International Students | Office of Student Financial Aid | Illinois

Eligibility International students are generally not eligible for federal or state financial aid programs, which require U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or permanent residency. They may receive institutional aid, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships offered by the university. Private loans are available only if a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can serve as a co‑signer. Undergraduate Students Undergraduates may be considered for scholarships awarded by colleges or departments. These scholarships are typically awarded automatically based on the admission file and academic records; no separate application is required. Graduate Students Graduate admission automatically places applicants in consideration for all university‑administered fellowships and assistantships. Many departments award financial aid concurrently with admission, so it is advisable to submit all required materials by the admission deadline. Academic excellence is the primary criterion; financial need is rarely a factor. Fellowships Most campus fellowships are awarded to students beginning graduate studies in the fall. The Graduate College maintains a searchable list of fellowship opportunities from the university and external sources. Fellowships are only available to full‑time, degree‑seeking students and are contingent on available funding. Awardees receive tuition waivers and selected fee waivers. Assistantships Teaching, research, graduate, and pre‑professional assistants receive stipends for services rendered to the university. To hold an assistantship, students must be registered for the semester of appointment and maintain good academic standing. Teaching assistantships require proficiency in oral English as defined by university verification standards. Scholarship Opportunities Students can search for external scholarships through online search engines and resources such as International Education Financial Aid, International Scholarships Online, and The SmartStudent Guide to Studying in the USA. Student Loans Limited private alternative loans are available, but most lenders require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co‑signer. A comprehensive list of international private loan lenders is provided by the university. Employment Opportunities U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strictly regulates employment for international students. For guidance, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Other Aid The Office of Student Financial Aid offers additional resources, including grants, waivers, and employment assistance. Contact information: Arcade 620 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820; 217‑333‑0100; finaid@illinois.edu. Known Eligibility • Not eligible for federal or state aid. • Eligible for institutional scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. • Private loans require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co‑signer. Funding Options • Institutional scholarships (undergraduate and graduate). • Campus fellowships (full‑time graduate students). • Teaching, research, and graduate assistantships. • Limited private loans. Deadlines • Fellowships and assistantships are awarded concurrently with admission; submit all materials by the admission deadline. • Specific fellowship and assistantship deadlines vary by department and are not listed in the source. Unknowns • Exact amounts of tuition waivers and stipend levels. • Detailed application procedures for each scholarship or fellowship. • Current availability of private loan options. Source Limitations The information is drawn from a single university webpage and may be outdated. No external verification or links are provided. The article does not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Read Time: 3–4 minutes Source: https://www.osfa.illinois.edu/types-of-aid/other-aid/international-students/ Checked: 2026-10-10T09:09:52.388620+00:00 Confirm details with the official institution before applying.