by Last verified: 17 October 2026. We checked this Western Illinois University international graduate scholarship against WIU’s official pages.
Western Illinois University (WIU) offers new international graduate students an International Graduate Scholarship of $4,000 (four thousand US dollars) a year. The current page covers students starting from Summer or Fall 2026 to Spring 2027, so WIU hasn’t published 2027-28 details yet. The key point: you’re guaranteed consideration if WIU admits you by 1 August for fall or 1 January for spring.
Western Illinois University international graduate scholarship at a glance
| Detail | What WIU says |
|---|---|
| Value | $4,000 a year, split between fall and spring |
| Who | Newly admitted, non-sponsored, first-time graduate students |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 undergraduate GPA |
| Study load | Full-time (9 hours) |
| Guaranteed consideration | Admitted by 1 August (fall) or 1 January (spring) |
Rules for the WIU international graduate scholarship
- You can’t hold it with a graduate assistantship.
- It isn’t for a second bachelor’s degree.
- WIU doesn’t list a separate PhD scholarship, and its page doesn’t describe a separate application.
WIU also lists a limited number of graduate assistantships on its international finances page. One award entry on the page still refers to fall 2025, so check the details with WIU.
Worked example
Kemi from Ibadan has a 3.4 GPA and applies for a WIU Masters starting fall 2027. If WIU admits her before 1 August 2027, she’s guaranteed consideration for $4,000 a year, $8,000 (eight thousand US dollars) over a two-year Masters. If she takes a graduate assistantship instead, she gives up the scholarship. For visa costs, see our F-1 visa fee guide.
Western Illinois University scholarship and the full cost
WIU estimates that an international graduate student needs $29,100 (twenty-nine thousand one hundred US dollars) for the 2026-27 year. Here’s how that breaks down, and what the Western Illinois University scholarship does to it:
| Cost (2026-27) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $16,450 |
| Room and board | $8,250 |
| Other expenses | $4,400 |
| Total estimate | $29,100 |
| Total after the $4,000 scholarship | $25,100 |
WIU charges graduate tuition by the credit hour: $803.56 plus $101.56 in fees for each credit. With the scholarship, your yearly estimate drops to $25,100 (twenty-five thousand one hundred US dollars). Use that figure when you gather bank statements or sponsor letters.
Graduate assistantship or scholarship?
You can’t hold the scholarship and a graduate assistantship together, so you’ll need to compare them. WIU’s assistantships page describes roles that come with a full tuition waiver. That page doesn’t say whether every role is open to international students, so ask your department.
- On a full-time load of 9 credits, tuition alone is about $7,232 a semester.
- That means a full tuition waiver is usually worth more than $4,000 a year.
- But assistantship places are limited, and the scholarship needs no extra work.
- On an F-1 visa, on-campus work is limited to 20 hours a week during term.
English tests and visa fee
WIU’s graduate English minimums are IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105 or PTE 49. Some programmes ask for more; business programmes, for example, ask for IELTS 6.5. The US visa application fee for an F-1 student visa is $185 (one hundred eighty-five US dollars), according to the US State Department.
Frequently asked questions
Are sponsored students eligible?
No. It’s for non-sponsored students.
Is there a 2027-28 version?
WIU hasn’t published it yet; the current page runs to Spring 2027.
How much does a WIU Masters cost for international students?
WIU estimates $29,100 for 2026-27, including living costs. With the $4,000 scholarship, that’s about $25,100.
Official sources
- Official page – WIU scholarships for international students
- Official page – WIU graduate international finances
- Official page – WIU international graduate cost of attendance
- Official page – WIU graduate tuition rates
- Official page – WIU graduate assistantships and funding
- Official page – WIU English language proficiency
- Official page – US State Department visa fees
Scholarship terms change. Always confirm with WIU before you apply.
