Mississippi State Students Earn Record Number of Gilman Scholarships for Study Abroad
Mississippi State University is celebrating a major academic achievement as eight students have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, marking a record for the university in a single award cycle. The scholarships, administered by the U.S. Department of State, are designed to support students with limited financial means who seek to study or intern abroad, promoting global learning and cross-cultural exchange.
The recipients, representing a wide range of majors including engineering, international business, political science, and communications, will travel to countries such as South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica, and Ghana over the coming academic year. The scholarship helps cover travel, tuition, and living expenses, making international education more accessible to students who might not otherwise afford it.
“This is a proud moment for MSU,” said Dr. David Hoffman, director of the Office of Prestigious External Scholarships. “These students are incredible ambassadors for Mississippi State and the United States. They’re gaining skills and experiences that will shape their personal and professional futures.”
Among the recipients is Samantha Nguyen, a sophomore in biological sciences, who will study in Costa Rica focusing on tropical ecology. “It’s always been my dream to study environmental science abroad,” Nguyen said. “The Gilman Scholarship made that possible.”
The Gilman program also promotes diversity in study abroad by encouraging applications from underrepresented students, first-generation college attendees, and those with nontraditional backgrounds. Mississippi State’s growing number of awardees reflects the university’s increasing focus on global education and student opportunity.
With this latest success, MSU strengthens its reputation as a hub for students committed to academic excellence, international engagement, and cultural exchange. The achievement also signals the school’s dedication to supporting students in pursuing transformative, world-class educational experiences.
