A US University Is Offering International Students Up to $38,000 Per Year — Here’s How to Get It

Most international students assume studying in the United States is out of reach financially.

That’s not always true.

Illinois Wesleyan University is currently offering scholarships to international students that can cut tuition costs by tens of thousands of dollars — and in some cases, eliminate tuition entirely.

But here’s what makes this different from most scholarship listings you’ve seen: you don’t even need to fill out a separate scholarship application. More on that in a moment.

First, let’s talk about what’s actually on the table.

How Much Money Are We Talking About?

Illinois Wesleyan University awards up to $38,000 per year in merit-based scholarships to qualified international students.

That’s not a one-time payment. It’s renewable for up to four years, meaning a single scholarship could save you over $150,000 across your degree.

And that’s not even the biggest award available.

There’s a second, more competitive scholarship most applicants don’t know about — the President’s International Student Scholarship. This one can cover your entire tuition. Full. Tuition.

Only a handful of students receive it each year, which brings us to the real question…

Who Actually Qualifies?

The eligibility criteria are straightforward, but let’s be specific so you know exactly where you stand.

You need to be an international student applying for an undergraduate programme. Transfer students or postgraduate applicants are not covered under these awards.

You’ll also need a strong academic record. The university looks at your grades and standardised test scores, so if your transcript is solid, you’re already in a good position.

English proficiency is required too — either through IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent test. There’s no minimum score published, but competitive applicants typically score well above average.

And here’s one detail that catches people off guard: if you want to unlock additional need-based aid on top of your merit scholarship, you’ll need to submit the CSS Profile. Most students skip this step and leave money on the table.

Don’t be one of them.

What Exactly Do You Get?

Let’s break this down clearly so there’s no confusion.

Scholarship Type	What You Receive
Merit-Based Award	Up to $38,000/year, renewable for 4 years
President’s Scholarship	Full tuition coverage for selected students
Need-Based Aid	Additional financial support via CSS Profile
Campus Employment	Part-time work opportunities for extra income

That combination — merit award plus need-based aid plus campus work — is how some international students at Illinois Wesleyan end up paying very little out of pocket.

Now here’s the part most people are waiting for.

What Can You Actually Study?

These scholarships are not locked to a handful of programmes. They’re available across every undergraduate field offered at the university.

That includes Business, Economics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences — among others.

Illinois Wesleyan follows a liberal arts curriculum, which means you’re not boxed into one subject from day one. You can explore different disciplines, combine interests, and build a flexible skill set that translates well into the global job market.

This matters because some scholarship programmes restrict you to specific departments. This one doesn’t.

Why Illinois Wesleyan Specifically?

You might be wondering — with hundreds of universities in the US, why should this one be on your radar?

Three reasons.

Small class sizes. You’re not sitting in a lecture hall with 300 other students. Faculty actually know your name, which means better mentorship, stronger recommendation letters, and more personalised support.

High financial aid rate. A large percentage of students at Illinois Wesleyan receive some form of financial aid. The university is structurally built to support students financially — it’s not an afterthought.

Reputation. Illinois Wesleyan consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. That recognition carries weight when you’re applying for jobs or graduate programmes later.

Now let’s get to the part that actually matters — how to apply.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

This is simpler than you’d expect.

Step 1 — Go to the Illinois Wesleyan University admissions portal and submit your undergraduate application.

Step 2 — Upload all required documents, including your academic transcripts, standardised test scores, and proof of English proficiency.

Step 3 — If you want to be considered for need-based aid in addition to your merit scholarship, complete the CSS Profile. This step is optional but strongly recommended. Skipping it means you’re only being considered for merit awards, not the full range of funding available.

Step 4 — Wait. That’s it. There is no separate scholarship form to fill out. Once your admission application is complete, you’re automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

Most students overcomplicate this process. The reality is that your admission application is your scholarship application.

One Thing Most Applicants Get Wrong

They apply late.

Scholarship funds are limited. The earlier you submit a strong, complete application, the better your chances. Waiting until the last week of the deadline puts you at a disadvantage — not because you’re ineligible, but because funding may already be allocated to earlier applicants.

If you’re serious about this, start now.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can this scholarship cover full tuition? Yes — but only through the President’s International Student Scholarship, which is highly competitive. The standard merit award goes up to $38,000 per year.

Do I need a separate scholarship application? No. You’re automatically considered when you apply for admission. Just make sure your application is complete and your documents are strong.

How long does the scholarship last? Up to four years, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Is need-based aid available too? Yes, but you’ll need to submit the CSS Profile. Without it, you’ll only be considered for merit-based awards.

What programmes qualify? All undergraduate programmes at Illinois Wesleyan University are eligible.

Ready to Apply?

The opportunity is open. The process is straightforward. And you don’t need a separate scholarship application.

The only thing that can stop you at this point is not starting.

Click Here to Start Your Application — Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships