UT Ranked Top Producer of Gilman Scholars for Quarter of a Century

The U.S. Department of State has named The University of Texas at Austin one of the nation’s top producers of Gilman International Scholars for 2001-2025 — affirming that UT remains a leading force among large U.S. universities supporting students who seek and earn Gilman awards. 

In fact, second only to University of California, Berkeley, UT students have been awarded the second-greatest number of Gilman scholarships in the nation across the program’s 25-year history.  

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program empowers high‑achieving U.S. undergraduates with significant financial need to study or intern abroad for academic credit. Established by Congress in 2001 and funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the program is implemented in partnership with the Institute of International Education.  

Since its inception, the Gilman Program has enabled more than 50,000 students to pursue academic and professional experiences in more than 170 countries. Nearly half of Gilman recipients are first‑generation college students, and 72% come from small towns and rural communities. These facts underscore the program’s enduring commitment toward expanding access to global education.  

Longhorn chemical engineering student Dave Apte received a Gilman‑McCain Scholarship in October 2025 and used it to participate in a May Term program in Copenhagen, Denmark.  

"The Gilman scholarship made studying abroad go from a dream to a reality for me,” said Apte. “The support from the Gilman committee while applying was invaluable, and after receiving the scholarship, I was given so many resources and opportunities to successfully prepare for my experience abroad. The guidance from the Gilman Program has not only lessened the financial burden of studying abroad, but has set me up for success, academic growth, and professional development during and after my program in Denmark!"  

This year’s distinction reinforces UT’s position as a national frontrunner in preparing students to thrive as strong applicants and successful recipients of prestigious global scholarships. 

“It’s an honor to be named a top producer of Gilman Scholars 25 years into the program’s distinguished history,” said Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer. “We are humbled by this recognition and look forward to continuing UT's work with the Gilman Program to support talented American undergraduates studying and interning abroad.” 

Named for Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, the program also equips students with global fluency, language proficiency, and real‑world experience — skills that shape impactful careers across sectors. Gilman Scholars build international relationships, strengthen mutual understanding, and represent American values abroad, including in developing regions and countries essential to U.S. national security.  

The Gilman alumni community has grown to more than 50,000 scholars and professionals living and working around the world. To learn more about the program and the career paths its alumni pursue across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov or visit the Gilman Program website.  

At UT Austin, the Education Abroad unit of Texas Global hosts several Gilman Program information sessions annually, including a scholarship writing workshop each semester. Students can explore opportunities and learn more at the Gilman International Scholarship Program page on the Texas Global website.