Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2025 for Undergraduate Students

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2025 is a unique and prestigious opportunity for the children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel to pursue international study or internship experiences.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this scholarship supports global engagement and honors the legacy of Senator John S. McCain by helping military families gain cross-cultural skills, global perspectives, and career readiness through academic programs abroad.

If you are the child or spouse of a service member and are currently receiving federal financial aid, this $5,000 award could be the perfect way to make your international education goals a reality.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2025 for Undergraduate Students: Summary

About the Scholarship

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship was created under the umbrella of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to specifically support the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel. It honors Senator John S. McCain’s commitment to public service by giving military families the chance to study or intern abroad.

The scholarship is funded by Congress and administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It encourages participants to become globally engaged citizens while reinforcing America’s international alliances and values.

Scholarship Benefits

• Up to $5,000 in funding to cover expenses related to study abroad or international internships. This can be used for:
  • Tuition and program fees
  • Travel expenses
  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Educational materials
• Develop leadership skills, cultural fluency, and global awareness.
• Enhance your resume and career readiness through international experience.
• Join a growing network of Gilman alumni, mentors, and ambassadors.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a U.S. citizen or national.
• Be an undergraduate student in good academic standing at an accredited U.S. higher education institution (includes community colleges).
• Be the child or spouse of active or activated U.S. military personnel, which includes service in:
  • Air Force (including Reserve and National Guard)
  • Army (including Reserve and National Guard)
  • Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard
  • Space Force
  • NOAA and USPHS Commissioned Corps
• Be a recipient of Title IV federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant, Stafford Loan) at the time of application or during the program.
• Be applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
• The program must be in a country or area with a U.S. State Department Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Travel to Level 3 or 4 destinations is not permitted under this scholarship.

How to Apply

1. Access the Application Portal: When the application cycle opens in mid-June 2025, visit the Gilman Online Application System to begin your application.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete all sections carefully, including your personal background, financial aid information, and study abroad program details.
3. Submit Essays and Documents: You’ll need to write compelling essays about your goals, how the program supports your academic and career aspirations, and your plans to contribute to your community. Proof of acceptance to your study/internship program is also required.
4. Get Certified by Your Advisor: After submitting your application, your school’s study abroad and financial aid advisors must certify your application by August 14, 2025.
5. Check for Results: Notifications will be sent via email in September 2025. If selected, you’ll be guided on next steps, including disbursement and pre-departure preparation.

For more details about the application and other necessary information, visit the official website here.

FAQs

1. What kind of study abroad programs are eligible?

Eligible programs must be credit-bearing, meaning you will earn academic credits from your U.S. institution upon completion. Both traditional study abroad and internship programs qualify, as long as they are approved by your school.

2. Who qualifies as “active or activated military personnel”?

Eligible military personnel include active-duty service members or those called to active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including reserves and national guard components, as well as the NOAA and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

3. Can I apply if I haven’t been accepted into a study abroad program yet?

Yes. You can apply while you are still in the process of applying to a program. However, if selected, you must provide proof of acceptance before scholarship funds are disbursed.

4. What is Title IV financial aid?

Title IV aid refers to federal student aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Federal Work-Study. You must either be receiving this aid at the time of application or during your study abroad program.

5. Can I use this scholarship for travel to any country?

No. Your destination must have a Travel Advisory Level 1 (“Exercise normal precautions”) or Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”) according to the U.S. State Department. Travel to areas with Level 3 (“Reconsider travel”) or Level 4 (“Do not travel”) is strictly prohibited, even if parts of the country are safe.

6. What happens after I’m selected?

If selected, you will receive instructions via email regarding how to verify your program participation and receive your award. You may also be invited to share your experience with other prospective scholars or contribute to alumni initiatives.

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