Financing your education can be a difficult task and most financial assistance in the United States is restricted to U.S. citizens or legal residents. However, there are some options available to international students. For more information about national student aid, please visit the university’s Office of Student Financial Aid website.
Terms to Know
- Loan: A loan offered to students which is used to pay off education-related expenses, such as college tuition, room and board at the university, or textbooks. Many of these loans are offered to students at a lower interest rate. In general, students are not required to pay back these loans until the end of a grace period, which usually begins after they have completed their education.
- Grant: Unlike loans, grants-which can come from the state or federal government, from the college itself, or from private sources-provide money for college that doesn’t have to be paid back.
- Scholarship: People often confuse the terms “scholarship” and “grant.” The difference between these two forms of aid is most scholarships are merit based. This means that they are awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic ability.
ISSS Financial Assistance
ISSS has limited funding available to assist international students who currently attend the university and are experiencing unexpected short-term or emergency financial hardship. The method of payment and processing time will vary depending on the type of funding. ISSS Financial Assistance has very specific eligibility requirements, and therefore ISSS advisors must assess each case individually. If you have a situation that you think might qualify for financial assistance, please call or email ISSS so we can best assist you regarding your case. An ISSS advisor will contact you regarding your case within a week.
Horace and Kate King Wu International Undergraduate Scholarship
Available to undergraduate students experiencing unexpected and moderate financial hardship who hold authorized employment and are working hard to succeed in school. Students who are eligible will be identified from the Undergraduate Tuition Assistance application list.
Dean Arthur Hamilton International Assistance Fund
Available to both undergraduate and graduate students experiencing some sort of unexpected expense, whether it be travel, medical, or accidental. Documentation of bills may be required. Students are identified in one-on-one appointments. Money will be applied to the student’s account upon ISSS approval. This fund is not intended to assist with tuition costs or other academic-related expenses. To apply, please make an appointment to speak with an ISSS advisor.
Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Awards
Available to undergraduate students in their second year or above who are experiencing sudden, unexpected financial need. This is a one-time award for students with preference given to those closer to completing their studies. Generally, recipients of Tuition Assistance cases are those students whose financial situations will be resolved in the near future. Applications for this award are sent out at the start of Fall and Spring semesters.
Yingying’s Fund
Established in honor of scholar Yingying Zhang, this fund will provide short-term support to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign international students, scholars, and their families in moments of crisis and during times of unique hardship. The fund is not intended to be used for tuition, living expenses, or ongoing financial assistance. Applicants for this fund will have their circumstances reviewed by a campus committee and should apply by contacting either ISSS (isss@illinois.edu) or the Dean of Students (helpdean@illinois.edu).