Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2026 – $5,000 Study Abroad Scholarship for Military Families

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2026 is a U.S. government-funded study abroad scholarship that provides $5,000 awards to eligible undergraduate children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel.

The scholarship is administered under the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It supports eligible students participating in credit-bearing study abroad programs or international internships.

For the Fall 2026 application cycle, applications are currently open. The deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time, while the study abroad advisor certification deadline is October 8, 2026.

Quick Facts

• Scholarship: Gilman-McCain Scholarship
• Official Name: John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families
• Sponsor: U.S. Department of State
• Administered by: Institute of International Education (IIE)
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Award Amount: $5,000
• Number of Awards: 100 awards
• Study Format: Credit-bearing study abroad or international internship
• Eligible Applicants: U.S. citizens or nationals
• Military Requirement: Child or spouse of active or activated U.S. military personnel
• Financial Aid Requirement: Any type of Title IV federal financial aid
• Fall 2026 Deadline: October 1, 2026, 11:59 PM PT
• Advisor Certification Deadline: October 8, 2026
• Application Fee: None

What Is the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families, commonly known as the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, was established to support undergraduate children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel who want to study or intern abroad.

The scholarship provides $5,000 toward eligible international education or internship expenses. The program is designed to help military families access international educational experiences while developing students’ global perspectives, leadership abilities and career readiness.

Unlike many international scholarships, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship has a specific target group: eligible dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship Benefits

$5,000 Scholarship Award

Each selected recipient receives a $5,000 scholarship that can be used toward the costs associated with an eligible study abroad program or international internship.

Study or Intern Abroad

The scholarship can support eligible credit-bearing study abroad programs and international internships, allowing students to gain academic, professional and cultural experience outside the United States.

International Experience

Participants can use their study abroad experience to develop:

• Cross-cultural skills
• Global awareness
• Professional experience
• Leadership skills
• Academic knowledge
• International networks

No Application Fee

There is no application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the program’s eligibility requirements.

A Gilman-McCain applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Be the child or spouse of active or activated U.S. military personnel at the time of application.
• Receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the application period, or provide proof that they will receive Title IV aid during their study abro