The University of California, Irvine has been recognized as a “Top Producing Institution” by the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. This honor comes as the program celebrates its 25th anniversary and highlights colleges and universities that have supported the highest number of Gilman Scholars from 2001 to 2025.
The Gilman Program offers merit-based scholarships to American undergraduate students with significant financial need, enabling them to study or intern abroad for academic credit. The recognition underscores UC Irvine’s commitment to equity, diversity, and accessibility in international education.
In 2021, UC Irvine was previously acknowledged by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as a leading producer of Gilman Scholars among large institutions over the prior two decades. Since 2001, UC Irvine has produced 248 Gilman Scholars.
Over its history, the Gilman Program has worked to make study abroad more accessible and inclusive for students who might not otherwise have such opportunities. Established by Congress in 2001, it marks its 25th year in 2026.
To date, more than 50,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other territories have participated in programs across more than 170 countries worldwide. The list of top producing institutions is compiled by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Institute of International Education and was announced at The Forum on Education Abroad annual conference. The full list can be found at www.GilmanScholarship.org.
UC Irvine participates in NCAA Division I athletics through its Anteaters teams according to its official website. The university holds a Carnegie classification for very high research activity according to its official website and operates within the University of California system as stated on its website. It focuses on advancing knowledge through research, education, public service, and emphasizes inclusive excellence according to university information. Additionally, UC Irvine engages in research collaborations and international programs to strengthen its global presence according to official sources, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission as noted on its site.