Washington, D.C., and Wellington, New Zealand [August 15, 2017] – U.S. students seeking to study or intern in New Zealand have a new path to a world-class education. Education New Zealand (ENZ) and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State have each committed $50,000 over the next two years to support the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. That means that at least 10 additional Gilman Scholars will study abroad at New Zealand universities over the next two years. And, starting today, students can begin applying for the prestigious scholarship to fund study abroad programs in spring or early summer 2018.
The Gilman Scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Since its inception in 2001, the program has enabled over 24,000 economically disadvantaged U.S. students to study or intern abroad, benefitting Americans from diverse backgrounds and universities.
“The Gilman – Education New Zealand partnership is an affirmation of the strong cooperation between our two nations,” said Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Mark Taplin when the partnership was announced in June. “Through this partnership, U.S. students who otherwise would likely not study or intern abroad will now have a deeper understanding of the global economy and global challenges that we face together.”
With acclaimed academic programs, a high quality of life, a rich culture and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, New Zealand is a welcoming country for students of all backgrounds. Gilman scholars gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, and gain skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. And, like all U.S. students studying abroad in New Zealand, they get the opportunity to explore some of the active volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches, and impressive glaciers that can be found only in New Zealand.
“We are excited to partner on a competitive and selective scholarship program that will increase the diversity of U.S. students studying at New Zealand universities and strengthen relationships among our allies,” said Education New Zealand Chief Executive, Grant McPherson.
Gilman International Scholarship by the Numbers
- 78,000: Number of applications received since the inception of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in 2001.
- 22,000: Number of scholarships that have been awarded to students participating in Gilman study abroad programs and internships around the world.
- 3,000: Annual number of U.S. undergraduate students supported in this exchange program each year. Among them, almost half are the first in their families to attend college.
- 71: Percentage of Gilman Scholars in 2015-16 that would not have been able to study abroad without the scholarship.
- 26: Percentage of Gilman Scholars in 2015-16 that were science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors.
- 10: Number of additional Gilman scholars who will study abroad at New Zealand universities over the next two years.
How to apply
Students wishing to apply for the Gilman Scholarship must be undergraduate Pell Grant students in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education. U.S. students wishing to study abroad beginning between December 15, 2017 and April 15, 2018 must submit their online application by October 3, 2017. Students can determine eligibility, get tips for applying, and complete the online application by visiting GilmanScholarship.org.
About Education New Zealand (ENZ)
Education New Zealand’s primary role in student recruitment is to market New Zealand as an education destination to international students. Through its research and marketing programs, collaboration with international education partners, and involvement in student recruitment and business development initiatives, ENZ aims to help their industry achieve growth. ENZ has staff in 18 overseas locations and its head office is in Wellington. Follow students studying abroad in New Zealand on Instagram @studyinnewzealand and by searching #StudyinNZ. Learn more: enz.govt.nz
About the U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to build relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. These exchange programs improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States. ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Artists, educators, athletes, students, youth and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. Follow students participating on U.S. Department of State exchanges at @ECAatState and by searching #Exchangeourworld. Learn more: exchanges.state.gov
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