Navigating Scholarships for International Students at Western Washington University

Studying abroad represents a substantial financial undertaking, yet numerous resources exist to alleviate the burden and render your academic aspirations attainable. Securing scholarships demands proactive engagement - you won't receive funding without applying. This article serves as a guide to scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students at Western Washington University (WWU).

The WWU Scholarship Portal: Your Central Hub

All Western students gain access to the WWU Scholarship Portal, a centralized platform where a single application automatically matches you with scholarships for which you qualify. This portal encompasses funding options tailored for WWU students participating in approved study abroad, exchange, or internship programs during the academic year. If you have questions about the WWU Scholarship Portal, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: A Significant Boost

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for Study Abroad offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Impressively, the average award for WWU students stands at $3,000, with approximately one-third of WWU applicants receiving this scholarship. WWU advisors have created a tutorial to guide you through crafting a successful Gilman Scholarship application.

Guaranteed Grants & Scholarships for ALL WWU Students

Several partnerships provide guaranteed grants and scholarships to WWU students participating in specific study abroad programs:

IFSA Quarter Program State School Grant: Provides $1,250 off program fees for any quarter-length program.
CEA CAPA Study Abroad Programs: Offers various discounts and flight vouchers depending on the program length:
- $1000 off program fees + $500 Flight Voucher for Quarter/Semester
- $2000 off program fees + $1000 Flight Voucher for Academic Year
- $500 off Programs fees + $250 Flight Voucher for Summer
CIEE: Provides Trailblazer Flight Vouchers for featured programs and automatic grants for Latin America programs.

Note that these grants are exclusively applicable to students participating in the corresponding affiliate programs.

Fully Funded Grants to Study Abroad!

Critical Language Program Scholarship
Fairhaven Adventure Learning Grant (Fairhaven students only)
CIEE - The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship
CIEE - Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship

Affiliate Scholarships

Several affiliate programs offer dedicated scholarships:

ISA/TEAN - WWU Affiliate Scholarship
USAC - Affiliate Scholarships
ISEP - Affiliate Scholarships
CIEE - Merit Scholarships
IFSA - Affiliate Scholarships

Participation in the respective affiliate program is a prerequisite for these scholarships.

Additional Scholarships & Resources

For students focusing on Asia, exploring affordable program options equivalent to or less than the cost of in-state attendance at WWU is recommended.

Several strategies can effectively reduce the financial burden of studying abroad:

Maximize Financial Aid: Opt for studying abroad during the academic year to leverage your existing financial aid package.
Consider WWU Exchange: If studying in a high-cost-of-living location such as the UK, Australia, Western Europe, or Japan, explore WWU Exchange programs.
Choose Affordable Programs: Research program costs diligently and prioritize budget-friendly options.

International Achievement Award (IAA)

Western offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for new and continuing international students, up to $10,000 per year. The First-Year IAA is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to a limited number of students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. IAA recipients will receive an annual reduction in non-resident tuition in the form of partial tuition waivers for up to four years. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, and students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 for annual renewal of the award.

Read also: CWRU Tuition and Fees

Scholarship Disclaimer: Western's International Achievement Award (IAA) is available only to students who apply for admission using Western's unique application for admission here. The Transfer IAA is a two-year merit scholarship awarded to a limited number of transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. All transfer applicants must have completed a minimum of 45 quarter college credits (30 semester credits) to qualify.

Financial Responsibility

International students must assume all responsibility for student expenses. Applicants need to complete the Declaration of Financial Responsibility on the application for admission, demonstrating that they can meet Western's estimated expenses for one year and that there is reasonable expectation that funds will be available for the complete course of study. All financial evidence you submit to Western will also be required when you apply for your student visa.

International Student Scholarship

Each year, ISSS awards several scholarships of about $1500 to international students currently attending Western. The International Student Scholarship is designed to support students who have been chosen as International Student Leaders (ISLs). This program matches current international student leaders with small groups of incoming international students during their first academic year at Western. ISLs provide guidance, support, and friendship, while encouraging new students to explore the campus and community.

Scholarships for First-Year Students

First-year and Running Start students who are Washington State Residents: First-year students are automatically considered for merit-based and activity scholarships as well as many of our donor sponsored scholarships based on information provided in their application for admission. No separate application is needed to apply for these awards. Learn more about first-year in-state scholarships.

First-Year Out-of-State Students: Non-resident first-year students are automatically considered for merit-based and activity scholarships based on the information provided in their application for admission. No separate application is needed to apply for these awards. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarships are available to select students from participating western states, and awards are available for students from other states. Learn more about first-year out-of-state scholarships.

Read also: Growth and Community at WOU

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Washington State Resident Transfer Students: Transfer students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as part of the application process. Additional scholarship opportunities are available for Phi Theta Kappa members. Learn more about transfer in-state scholarships.

Out-of-State Transfer Students: Non-resident transfer students are automatically considered for competitive merit-based scholarships as part of the application process. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarships are available to select students from participating western states, and awards are available for students from other states. Learn more about transfer out-of-state scholarships.

Scholarship Opportunities Beyond Your First Year at Western

Western's Scholarship Center is your resource for finding and applying for Western Washington University scholarships beyond your first year at Western.

tags: #western #washington #university #scholarships #for #international