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There are five main sources of financial aid available to International Students at Eastern Illinois University:

1. International Student Scholarship

• a renewable scholarship for students of any level awarded based on financial need and academic merit

What is an International Student Scholarship?

This scholarship was established by the Board of Trustees to assist students from other countries. Awards are competitive and designed to promote cultural exchange and diversity. Awards may be granted on the basis of one or more of the following factors: financial need and academic excellence. The scholarship pays tuition for minimum full-time enrollment in EIU courses. Fees, field trips, continuing education delivery charges, travel, living expenses, and other personal expenses are not covered.
Eligibility is limited to undergraduate or graduate students maintaining F-1 or J-1 visa status. Only students entering the U.S. with an appropriate visa obtained based on an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by Eastern Illinois University will be considered.


Additional criteria for eligibility are:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (undergraduate), 3.0 (graduate), as converted to the EIU grading scale.
• Full academic admission to a degree program
• Proof of funding for living expenses and fees (see financial affidavit form at http://www.eiu.edu/~interntl/)

For more information, see Reference Material provided.

2. Graduate Assistantships

• a full tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend in exchange for up to 20 hours of work per week for your academic department (for graduate students only)

What is a Graduate Assistantship?

The most popular method of financing used by Eastern's international graduate students, a 'graduate assistantship' is a semester- or academic year-based contract where the student agrees to perform up to 20 hours per week of service for their academic department in exchange for a tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend with which to pay their fees and living expenses.

Application deadlines vary, please contact the appropriate Graduate Coordinator for the specific deadline of the department in which you are interested.

The Graduate Assistantship application must be printed and physically mailed, along with any other documents required by the department (ex: resume, letters of reference, etc.) to the Coordinator by that time.

3. Athletic Scholarships

• support ranging from partial tuition to complete tuition, fees and room and board offered in exchange for membership on one of the sports teams.

Please contact the appropriate coach for more information.

4. On-Campus Employment

• International Students may work up to 20 hours per week in an on-campus post such as the library, cafeterias or computer labs

What Jobs are Available to International Students?

Visa regulations allow for International Students to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK OFF-CAMPUS except in very specialized circumstances or if the work is part of their Optional Practical Training. Questions concerning this rule should be directed to Mr. William J. Elliott, Director of International Programs, at wjelliott@eiu.edu .

During International Student Orientation, a university representative will come and speak to you about your employment options and how to apply for on-campus work. Popular workplaces for International Students include:

• Dining Halls

• Computer Labs

• Library

Additional job opportunities may also be posted on the website of the Office of Financial Aid.

5. Private Scholarships

• you are welcome to apply any scholarships or sponsorships earned in your home country for the purpose of studying abroad to your Eastern account