Applications for Assistance

Graduate Assistantships

Tuition Waivers

  • Graduate Tuition Waiver form (pdf) or interactive version (ipdf)- These waivers are awarded on a competitive basis by departments/schools offering graduate programs to students who show promise for success and who have not received an assistantship, fellowship or other award funding tuition costs.

  • Diversity Tuition Waiver (interactive pdf)
    Illinois State University takes pride in its diverse student population and values diversity in all forms.  In an effort to provide support to persons from traditionally underrepresented groups who have been admitted to an Illinois State University graduate degree program, the Graduate School is able to offer a limited number of Diversity Tuition Waivers.

    Diversity Tuition Waivers are awarded on a case-by-case basis to U.S. citizens from traditionally underrepresented groups.  Such groups may be based on but are not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military experience, low socioeconomic status, experience as a first generation college student, and/or limited English proficiency. Awards are not based solely on membership in one or more traditionally underrepresented groups, but rather on a holistic evaluation that includes students' articulation of how their experience and perspective as a member of an underrepresented group has resulted in and/or is expected to result in unique contributions to their respective graduate program, academic discipline, and overall campus community. Waivers are awarded subject to available funds and may be received in addition to most other types of financial assistance.  Please note, however, that those who receive a graduate assistantship will forfeit the award of the Diversity waiver as graduate assistantships include a tuition waiver.

  • International Graduate Tuition Waivers (pdf) (Preferred Application Deadline August 1) For international students who are in good academic standing, who are active in campus activities, and who have completed one full academic year in their current level of study.

Scholarships and Fellowships

  • Ada Belle Clark Welsh (pdf) Scholarship Fund (Application deadline March 15) - For women in the field of liberal arts and humanities, including study for teacher preparation or improvement.

  • Donald F. McHenry (pdf) Fellowship (Application deadline March 15) - For U.S. citizens of African, Asian, Hispanic or Native American ethnicity.

  • Illinois State Foundation (pdf) Fellowship (Application deadline March 15) - For persons admitted to a degree program but have not begun coursework.

  • Lela Winegarner (pdf) Scholarship (Application deadline September 15) - For international students pursuing careers of service to their country.

  • Ora Bretall (pdf) Scholarship (Application deadline Sept. 15 and March 15) - For students whose proposal for thesis/dissertation deals with educational theory..

  • Fulbright Scholarships - designed to give graduating seniors, graduate students, and developing professionals and artists opportunities for personal enrichment and international experience. These student grants (covering up to one year) are awarded through a merit-based competition to men and women who create a plan to conduct career-launching study and research abroad.

  • Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Fellowship Program - To increase the number of underrepresented faculty and staff in Illinois as well as Illinois institutions of higher education and higher education governing boards. For minority residents of Illinois.