UF Named Top Producer for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

The University of Florida International Center (UFIC) is celebrating a long and successful history with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Established in 2001, the Gilman Scholarship is a nationally competitive program that provides financial support for undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, Gilman Awards expand access to international education and help diversify the students participating in global experiences. The University of Florida has just been named a Top Producing Institution for Gilman recipients, with over 300 UF students having received an award in the last decade alone.

“Our students continue to demonstrate extraordinary curiosity, ambition, and commitment to engaging with the world,” said Marta L. Wayne, Dean of the UF International Center. “The Gilman Scholarship opens doors for students who may not have otherwise imagined studying abroad, and their success reflects both their determination and UF’s commitment to ensuring global opportunities are accessible to all.”

During the period of 2012–2025, UF students received a total of over $1.2 million in awards to support their international experiences, with awards averaging approximately $3,500 per recipient. UF Gilman scholars studied in at least 50 different countries during this time, with the most popular destinations including Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

One recent recipient is Andrew (Drew) Watson, a UF Study Abroad Peer Advisor. He received both the Gilman-McCain Scholarship—a Gilman sub-award supporting students from military families—and the Critical Need Language Award—which supports the study of languages critical to U.S. national interests. Watson spent the 2023–2024 academic year in Japan studying at Kyoto University, where he focused on the Japanese language. “The Gilman McCain Scholarship and Critical Need Language Award were the backbone of my academic exchange year at Kyoto University in Japan,” Watson said. “I am incredibly grateful for the career-altering experiences that the Gilman Program has created, and for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the United States abroad.”

The continued rise in the number of Gilman recipients reflects the university’s broader commitment to preparing students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. UFIC supports applicants through advising and scholarship-writing workshops that help students craft competitive applications. The Gilman Program plays a vital role in expanding participation in international education by assisting students who might not otherwise be able to study abroad due to financial limitations.

Learn more about UF Study Abroad