Brandeis honored as a top university for students receiving the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognized Brandeis University for being among the top universities in the country in the number of students receiving the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship since the program’s inception in 2001.

Brandeis was ranked fourth in the country among schools with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates, and second overall in Massachusetts, with 129 students receiving scholarships to support their studies or internships abroad in the past two decades.

Throughout its 20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduates who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate. Since 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.

“The Gilman scholarship has greatly aided Brandeis students in studying abroad who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to do so. It aligns with our university's social justice mission in increasing access and equity for students as they embark on transformative learning experiences on campus and abroad,” said Alisha Cardwell, director of the Office of Study Abroad at Brandeis. “The Office of Study Abroad works closely with students to make international study financial accessible, including personalized advising for scholarships like the Gilman scholarship.”

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig recognized the Gilman Program’s Top Producing Institutions as the U.S. colleges and universities that have sent the most Gilman Scholars abroad over the past two decades. These institutions, including Brandeis, were recognized for their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program.

As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.”