Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a student’s life, but it often comes with significant financial and personal challenges. From adjusting to a new culture and academic system to managing tuition and living expenses, international students frequently overcome obstacles while striving for academic excellence.
To recognize these achievements and support international students throughout their educational journey, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers several prestigious scholarships and awards through its Office of International Services (OIS) and Office of Global Engagement (OGE).
Among the most notable opportunities are the Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students, the Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award, and the International Student Ambassador Service Award. These programs celebrate academic achievement, leadership, service, and contributions to intercultural understanding while providing valuable financial support.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is one of the largest public research universities in the United States and is known for its diverse student population and strong commitment to global engagement.
UIC welcomes students from around the world and actively promotes international education, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Through various support services, scholarships, and engagement programs, the university helps international students succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
The Office of International Services and the Office of Global Engagement play a vital role in supporting international students by providing immigration guidance, educational resources, professional development opportunities, and scholarship programs designed specifically for global learners.
Scholarship and Award Overview
UIC offers several competitive funding and recognition opportunities for international students.
These include:
- Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students
- Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award
- International Student Ambassador Service Award (ISASA)
Each program recognizes different aspects of student success, including academic achievement, professional development, leadership, and service to the university community.
Why These Awards Matter
International students contribute significantly to campus life through their academic accomplishments, cultural perspectives, leadership activities, and community engagement.
However, many students face challenges such as:
- Higher educational expenses
- Cultural adjustment
- Limited financial resources
- Immigration-related responsibilities
These awards help recognize students who excel despite these challenges and encourage continued academic and personal growth.
Beyond financial assistance, receiving one of these awards can strengthen a student’s academic profile, professional résumé, and future career opportunities.
Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students
History of the Scholarship
The Laurette Kirstein Scholarship carries a remarkable legacy that reflects UIC’s longstanding commitment to supporting international students.
Professor Laurette Kirstein began her career at the University of Illinois in 1946, teaching English at Navy Pier. Her dedication to international education led her to establish the Office of International Services in 1961.
She served as the office’s director for more than three decades, remaining in the role until her retirement in 1993.
Throughout her career, Professor Kirstein became widely known for her tireless efforts to assist international students, faculty, and staff as they adjusted to life in a new country and a new academic environment. Her work helped create a welcoming and supportive community for generations of students from around the world.
Following her passing, her commitment to international education continued through the creation of the Laurette Kirstein Foreign Student Fund, established through a generous gift from her estate.
Today, the scholarship remains one of UIC’s most prestigious awards for international students and serves as a lasting tribute to Professor Kirstein’s dedication to global education and student success.
Scholarship Overview
The Laurette Kirstein Scholarship is administered by the Office of International Services and is awarded annually to outstanding international students enrolled at UIC.
The scholarship provides financial support in the form of a student account credit that may be used toward:
- Tuition expenses
- Books and educational materials
- Living expenses
The award recognizes students who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Personal resilience
- Leadership potential
- A commitment to making a positive impact in the world
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
International Student Status
Applicants must be international students holding valid non-immigrant visa status.
The scholarship is open to students who are:
- Not U.S. citizens
- Not permanent residents
Enrollment Requirement
Students must be:
- Enrolled full-time at UIC
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree
- Pursuing a graduate degree
- Pursuing a professional degree
Academic Performance
Applicants must maintain:
- A minimum cumulative UIC GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
Coursework Requirement
Students must have completed:
- At least one semester of coursework at UIC before applying
Selection Criteria
Recipients are selected based on:
- Academic achievement
- Demonstrated resilience
- Leadership qualities
- Contributions to society and the university community
Because the scholarship attracts many highly qualified applicants, selection is extremely competitive.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
The 2026 Laurette Kirstein Scholarship recipients represented several colleges across UIC, demonstrating the broad impact of international students throughout the university community.
Awardees were selected from a large and highly competitive applicant pool and exemplified the values of scholarship, determination, and service.
Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award
About the Award
The Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award reflects UIC’s strong relationship with the international diplomatic community in Chicago.
The award recognizes the importance of education, cultural exchange, and professional development in promoting international understanding and global cooperation.
Award Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- $1,000 award
Up to ten students may receive funding each year.
Recipients are also recognized during UIC’s International Student Awards Ceremony.
Eligibility
The award is open to:
- Full-time international students
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Professional students
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Why This Award Matters
The Chicago Consular Corps believes that supporting international students strengthens global partnerships and prepares future leaders to contribute to international understanding and cooperation.
The award helps students pursue professional development opportunities while recognizing their academic achievements and potential.
International Student Ambassador Service Award (ISASA)
About the Award
The International Student Ambassador Service Award recognizes international students who actively contribute to intercultural understanding and engagement at UIC.
The award is sponsored by:
- International Advisory Council
- Office of Global Engagement
It celebrates students who help build bridges between cultures and foster an inclusive campus environment.
Award Benefits
Each year:
- Up to two students receive the award
- Each recipient receives $500
Award winners are recognized during the International Student Awards Ceremony.
Eligibility Requirements
The award is open to:
- International students at all academic levels
- Students across all UIC campuses
- Students actively involved in intercultural activities
Faculty, staff, and fellow students may also nominate deserving candidates.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Community involvement
- Service activities
- Intercultural engagement
- Contributions to campus diversity and inclusion
Students who actively promote cross-cultural understanding and support international engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
The Office of International Services and Office of Global Engagement generally announce scholarship and award opportunities during the spring semester.
Students should:
Step 1: Monitor Official Announcements
Watch for updates on:
- Scholarship requirements
- Application materials
- Submission deadlines
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Gather all required documentation and supporting materials before applying.
Step 3: Submit Applications Before the Deadline
Applications are typically due in February.
Step 4: Await Review
Applications undergo a competitive review process.
Step 5: Attend Award Ceremony
Selected recipients are recognized during the annual International Student Awards Ceremony.
Tips for a Strong Application
Maintain Academic Excellence
Strong grades remain one of the most important factors in scholarship selection.
Demonstrate Leadership
Highlight leadership roles both on and off campus.
Showcase Resilience
Share challenges you have overcome as an international student and how those experiences shaped your growth.
Emphasize Community Impact
Demonstrate how your activities contribute to campus life, cultural exchange, and society.
Highlight Global Perspectives
Show how your experiences and aspirations align with the goals of international education and intercultural understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Laurette Kirstein Scholarship?
International students enrolled full-time at UIC who have completed at least one semester and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
What expenses can the scholarship help cover?
The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and living expenses through a student account credit.
How much is the Chicago Consular Corps Award worth?
Recipients receive $1,000 each.
How much is the International Student Ambassador Service Award worth?
Recipients receive a $500 monetary award.
Are graduate students eligible?
Yes. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may be eligible depending on the award requirements.
Final Thoughts
The University of Illinois Chicago continues to demonstrate its commitment to international education through scholarships and awards that recognize academic achievement, leadership, professional development, and intercultural engagement.
From the historic Laurette Kirstein Scholarship, which honors a pioneer of international student support, to the Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award and the International Student Ambassador Service Award, these opportunities provide meaningful recognition and financial assistance to outstanding international students.
For students studying far from home while pursuing their educational goals, these awards serve not only as financial support but also as recognition of the valuable contributions international students make to the UIC community and the broader world.