The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is a congressionally funded initiative by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. It honors the legacy of the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona. This scholarship supports the educational goals of military families by providing financial assistance for study abroad programs.

Overview

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship offers awards of $5,000 to child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel. This includes personnel from various branches such as the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps.

The scholarship supports participation in credit-bearing study abroad or internship programs. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by being recipients of Title IV federal financial aid during the application period or provide proof of future eligibility during their program.

Interested applicants can apply through the Gilman online application system when the application cycle is open. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on application availability.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the scholarship reaches those who are most deserving and aligned with the program's goals.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national.

• Must be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited U.S. institution.

• Must be a dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated U.S. military personnel.

• Must be a recipient of Title IV federal financial aid.

• Must be applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.

Additionally, the study abroad program must be in a country or location with a Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, as determined by the U.S. Department of State. Certain areas within these countries may have higher advisory levels, which are not permitted for Gilman scholars.

Award Details and Conditions

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides a $5,000 award to support study abroad or internship experiences. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on military families pursuing international education.

Final awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the security situation in the chosen country. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to request program changes if necessary.

Programs may be suspended in consultation with the U.S. Embassy if the in-country security situation changes during the program. Award disbursement requires proof of program acceptance.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship operates on a cyclical application schedule. Be sure to note the upcoming deadlines to ensure timely submission of your application.

Mark your calendars for the March 2025 Deadline Application and the August 2025 Deadline Application. These are critical dates for prospective applicants.

Check the official Gilman Scholarship website for specific dates and any potential updates to the timeline. Planning ahead is essential for a successful application.