Navigating UIUC Study Abroad Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, offering invaluable academic, professional, and personal growth opportunities. However, the cost of such programs can be a significant barrier for many students. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) recognizes this and provides a multitude of scholarship opportunities to help students finance their study abroad endeavors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the various scholarships available to UIUC students, along with their eligibility requirements and application procedures.

General UIUC Study Abroad Scholarships

I4I (Illinois for Illinois) and IIP (Illinois International Programs) Scholarships

UIUC offers the I4I and IIP scholarships. A single, brief application is required to be considered for both.

I4I Scholarship: This scholarship, funded by a student-initiated fee, is open to all UIUC undergraduate students participating in pre-approved study abroad programs.
IIP Scholarships: These scholarships are a collection of donor-funded and memorial scholarships intended for students participating in pre-approved programs. Awards range from $1000 to $4000.

Your MyStudyAbroad application and essays will be used for scholarship review. Priority will go to students with financial need.

Illinois International Programs (IIP) Scholarships

Thanks to the generous support of Illinois alumni and friends, Illinois International offers several scholarships to support study abroad and global learning.

College-Specific Scholarships

Many colleges within UIUC offer scholarships specifically for their students participating in study abroad programs.

Read also: The UGL: A Complete History

College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) Study Abroad Scholarship

FAA undergraduate students participating in any campus-approved study abroad program-with the exception of the Illinois Architecture Study Abroad Program in Barcelona-El Vallès, which has its own financial assistance-are eligible for the FAA Study Abroad Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is to provide access to international study experiences for underserved students with financial need.

Doyle Moore International Travel Scholarship (School of Art and Design)

The Doyle Moore International Travel Scholarship supports and supplements the cost of overseas study and travel for graphic design students. Scholarships and amounts awarded vary from year to year. The award is named for Doyle Moore, who retired from the School of Art and Design in 1991 after 33 years in the Graphic Design program and at Japan House, where he taught theories of Japanese aesthetics.

Architecture Scholarships

Several endowed scholarships are available for architecture students, each with its own specific criteria:

The Allerton American Traveling Scholarship: Established by the late Robert Allerton and continued by his son, the late John Gregg Allerton.
The David Ashby Memorial Scholarship Fund In Architecture: Established and endowed by David’s sister, Ms. Dianne Ashby, in accordance with his wishes, and to create a perpetual tribute to David (B. ARCH 1981, M.ARCH Hist 1984).
The William B. Bauhs Memorial Fund In Architecture: Established by Mrs. Mary Joanne Bauhs and her children, family, colleagues, and friends to honor her husband, William B. Bauhs (B.ARCH 1965).
The Charles Clemens Councell Memorial Fund In Architecture: Established in memory of Mr. Councell (BSAE 1922).
The E. Benno Philippson Aia Traveling Award In Architecture: Established by Mr. Raymond A.
The Raymond A. Pigozzi Memorial Award: Established by his family and the OWP/P Foundation in memory of Mr. Pigozzi. Raymond Pigozzi (B.ARCH 1951) was a founding partner of O’Donnell, Wicklund, Pigozzi & Peterson (OWP/P) in Chicago, which is now CannonDesign. Mr. Pigozzi’s professional career was devoted to educational architecture. He was appointed a Fellow in the AIA in 1982.
The Edward L. Ryerson Traveling awards in Architecture and Landscape Architecture: Established at the University of Illinois in 1950. The purpose of the Fellowship is to promote excellence in landscape architecture and architecture through travel and study.
The Edward And Mary Jane Simmons Award: The family of Edward and Mary Jane Simmons continue the Edward And Mary Jane Simmons Award in memory of their father and mother. For many years, Mr. in Indianapolis.

College of Education Study Abroad Scholarship

Recognizing the academic, professional, and personal value of study abroad experiences, the College of Education strongly encourages its students to study abroad. One of the ways in which the college supports students is offering a special scholarship opportunity based on financial need and academic standing. Depending on FAFSA reported financial need, a student may be awarded $500-$2,000 to defray the costs of a study abroad program.

Scholarship applicants must be University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign College of Education enrolled, degree-seeking students in good academic standing who are registered for the EDUC499 course. The student must have completed EDUC499 course requirements and exhibit financial need as reported by FAFSA.

Read also: Internship Program Overview

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) Scholarships

The College of LAS offers several scholarships to support its students' study abroad experiences:

Catherine C. and Bruce A. Bastian Scholarship: This fund was established to increase students’ awareness of and involvement in international activities. The study abroad scholarship funds are designated in part to support Global Studies majors who study abroad on a University of Illinois-sponsored or affiliated program to fulfill the requirement for their major. Scholarships up to $1,000 are available for fall or spring semesters.
LAS Global Studies Thulin Scholarship Fund: This scholarship supports the pursuit of academic experiences abroad. The scholarship is intended to support Global Studies students who participate in an immersive experience as part of a study abroad program, including internships, research, service learning opportunities, home stay, and taking courses taught in languages other than English or who pursue another type of unpaid field work experience abroad for which the student has arranged academic credit. Preference will be given to full-semester experiences. Scholarships of $1,000 - $2,000 are available for fall, spring, or summer term. Funds are credited to the student’s University of Illinois account in the term of their immersive experience. At the time of application, you must be an undergraduate enrolled in the College of LAS. This includes undeclared students in LAS and DGS who intend to declare a major within LAS. Dual degree students enrolled in LAS the semester they study abroad are eligible to apply.
LAS Sustainable Education Abroad Scholarship (SEAS): This scholarship encourages students who are enrolled in semester-long and all-year education abroad programming to use their education abroad experience as a vehicle to explore sustainability practices in another setting outside of the USA. Applicants will demonstrate a vested interest in the environment at large; whether it be through a named degree program, extracurricular, community/RSO work, or personal interest. At the time of application, you must be an undergraduate enrolled in the College of LAS. This includes minors and dual degrees with preference given to those whose home colleges do not offer study abroad funding. Scholarship amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Gies College of Business

Some short-term programs are subsidized by Gies College of Business.

The Gies Study Abroad Office does everything possible to provide safe, high-quality programs to Gies students at a reasonable cost to participating students.

Early Abroad Scholarship (College of Education)

The College of Education recognizes the value of giving undergraduates the opportunity to enhance their experiences through study abroad experiences and offers current students the opportunity to receive funding for an Education Abroad program. The program must take place over winter break, spring break, or summer programs during freshman year. Early Abroad Scholarship applicants may receive up to $1,000 to use as funding. In order to be considered for the Early Abroad Scholarship, applicants must submit both an application and a recommendation from one faculty member. The recipients must be willing to do a joint presentation on their experience when they get back.

The applicant must be degree-seeking Freshmen in good academic standing who are currently enrolled in an eligible education program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Eligible programs include undergraduate Pre-Teacher, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, and Secondary Education programs in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Math, Physics, and Social Studies (History), as well as all graduate programs in all College of Education departments.

Read also: UIUC Summer Fees Explained

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to UIUC-specific scholarships, students can also explore external funding opportunities.

IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants

Due to the support of private donors, IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants are available to students from all different backgrounds. The grants make it possible for students to partake in internships or learning experiences abroad. The Travel Grants can be used for travel to and from the country of study, as well as within the region, in order for students to make the most of their abroad experience. IIE will award $2000 grants to 100 students each term.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that allows students to study or intern abroad.

Boren Awards for International Study

citizens. The Boren provides students up to $25,000 to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Truman Scholarship

citizens pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. The Truman awards $30,000 towards graduate studies to students with a record of community service and a commitment to a career in public service.

Schwarzman Scholars Program

citizens under the age of 28 who are seniors, graduate/professional students, and graduates. The Schwarzman fully funds one year of graduate study leading to a Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, China. Open to students from any major. Prior knowledge of Mandarin is not required and Mandarin classes are included in the coursework.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

citizens who are seniors, graduate/professional students, and graduates. The Fulbright fully funds one year of study or research in any country where there is a Fulbright Commission. Some shorter term and English teaching programs are available.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

citizens who are seniors or earned their undergraduate degree within the past four years. The Knight-Hennessy fully funds two to five years of study leading to a graduate or professional degree at Stanford University.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

citizens who are seniors, graduate/professional students, and graduates. The Gates Cambridge fully funds one to four years of study leading to a degree at Cambridge University, England.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Start Early: Scholarship application deadlines often fall before or on the same day as the program application deadline.
Consult the Writers Workshop: If you are applying for a scholarship consult the Writers Workshop and/or asking a peer to review your work.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Many scholarships require you to write an essay. Be sure to do your best on the essay, because for many scholarships, the quality of the essay makes a difference as to who receives the scholarships.
Be Specific: Stay away from general ideas, such as saying that you are interested in a particular program because you think it will help you to "grow as a person" and "be more open to other cultures".
Don't Be Discouraged: Do take the time to apply for scholarships. Every year there are scholarships that remained unclaimed because not enough students applied.

Financial Aid and Program Costs

Financial Aid can generally be used the same for study abroad periods as for when the student is attending classes at UIUC. For students going on a semester program, the financial aid will be adjusted to reflect the program costs. Keep in mind that financial aid will not be distributed until the beginning of the UIUC semester. The most cost effective programs are generally exchange programs. For these programs, you do not need to pay the tuition of the university you will be attending. You only pay Range III tuition at the University of Illinois. The costs for short-term study abroad programs varies widely and depends on the location, duration and number of participating students.

Provider Program Scholarships

If you are considering a provider program, many provider organizations sponsor their own study abroad scholarships for students intending to participate in their programs. The scholarship opportunities available may range from need-based grants to merit scholarships, with varying eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may only be applicable to certain identities, programs, or locations. We strongly encourage every student applying to a provider program to apply for the provider scholarships.

Eligibility requirements

I4I Scholarship: The I4I Scholarship is available to all Illinois undergraduates studying abroad during any term (Fall semester, Winter break, Spring semester, Spring break, Summer and calendar year).
IIP Scholarships: Some of the scholarships have specific requirements for particular study abroad programs, while others are open for a variety of programs.
IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants: IIE will award $2000 grants to 100 students each term.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: These are just four of the scholarships available to Illinois students studying abroad. Make sure to stop by our scholarship page for even more opportunities. Also check with your academic advisor to learn about possible scholarships offered to students in your collage or major. Unlike financial aid, these awards are merit-based and competitive. The awards fall into many categories. We encourage you to read about the different opportunities we offer below. Click on the name of each scholarship for more details.
Boren Awards for International Study: citizen freshmen and sophomores with a GPA of at least 3.6. citizens.
Truman Scholarship: nationals, or resident aliens. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients with a 3.0+ GPA and demonstrated financial need who plan to pursue a career in public service.
Schwarzman Scholars Program: citizens with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.7. Seniors, graduate/professional students, and graduates are eligible to apply within two years of their undergraduate graduation.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: citizens or non-citizens under the age of 24 who are seniors, graduates/professionals, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.7. citizens apply from their home country and may have an earlier deadline.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program: citizens or permanent residents under the age of 32 who are young professionals, seniors or graduate/professional students.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship: citizens in their last year of undergraduate studies or who graduated with their undergraduate degree within the last 12 months.
Early Abroad Scholarship: citizens or DACA recipients who are seniors, graduate/professional students, or graduates with a GPA of at least 3.5.

tags: #uiuc #study #abroad #scholarships #requirements