Financial Aid
UIS Students approved to study away through the Study Away Program may be eligible for financial aid. Students are responsible for working with the Office of Financial Assistance to determine their eligibility.
Students who will be registered for UNI 460, 470 or 480 or for one of the approved study abroad programs offered through a UIS academic department are eligible to apply for Global Experience Program travel scholarships.
In order to be eligible for the travel scholarships students must submit a Study Away Program application by Feb. 15th for programs offered during the following summer, fall, and spring. Information on the scholarships can be found by visiting Cost & Aid and then selecting the scholarship link.
Scholarships
UIS has several institutional scholarships that can be used to help cover the costs of international travel related to participating in approved study abroad programs.
In order to be eligible for a study abroad scholarship students must do the following:
- Apply for the UIS Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships. Make sure to indicate your intent to study abroad when prompted.
- Complete the UIS EngageU Application.
- Register for the appropriate credit-bearing course while studying abroad.
The Global Experience, Droegkamp, Humphrey, Burns and Lundquist scholarships
The Global Experience, Droegkamp, Humphrey, Burns, and Lundquist scholarships are applied for through the yearly scholarship application process coordinated by the Office of Financial Assistance. There is one application form that is used for all five, linked above. Please note that you should fill out the UIS Institutional Scholarship and the Global Studies Experience Scholarship applications.
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships
The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers a competition for awards for undergraduate study abroad. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at a 2-year or 4-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
More information can be found on the Gilman Scholarship Program website.
Prestigious and National Scholarships
Nationally Competitive Scholarships at UIS works with students on applying for a wide range of scholarships and fellowships including, Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, Boren and Truman.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Deadline | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boren Scholarship | A national scholarship program that funds U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in countries and languages deemed critical to U.S. national security, with a requirement for recipients to work in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. | Late January | Summer: $8,000 (8-11 weeks STEM majors only). Fall & Spring: up to $12,500 Academic Year: up to $25,000 |
| Corinne Jeannine Schillings Study Abroad Scholarships | Open to Girl Scouts undergraduate students who plan to study abroad, regardless of their major/minor. Study abroad program must be 6 weeks or longer. | Summer, Fall & AY: May 15 Spring: Early December | $1,000 |
| Critical Language Scholarship | This provides fully funded immersive programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world. | Mid-November | Summer: up to $8,000 Fall & Spring: up to $10,000 Academic Year: up to $20,000 |
| DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service (RISE) | Offers undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. | November 30 | On average $1,075/month for up to 3 months |
| DiMattio Celli Family Study Abroad Scholarship | Candidates must be U.S. citizens of Italian descent who are full-time students and degree-seeking at a college or university in the USA. The study abroad program must be credit-bearing. | March 1 | $1,250 |
| Rotary District 6460 William J. Menghini Scholarship | Applicants must have completed at least two years of university/college coursework. Program must be an academic year in length. Applicants are ineligible if they are related to any current Rotarians. | Academic Year: May 31 | $18,000 |
| DIWC Scholarship | The Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad. | Summer: Mid-April Fall: Mid-July Spring: Mid-November | $500 |
| Freeman-ASIA | Provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. | April 1 | Summer: up to $3,000 Semester: up to $5,000 Academic/Calendar Year: up to $7,000 |
| Gilman Scholarship | For undergraduate, U.S. citizens, students receiving a Pell Grant at the time of applying. Applicants can apply for extra funding if studying a critical need language. | Summer & Fall: First Thursday of March Spring: First Thursday of October | Up to $5,000 |
| Gilman-McCain Scholarship | Applicants must be an undergraduate child/or spousal dependents of active United States military personnel. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid. Applicants must be studying or interning abroad on credit-bearing programs. | Summer & Fall: First Thursday of March Spring: First Thursday of October | $5,000 |
| Goldwater Scholarship | For U.S. citizens who are undergraduate students, sophomore or junior standing with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students need to be interested in a research career in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. | Late January | Up to $7,500 |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | Open to students of all races that identify as being of Hispanic Heritage. Must be U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA. | February 15 | $500 - $5,000 |
| MEXT’s Study in Japan | Program offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to support undergraduate students who wish to study one year in Japan, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel. Applicants must have some prior knowledge of Japanese. | Early February | Stipend $780/month on average |
| Rainbow Scholarship | In partnership with FEA, the Rainbow SIG established the Rainbow Scholarship fund to support LGBTQIA+ students who are studying abroad. | Early February | On average $2,500 |
| Sarah Josephine Langstaff Memorial Scholarship | This scholarship, provided by the Daughter’s of the British Empire, is offered to female students with British or Commonwealth of Nations ancestry. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0. | November 1 | $500 - $1,000 |
| Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship | A scholarship for undergraduate students who are participating on a credit-baring study abroad program. | Fall: April 15 Spring: November 15 | $1,000 |
| UIS Donor-Funded Global Experience | Complete one application for various scholarships. A variety of UIS students can apply. Anticipate spending 30-45 minutes to complete the online application. | Mid-February | Amount Varies |
| Upper Midwest Rebild Scholarship | Open to U.S. college students studying in Denmark. | Fall: Early May Spring: Late October | $1,000 - $3,000 |
FAQs: FAFSA and Study Away Funding
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is an electronic document that UIS students complete to apply for various types of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities for postsecondary education. This aid can also apply to UIS-approved study away programs.
How does FAFSA apply to UIS Study Away Programs?
FAFSA data can be used by UIS to determine eligibility for federal scholarships, grants, and loans that may cover study abroad programs. However, there is no special FAFSA form specifically for study abroad; the same FAFSA application is used.
What changes have been made to FAFSA recently?
The FAFSA process was updated to simplify the application and improve accessibility. Some notable changes include:
- Student Aid Index (SAI): Replaces the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
- Streamlined Information Retrieval: Enhanced IRS data retrieval system.
- Wider Asset Considerations: Broader inclusions for calculating aid.
What does FAFSA data provide?
FAFSA provides an eligibility overview based on socio-economic data submitted by UIS students and families. While it does not guarantee an award, a negative SAI number ensures maximum Pell Grant eligibility. It also doesn't consider specific costs associated with study abroad.
What does FAFSA not include?
FAFSA does not consider:
- Family size or family members in college.
- Unique living expenses or caregiving responsibilities.
- Debt-to-income ratios.
- Costs specific to UIS study-away programs.
What types of financial aid are available for UIS Study Away Programs? Aid may include:
Aid may include:
- Federal Pell Grants.
- Federal Direct Loans.
- Institutional scholarships or grants available through UIS.
Can financial aid cover all my UIS Study Away Program costs?
Aid eligibility does not guarantee an award or full coverage of UIS Study Away Program expenses. The UIS Financial Aid Office determines the final aid package, which may include multiple funding sources.
How does UIS use FAFSA data for Study Away Programs?
The UIS Financial Aid Office uses FAFSA data alongside the Cost of Attendance to calculate financial aid eligibility. The UIS Study Away Office may also use FAFSA data to assess scholarship needs for UIS Study Away Programs.
What actionable steps should I take when applying for financial aid for education abroad?
- Consult with the UIS Financial Aid Office.
- Provide accurate FAFSA data and explore additional funding opportunities.
- Understand that “Pell-eligible” does not mean the grant has been awarded.
Are there specific strategies to maximize financial aid for UIS Study Away Programs?
- Avoid limiting the definition of financial need to just Pell Grant eligibility.
- Consider other indicators like loan amounts, dependents, or caregiving roles.
- Work closely with UIS Financial Aid and study away advisors to build a comprehensive budget and funding plan.
How can I ensure my FAFSA application is accurate for UIS Study Away Program funding?
- Double-check all data entries, especially when using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
- Submit the FAFSA before the priority deadline: FAFSA Deadlines.
- Discuss your plans for a UIS Study Away Program with a financial aid advisor to ensure costs are considered.