Illinois Institute of Technology: Study at the Most International Student-Friendly University in the World!

The United States is the most popular study destination in the world, taking into account 974,900 enrolled international students in 2015, as per the Open Doors report. While figures will exponentially grow in the years to come, the United States has also adapted by encouraging student-friendly campuses that are not only academically-excellent, but diverse as well.

According to the QS World University Rankings, the Illinois Institute of Technology tops the list in student diversity, making them the most student-friendly university in the world.

What exciting opportunities await you at Illinois Tech? Let’s find out.

About the Illinois Institute of Technology

Globally ranked 15th for international student numbers (and fourth in the globe overall)

Illinois Institute of Technology, often known as Illinois Tech or IIT, is the top-ranked university in the United States for international students, with a perfect score of 100 in the rankings’ ‘International Students’ indicator. The university, which has a total enrollment of about 8,000 students and is located in the fast-paced student metropolis of Chicago, has over 1,000 students from minority groups. International students make up 65 percent of IIT’s graduate students, and there are 100 nationalities represented in the university’s student body.

Scholarships Offered

Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for a variety of Illinois Tech’s competitive scholarship programs. All first-year and transfer undergraduate students in the United States are automatically considered for scholarships that cover a significant percentage of their tuition costs. In addition to any fellowships, graduate students in specified degree programs may be eligible for additional special scholarships.

As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous merit scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures). 

We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.

• On top of our merit scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
• We’re the #42 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
• 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
• The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $62,655.

International Undergraduate Student Scholarships

International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, and Illinois Tech is committed to enrolling a diverse and talented student body. To establish their capacity or the ability of an individual or government sponsor to pay their education, overseas students must submit a Financial Affidavit of Support to demonstrate their ability or the ability of an individual or government sponsor to finance their education. Each year, tuition and fees may fluctuate, but you can see what’s going on right now.

You or your sponsor must show that you or your sponsor have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses while you are a student at Illinois Tech.

* Depending on the amount of merit-based scholarships received, the minimum amount may vary.

PLEASE NOTE: If a student earns multiple Illinois Institute of Technology merit scholarships throughout the admission process, the university will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified but will not combine multiple awards.

Merit Scholarships—Starting at $10,000 annually

Illinois Tech is committed to enrolling a diverse and talented student body. International first-year and transfer students are eligible for a combination of scholarship and grant packages, including merit-based scholarships, a housing award, and Phi Theta Kappa membership, starting at $10,000 annually. Each application is automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships based on the student’s academic success, involvement in the community, and other achievements. No additional application is required.

M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholars

Application Deadline: November 15 (You must apply under Early Decision I or Early Action I to be considered)
Complete and submit the Leadership Academy Scholarship Application

Named for former University Regent Al Self and his wife, Lila, the M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholarship is a distinguished and prestigious award given to the top applicants to the university who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Illinois Tech World Robot Olympiad Scholarship

Candidates competing for the Illinois Tech WRO scholarships demonstrate an aptitude for science, technology, and other STEM subjects. WRO scholars are eligible for a merit scholarship award of $25,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study (five years for architecture).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORLD ROBOT OLYMPIAD SCHOLARSHIP

Dimiter Etimov Scholarship

Bulgarian citizens who are accepted for admission to an Illinois Tech undergraduate program may apply for the Dimiter Etimov Scholarship. Applicants must have graduated from a Bulgarian high school and intend to return to Bulgaria after their studies.
Contact: Professor Alex Nikolov at [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: If a student earns multiple Illinois Tech merit scholarships throughout the admission process, the university will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified, but will not combine multiple awards.

Online Funding and Scholarship Databases

Fastweb: Searchable database of scholarships

College Scholarships: Fee-based scholarship application service

Funding for United States Study: Database of more than 500 scholarships, fellowships, and grants for international students, organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education

GrantsNet: Database of grants for training in the sciences and undergraduate science education.

International Education Financial Aid: Free searchable database of more than 800 scholarships and awards for international students, most of which are restricted to use at specific universities

InternationalScholarships.com: Comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial aid information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad

InternationalStudent.com: Database of U.S. higher-education institutions awarding scholarships to international students

Organization of American States’ Leo S. Rowe Fund: This program provides loans of up to $15,000 USD for undergraduate students in their last two years of study or any graduate student; available for citizens of Latin American countries

NAFSA Financial Aid for Undergraduates: This resource provides information primarily for students with nonimmigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.); information for permanent residents of the United States also included

MyCollegeScholarship.org: Advice on how to apply for scholarships

U.S. Department of State—Education USA: Provides support to a network of educational advising/information centers around the world that advise prospective international students and other audiences on higher education and study opportunities in the United States

Foundations

Fellowship Office of Policy and Global Affairs: Administers pre-doctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowship programs in research-based fields of study

The Foundation Center: Fee-based website for institutional grant-seekers

Institute of International Education (IIE): Offers programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals, and trainees from all sectors, with funding provided by government agencies, foundations, and corporations

International Research and Exchanges Board: Offers various scholarships, fellowships, and grants to international students

MacArthur Foundation: Makes grants through four programs: Human and Community Development, Global Security and Sustainability, the General Program, and the MacArthur Fellows Program

Open Society Institute: Administers merit-based grants to international students

Rockefeller Foundation: Offers grants in four program areas: Food Security, Health Equity, Creativity and Culture, and Working Communities

Rotary Foundation: Offers a broad range of humanitarian, intercultural, and educational programs and activities designed to improve the human condition and advance the organization’s ultimate goal of world understanding and peace

Social Science Research Council Fellowship: Provides support and professional recognition to innovators within fields, and especially to younger researchers whose work and ideas will have longer-term impact on society and scholarship

PLEASE NOTE: If a student earns multiple Illinois Tech merit scholarships throughout the admission process, the university will award the highest merit award for which the student is qualified, but will not combine multiple awards.

Graduate Scholarships

Upon acceptance to Illinois Tech, the following scholarships are awarded. Unless otherwise noted, applicants are automatically considered for the scholarships for which they are eligible. Any of the prizes listed below cannot be reconsidered if a student applies for reinstatement.

The following rewards are not available to students who are currently receiving a tuition reduction through the India Online or Beacon Education programs. Unless specified in the description below, awards cannot be combined with other prizes.

ACE Award

The ACE Award is a partial-tuition scholarship for masters-level study at Armour College of Engineering that encourages participation in various educational, research, and/or leadership activities and projects that are expected to enhance your educational experience and contribute to your professional competence in your chosen field of study.

This award covers the cost of three credit hours per semester and can be used for a total of two semesters. The award cannot be used in the summer term and is not deferrable. The ACE Award is restricted to students studying at Mies Campus. Students who receive this award and excel in leadership/academics while on campus may qualify for a current student award called the Armour Master Scholarship.

Alumni Half Scholarship

The Alumni Half Scholarship is available to any degree-seeking student who graduated from Illinois Tech within the past two years with an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This award covers half the cost of a student’s tuition charges—up to a maximum of 4.5 credit hours per semester—for full-time graduate students in their first year of study. The Alumni Half Scholarship is only available to students enrolling in a graduate program in the College of Architecture, the College of Computing, or the Lewis College of Science and Letters.

The Alumni Half Scholarship does not apply to Illinois Tech alumni who are pursuing a second or additional graduate degree. 

Architecture Masters Scholarship

The Architecture Masters Scholarship is offered to students seeking an M.Arch, M.S. Arch, M.L.A., or M.S. Architecture Engineering degree. The award covers the cost of three, 4.5, or five credit hours per semester as determined by a student’s program of study. The award is available for the duration of the program, with a max of four semesters, and cannot be used in the summer term. Students can defer this award for one semester.

Cambridge Educational Group (CEG) Award

The CEG Award is awarded to students who are enrolled in Illinois Tech’s CEG program. The award is available to international students. Eligible students receive a maximum of $4,000 per semester for two semesters. The award cannot be used for the summer term and can be deferred up to one year.

Cambridge Educational Group (CEG) Deposit Credit

The CEG Deposit Credit is awarded to students enrolled in Illinois Tech’s CEG program. The deposit credit is available to international students. Eligible students receive a $1,250 per semester, for a total of two semesters of funding. The deposit credit cannot be used for the summer term and can be deferred up to one year.

Chicago Talent Pipeline Scholarship

The Chicago Talent Pipeline Scholarship is a partial-tuition scholarship for master’s-level study at the Stuart School of Business. The scholarship is awarded to domestic Chicago-area students seeking a master’s of science degree in finance, management science, marketing analytics, or environmental management and sustainability. Eligible students must seek to advance their career in the Chicago-area market. The scholarship is capped at $14,000 per degree, and is spread evenly across the 11 three-credit hour courses needed for an M.S. degree. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking joint Stuart degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Please note: If you receive full or partial sponsor financial funding, the scholarship will be removed. You are responsible for paying the Professional Communication Advancement (PCA) program fee.

Data Science Excellence Scholarship

The Data Science Excellence Scholarship is awarded to select data science students. Scholarship values vary based on applicants’ grade-point averages, GRE score, and academic/professional experiences. The scholarship can be used for four semesters and in conjunction with other scholarships awarded by the College of Computing. The maximum award value is a flat $4,000 per semester. This award can be deferred to up to one year.

Graduate Housing Scholarship

The Graduate Housing Scholarship is a two-semester award offered to select incoming graduate students who wish to reside in on-campus housing.* To use the scholarship, students must enroll in three or more credit hours and sign a nine-month lease (fall enrollees) or a four-month lease (spring enrollees). The value of this award varies based on annual contract terms. The award cannot be used during the summer term. If a student’s housing charges are less than the value of their scholarship, the scholarship will be reduced accordingly.

*Students awarded the Graduate Housing Scholarship prior to the fall 2019 semester can use the award for the duration of their program of study.

Graduate Pathways

The Graduate Pathways award is offered to on-spot admits in any master’s program. Eligible students are awarded up to $5,000 per semester for a total of two semesters.* This award can be deferred up to one year and cannot be used in the summer. Students participating in the India Online program are not eligible for this award.

IIT College Scholarship

The IIT College Scholarship is awarded to students studying chemistry, applied math, or physics. The scholarship caps out at $2,500 per semester and is renewable for four semesters. This award can be used for summer and can be deferred up to one year. Students participating in the India Online program are not eligible for this award. The final term for students to be awarded this scholarship was Fall 2021.

India Online

The India Online program provides working professionals an opportunity to seek a graduate degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or manufacturing engineering while residing in India. Students enrolled in this program receive a deep tuition discount, and hence are not eligible for any additional university scholarships, assistantships, or grants. Moreover, students participating in the India Online (IO) program may lose semesters of eligibility for any scholarships awarded upon admission. For example, a student awarded a two-semester scholarship who spends their first semester studying in India will only be eligible for one semester of scholarship funding when they continue their degree in the U.S.

Innovation Scholarship

The Innovation Scholarship is an application-based award offered to selected Master’s of Business Administration and Master’s of Technological Entrepreneurship students. Selected students are awarded up to $14,000 over the course of four semesters. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking joint Stuart School of Business degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Please note: If you receive full or partial sponsor financial funding, the scholarship will be removed. You are responsible for paying the Professional Communication Advancement (PCA) program fee.

International Partners

The International Partners scholarship is available for students enrolled in the IIT Europe partner program. Students enrolled through the IIT Europe partner program are NOT eligible for regular departmental scholarships. The university guarantees students from this partner program a research experience. The value of this award is based on the student’s home institution. Eligible students receive two total semesters of funding. The award cannot be used for the summer term. Students cannot defer this award.

Provost Alumni Professional Master’s Scholarship (Accelerated Master’s Program)

The Alumni Professional Masters Scholarship is available to any student seeking a professional master’s degree who graduated from Illinois Tech. This award maxes out at $10,000 per student over the course of one professional accelerated master’s degree. Students have been offered $3,333 per semester for their first three semesters of study. Students whose tuition charges fall below $3,333 will receive funding up to the cost of their tuition charges. This scholarship cannot be used during the summer term, and cannot be combined with other scholarships, excluding research assistantships and teaching assistantships. The final term for students to be awarded this scholarship was Spring 2021.

Provost Alumni Professional Master’s Scholarship (Standard Master’s Program)

The Alumni Professional Master’s Scholarship is available to any student seeking a professional master’s degree who graduated from Illinois Tech. This award maxes out at $25,000 per student over the course of one professional masters degree. Students have been offered $6,250 per fall and spring term. Students whose tuition charges fall below $6,250 will receive funding up to the cost of their tuition charges. This scholarship cannot be used during the summer term, and cannot be combined with other scholarships, excluding research assistantships and teaching assistantships. The final term for students to be awarded this scholarship was Spring 2021.

Nate Thomas Public Service Scholarship

The Nate Thomas Public Service Award is a partial-tuition scholarship for domestic degree-seeking graduate-level students at Illinois Tech. In pursuit of our mission to promote diversity and inclusion, Illinois Institute of Technology has a limited number of need-based and merit-based scholarships available to financially disadvantaged graduate students who are committed to leveraging their tech careers in focusing on the advancement of socio-economically underrepresented or disadvantaged populations. The award is tuition specific and students must take at minimum 6 credit hours to qualify.

Selected students are awarded up to $15,000 which can be used over the first two semesters. This award will be prorated based on enrollment so that a student’s discount doesn’t exceed the tuition charges, cannot be used in the summer term, and is deferrable for up to one year. This award excludes the Chicago-Kent College of Law programs.

A separate scholarship application must be submitted after admission is granted to be considered for this award. Admitted students within this demographic must submit an essay revolving around experiences demonstrating achievement and determination in the face of personal challenges.

Science Frontier Scholarship

The Science Frontier Scholarship is awarded to domestic students within certain MAS and M.S. programs in Lewis College of Science and Letters. The award caps out at $2,250 per semester and is offered for four semesters.* This award can be deferred up to one year and cannot be used during the summer term. The final term for students to be awarded this scholarship was Fall 2021.

Stuart Doctoral Scholarship

The Stuart Doctoral Scholarship is available for select students pursuing a Ph.D. in Management Science. Scholarship values vary; the maximum award is $425 per credit hour, with a maximum of 60 credit hours of coverage. The Doctoral Scholarship can only be applied toward Stuart tuition charges. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking joint Stuart degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Please note: If you receive full or partial sponsor financial funding, the scholarship will be removed. You are responsible for paying the Professional Communication Advancement (PCA) program fee.

Stuart School of Business Dean’s Scholarship

The Stuart School of Business Dean’s Scholarship is available for international students studying at Stuart, with the exception of students seeking their Master of Public Policy and Administration or Master of Business Administration degree. This award maxes out at $14,000 over the course of one masters degree. Students can use this scholarship for a maximum of four terms. Scholarship values vary; the maximum award is $3,500 per semester. The Dean’s Scholarship can only be applied toward Stuart tuition charges. This award is prorated based on enrollment, so students taking fewer courses will not be able to use their standard semester value if they enroll in fewer than nine credit hours. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking joint Stuart degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Please note: If you receive full or partial sponsor financial funding, the scholarship will be removed. You are responsible for paying the Professional Communication Advancement (PCA) program fee.

Stuart School of Business M.P.P.A. Scholarship

The Stuart School of Business M.P.P.A. Scholarship is available to students pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Administration. This award maxes out at $18,641 over the course of one masters degree. Students can use this scholarship for a maximum of six terms. Scholarship values vary; the maximum award is $5,084 per semester. This award is prorated based on enrollment, so students taking fewer courses will not be able to use their standard semester value if they enroll in fewer than nine credit hours. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking joint Stuart degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Please note: If you receive full or partial sponsor financial funding, the scholarship will be removed. You are responsible for paying the Professional Communication Advancement (PCA) program fee.

TechEdge Scholarship

The TechEdge Scholarship is awarded to selected information technology and management students. Scholarship values vary; the maximum award is $2,500 per semester for a total of four semesters. This award can be deferred to up to one year. Students participating in the India Online program are not eligible for a TechEdge Scholarship. The TechEdge Scholarship cannot be used during the summer term. The final term for students to be awarded this scholarship was Fall 2021.

How to Apply

Interested in pursuing a scholarship under the most international student-friendly university in the world? Head on over to the official Illinois Tech website for further information and contact details.

Good luck! Your dreams await.

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