Donor-Funded Institutional Scholarships
The application for our donor-funded scholarships is closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are currently working on the review and selection process of these awards. We are hoping that selection information can begin going out to students in mid - Spring. This is an evolving process as we learn different student plans. There is room for alternate selections to occur later than this in the event the original winner declines for whatever reason. Students who applied will receive a notification when all awards have been claimed.
One application is used to apply for various scholarships including Study Away, Cap Honors, Music, Athletics and more! A variety of student populations can participate in this process - first-time freshmen, continuing, transfer, international, online, and graduate students. Students must be admitted to the University and have a NetID and password to access the application.
Students should anticipate spending about 30-45 minutes to complete their application. This estimated time frame does not include the narrative and upload portions.
Please note that it is highly recommended that all students eligible to complete the FAFSA submit it prior to the scholarship deadline. Aside from other aid eligibility, many scholarships consider whether the student has financial need. Students are also encouraged to complete the scholarship application as early as possible to avoid any technical errors or submissions issues.
Each year, hundreds of scholarships are available through our university alumni and friends. It is through their kindness and generosity that this funding assistance is possible. Just over $1,000,000 was awarded to about 300 UIS students for the 2024-2025 academic year!
| GeNERAL INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| November 4, 2024 (noon) | Scholarship Application Available |
| December - February | Complete the FAFSA® or Illinois Alternative Application (highly recommended if student is eligible) |
| February 14, 2025 (noon) | Scholarship Application Deadline |
| Mid Spring - Early Summer | Award Notifications (sent via UIS email) are ongoing until all scholarships are claimed |
- Please note that the Office of Financial Assistance cannot advise students on how they answer application questions. These answers are individualized based on the students' personal, educational and professional experiences and goals. However, we can offer recommendations for the personal essay/narrative sections. Scholarship Application Assistance from the Learning Hub are available.
- Any student that is selected for a donor-funded scholarship will be required to write a Thank You Letter. These letters are required for the processing and disbursement of the award to the student's account. For more information on what is needed to satisfy this requirement please view our Thank You Letter Guidelines.