Financial Support and Employment
Studying in the U.S. is costly for international students no matter what university you choose. Before Illinois State can help you get a visa, you must provide proof of financial resources for at least one academic year. There are options available to supplement your funding.
Graduate Assistantships
Many graduate students fund their education with a graduate assistantship. An assistantship is a job which provides a full tuition waiver and a small monthly stipend (around $800-1,000 per month). Typically you will teach low-level, undergraduate courses or help with research projects for about 20 hours per week. You can apply for an assistantship when you apply for admission to the University. To learn more about assistantships and aid for graduate students, visit www.grad.ilstu.edu.
Student Employment
Most international students help fund their studies by working on campus. Depending on your visa status, you may be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. Immigration rules may prevent you from working off campus. Our International Studies staff may help you in determining your eligibility and finding a job. It is illegal for international students to work off campus unless they have received prior approval from Immigration and the work relates to their academic program. Contact International Studies for more information.
Private Funding and Scholarship Opportunities
Other sources of funding are available to help you pay for your education in the United States. Internet searches are a good way to find these opportunities, but we advise against using scholarship search services that charge a fee.
You may want to try these organizations:
Some academic programs at Illinois State have very limited funds to offer exceptionally talented international students. More opportunities are available for international students after they have been taking classes for one year. Check your department or school’s website for further information about scholarships they offer. The Scholarship Resource Office also posts information about scholarships available to Illinois State students.
A limited number of athletic scholarships are also available for exceptionally talented student athletes. Learn more at www.GoRedbirds.com.
Paying Your Bill
The University offers a payment plan of three monthly installments each semester for tuition, fees, room and board. A small fee is charged for paying on installments rather than one payment. You cannot pay your tuition, fees, or housing costs until a bill is received. For more information about paying your bill, visit Student Accounts.