For a U.S. university to issue an I-20 or DS-2019, international students must provide evidence of the ability to pay for all tuition and living expenses. Western Michigan University does offer scholarships and assistantships to international undergraduate and graduate students, however. Learn more about funding options, especially out Global Education Merit Scholarship, below.
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further their education. It can be awarded upon various criteria that might include academic merit and demonstration of financial need. Most scholarships can be combined, so we encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as possible.
The Global Education Merit Scholarship
WMU is proud of its deep and historic commitment to international student success and well-being. We are among only 50% of public universities to offer a scholarship designed for international students.
Our Global Education Merit Scholarship, valued up to $10,000 per academic year, can be applied to your WMU tuition throughout the duration of your program. No additional scholarship application is necessary. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required.
Merit scholarships are available only for degree-seeking students on F-1 or J-1 status. They cannot be combined with governmental or NGO scholarships or full WMU assistantships. Terms apply. Learn more below.
Funding Options for Undergraduate International Students
Funding Options for Graduate International Students
Student Emergency Relief
The Western Michigan University Student Emergency Relief Fund (SERF) was created as a component of the Invisible Need Project, to assist WMU students who have urgent financial needs. An emergency is defined as "a circumstance that jeopardizes a student's ability to meet his or her basic needs and requires immediate action."