International Student and Scholar Services

Two students in the Student Center with Buster Bronco showing the Western W on their hands.

Scholarships & Assistantships

Western Michigan University students are eligible for a wide range of scholarships, grants and loans that can help cover educational costs. Students are encouraged to pursue all forms of scholarships and financial aid, both from Western and outside of WMU. Many international students inquire about financial assistance at WMU. While most U.S. federal financial aid is restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, undergraduate and graduate international students may apply to other funding sources.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

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.

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
Graduate Merit Scholarship

Funding Options for Undergraduate International Students

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education awards the Global Education Undergraduate Merit Scholarship to international undergraduate students admitted in the fall. It is awarded to international undergraduate students based on the criteria of merit and the student’s total estimated cost balance. The scholarship applies only to WMU academic tuition. 

Scholarship Value:   

Up to $10,000 per year, disbursed in two installments for fall and spring semesters. 

Maximum Duration:   

Up to eight semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first.

Deadline to Apply:   

Complete your WMU academic admission with all application materials by March 1. No additional application is necessary. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis to students while funds are available.

Award Notification:  

The scholarship is awarded on a rolling basis so students receiving the scholarship will be notified at the time of their admission to WMU or shortly afterwards.

Eligibility:   

  • Initial F-1 or J-1 international undergraduate students entering WMU for the first time after secondary school or transferring from another post-secondary institution and admitted for fall or spring semester. This includes undergraduate degree Pathway programs. 
  • Non resident international  status. 
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.5 out of 4.0 (WMU will convert all international grading systems to a 4-point scale) 
  • Please note, we receive more eligible applicants than available scholarships. As such, being eligible does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship.
  • Exclusions: 
    • Visa holders other than F-1/J-1 international student 
    • Students fully funded for tuition through Governmental/NGO scholarships or fully funded WMU assistantships. 
    • International undergraduate students applying for and enrolled in fully online degree programs (programs comprised of all online courses) 

Funding Options for Graduate International Students

The Global Education Graduate Merit Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to international graduate students based on the criteria of merit and the student’s total estimated cost balance. Scholarship applies only to WMU academic tuition.

Scholarship Value:

Up to $10,000 per year, disbursed in two installments for fall and spring semesters.  

Maximum Duration:

Up to four semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first.

Deadline to Apply:

A separate application for scholarship is not needed. However, you must have a complete application to WMU by February 15 to be eligible. This includes:

  • Transcripts and test scores (including GRE/GMAT) as required by the program/department;
  • Recommendations;
  • Writing sample;
  • Statement of purpose;
  • Copy of resume/CV;
  • Financial statement and signed sponsorship letter/affidavit of support;
  • Proof of English proficiency;
  • A copy of you passport or government identification. 

Award Notification:

April

Eligibility:

  • Initial F-1 or J-1 international graduate student applicants admitted for fall or spring semesters. 
  • Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 (WMU will convert all international grading systems to a 4-point scale).
  • Please note, we receive more eligible applicants than available scholarships. As such, being eligible does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship.
  • Exclusions:
    • Visa holders other than F-1/J-1 international students.
    • Students fully funded for tuition through Governmental/NGO scholarships or fully funded WMU assistantships.
    • International graduate students applying for and enrolled in fully online degree programs (programs comprised of all online courses). 

WMU provides opportunities for fellowships, associateships and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. Collectively, these awards are known as graduate appointments. Graduate appointees are first and foremost students. As such, their most important task is to complete their degree requirements in a timely fashion; this is the primary expectation of the University. International graduate students should contact their academic department directly to inquire about the availability of graduate appointments. Information is also provided by the Graduate College and the University’s Career and Student Employment Services website. 

Graduate appointments are funded through state appropriations and federal, state, local and private grants for three principal reasons. First, employment of graduate students in teaching, research and non-teaching positions during their graduate education encourages and supports their participation in these major functions of university life and thereby strengthens the quality of the students’ educational experience. Second, appointments provide direct financial support to outstanding students who are essential to the development of quality graduate programs. Third, graduate students provide valuable and necessary services to the university in their roles as appointees. 

Applications for graduate appointments are due by February 15, and appointments are usually made by April 1 for students planning to enroll in the fall semester. Appointments are often renewable, except for Graduate College Fellowships and Dissertation Fellowships.

International students with a graduate assistantship should contact their department to inquire about special funding to cover the International Student Fee. Academic colleges, not the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, disburses applicable funds to international students who hold a graduate assistantship.

Learn More About Graduate Appointments

Two common scholarships awarded to graduate students at WMU:

For complete information about all options, visit the Graduate College’s website or call the Graduate College at (269) 387-821. 

Students are encouraged to explore WMU Scholarship Universe for additional opportunities.

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."

Learn more about WMU's Student Emergency Relief