online application.
The Gilman program specifically advises applicants to compose their essays before entering them into the application and warns that exceeding word limits can make an application ineligible.
Step 5: Submit the Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the official Gilman online system.
A PDF version is available for reference, but applicants must submit the electronic application through the online portal for consideration.
Step 6: Confirm Advisor Certification
Submitting your application is not the end of the process.
Both required advisors must certify the application before the certification deadline.
Applicants are responsible for making sure the required certifications are completed.
How Competitive Is the Gilman Scholarship?
The Gilman Scholarship is competitive, so simply meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
Selection is holistic.
The program considers the applicant’s financial need, the proposed international experience, academic and career impact, and other selection factors.
The program also encourages applications from students who have not previously studied abroad. Veterans receive a program preference, and the program seeks broad representation across U.S. states and territories and overseas destinations.
This means students should not assume that they need an extraordinary résumé filled with international experiences.
In fact, students without previous study-abroad experience are specifically encouraged to apply.
Tips for a Strong UC Davis Gilman Application
1. Start Early
The essays take time.
Do not wait until the deadline week to write four 500-word essays.
Starting several weeks ahead gives you time to draft, revise, and ask appropriate advisors or mentors for feedback.
2. Tell a Specific Story
Avoid vague statements.
Instead of simply saying, “Studying abroad will help my career,” explain exactly what you plan to learn and why that knowledge matters.
3. Connect Your Program to Your Future
Show the selection committee that the international experience is part of a larger academic or career plan.
Explain how your destination, coursework, internship, research, or language study fits into your goals.
4. Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly
The Gilman program is specifically intended to make international opportunities more accessible to students with financial need.
Explain how funding would affect your ability to participate.
5. Think Beyond the Trip
The scholarship is interested in the broader impact of international education.
Your application should demonstrate how you will bring knowledge and experiences back to your campus, community, or future career.
6. Be Authentic
Do not try to sound like a professional diplomat.
Your strongest application will usually be one that clearly explains your actual experiences, goals, challenges, and ambitions.
7. Follow Every Instruction
Word limits, advisor certifications, transcripts, program information, and deadlines all matter.
A strong essay cannot compensate for an incomplete application.
Can Students Who Have Never Studied Abroad Apply?
Yes.
Previous international experience is not required.
The Gilman program specifically states that students who have never traveled or studied abroad should apply. Encouraging first-time study-abroad participants is one of the program’s objectives.
This makes the scholarship particularly valuable for students who may have considered international education financially out of reach.
Can Community College Students Apply?
Yes.
The program is open to undergraduate students at accredited two-year and four-year institutions.
The official Gilman program specifically encourages community college students and transfer students to apply.
For UC Davis applicants, this broader eligibility information is useful because it demonstrates that the program is designed to reach students across different educational backgrounds.
What Can the Scholarship Money Be Used For?
Gilman funds are intended to help cover eligible costs connected with the approved study-abroad or international internship experience.
The award is not unrestricted personal income.
Students should review the program’s eligible and non-eligible expense rules before making financial plans.
The amount ultimately awarded can depend on program expenses, duration, financial need, and application strength.
Why the Gilman Scholarship Matters for UC Davis Students
UC Davis has a strong global-learning environment, and international education can complement studies across many academic fields.
For a student considering agriculture, environmental science, engineering, economics, international relations, biological sciences, language study, business, or another discipline, studying in another country can provide experiences that are difficult to reproduce entirely in a classroom.
The Gilman Scholarship helps address one of the biggest barriers to these experiences: cost.
Rather than limiting international education to students who can comfortably afford it, the program is designed to expand participation among undergraduate students with significant financial need.
Important 2027 Timeline at a Glance
| Application Cycle | Program Start Dates | Student Deadline | Advisor Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026–Oct. 31, 2027 | Oct. 1, 2026 | Oct. 8, 2026 | Dec. 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | May 1, 2027–Apr. 30, 2028 | Feb. 25, 2027 | Mar. 4, 2027 | May 2027 |
These dates are based on the current official Gilman timeline and UC Davis Global Learning Hub information. Students should always verify the application cycle that matches their exact program dates before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UC Davis Gilman Scholarship fully funded?
No. The Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 toward eligible study-abroad or international internship costs. The award does not necessarily cover every expense associated with an international program.
Who funds the Gilman Scholarship?
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education.
Can international students at UC Davis apply?
The standard Gilman Scholarship is limited to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. International students who are not U.S. citizens or nationals are not eligible for the regular Gilman award.
What is the maximum Gilman award?
The standard award is up to $5,000. Eligible students may also compete for supplemental awards, including up to $3,000 for the Critical Need Language Award and up to $1,000 for the STEM Supplemental Award.
Do I need to have studied abroad before?
No. Students who have never studied abroad are encouraged to apply.
How many essays are required?
There are four required short essays, each with a maximum of 500 words. Additional essays may be required for certain supplemental awards.
Can I apply before being accepted into my study-abroad program?
The Gilman program allows students to be in the process of applying to an eligible program, but proof of program acceptance is required before the award can be disbursed.
When should I apply for a 2027 program?
It depends on your program’s start date. For many programs beginning between December 2026 and October 2027, the Fall 2026 application deadline is October 1, 2026. A Spring 2027 cycle covers programs beginning from May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2028 and has a February 25, 2027 deadline.
Conclusion
The UC Davis Gilman Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for eligible undergraduate students who want to gain international academic or professional experience without allowing financial limitations to end their plans.
With awards of up to $5,000, plus potential supplemental funding for eligible critical-language and STEM experiences, the program can make an international experience considerably more affordable.
However, a successful application requires more than simply meeting the eligibility requirements. Applicants should carefully select their program, understand their financial need, write thoughtful essays, connect the international experience with their academic and career goals, and demonstrate how they intend to share what they learn after returning home.
For UC Davis students, starting early is especially important because the university’s study-abroad and financial-aid advisors must certify applications.
Students planning to study abroad during 2027 should therefore review the official Gilman requirements, identify the correct application cycle, contact the appropriate UC Davis advisors, and begin preparing their essays well before the deadline.
The opportunity is competitive, but students should not be discouraged if they have never studied abroad before. The Gilman Program specifically encourages first-time participants to apply.
For the most accurate and current information, prospective applicants should check the official Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website and the UC Davis Global Learning Hub Gilman Scholarship page before submitting an application.