Listed on this page are some resources for financial aid for international students.

Loans Information
Scholarships and Awards

LOANS

The following loans are not available for the purpose of paying tuition.

UIUC Emergency Loans
The University has dedicated $250,000.00 to be used by all students for short term loans to meet unexpected emergencies. The maximum is usually $300.00 unless the circumstances are quite special. The criteria that a student must meet are: they must be registered and they cannot be delinquent on any debt owed to the University. The loans must be repaid within 30 to 45 days, depending on when, during a month, the money is borrowed. All international students who wish to apply for this loan should come to ISSS. If all the forms have been completed before 3:30 P.M. the money should be available the same day.

The Foreign Student Aid Fund
The Foreign Student Aid Fund is another small fund available to international students through the donations of many individuals who hope to assist students with short terms money problems. Applicants need to make an appointment with an ISSS advisor. The loans should be repaid within the semester the funds are borrowed and if an application is approved, the money is available within a week.

UIUC Long Term Loan
The UIUC Long Term Loan is an option that may allow an international student borrow a fairly large sum - $1000.00 - $6000.00 - under certain circumstances. The student MUST have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident who is not a student and has an annual income of more than $8000.00. There is a 5% interest charged but the loan does not need to be repaid until the student leaves school. However, once the student does leave school all of the money plus the interest must be repaid within the next 12 months. If any payments are late the co-signer is held responsible for the money owed. If the borrower can repay the money before leaving school there is no interest charged. To learn more about this loan or to apply please make an appointment with an ISSS advisor. The application process involves having the co-signer provide answers regarding their financial ability to repay the loan if the borrower cannot. If an application is approved the money is usually available within 6 weeks.

Scholarships and Awards

Maria Gratton Award
Applications for the 2009-2010 award will be available in the future. Click on the following link for more information about the Maria Pia Gratton award: http://www.mariapiagratton.com/.

The Maria Pia Gratton International Award at the University of Illinois was established by the family and friends of Maria Pia Gratton. Pia passed away on October 31, 1995, at the age of 47. When she came to the United States, Pia had two small children, a degree in math, and little grasp of the English language. Pia enrolled in classes to learn English and computer programming, and with determination she made a home for her family, developed close friendships and began a career in her new country.

Those who knew Pia knew her to be a beautiful woman, a caring mother, a loving wife, a dependable co-worker, a true friend, a conscientious student, a patient teacher, and a daring traveler. This award continues Pia's memory with a living tribute to her life.

The award, which includes a tuition waiver and a stipend, is intended to enable a female graduate student from outside the United States to have an academic and cultural experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
External link for grants awarded to women from developing countries. Six to Ten grants awarded annually of up to $12,000. Application materials for the coming year available from 12/1/08. Application deadline is 2/28/2009.

Avery Brundage Scholarship
The UIUC Avery Brundage Scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate excellence both in academic pursuits and in amateur athletic endeavors. Financial need is not a factor. Full-time graduate students in good standing with a "special athletic ability" in an amateur sport are eligible. Previous winners have represented a wide variety of sports from archery and tennis to swimming and wheelchair basketball.

The application packet is available in hard copy at the Office of Student Financial Aid, 620 East John Street, Champaign.

Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund
External link to loans for persons from Latin America and Caribbean countries and members of the Organization of American States.

Office of Financial Aid
External link to the University's Office of Student Financial Aid.