ISU International Recruitment Brochure
Financial Estimates for Degree-Seeking Students in 2008-09
Financial Estimates for Students Who Will Attend the English Language Institute in 2008-09
International Student Application
What is a student visa?
Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Your Visa
Visit the nearest Education USA office in your own country!
International Students come from all over the world to study at Illinois State University - and you can too! Read about our welcoming community and variety of supports and opportunities that are here to help you succeed.
Illinois State has become home to hundreds of international students from around the world, and we would be excited to have you join us! One of the first things you may wonder is, "Is there anyone from my country studying at Illinois State?" View a List of Countries of International Students and Development Officials who either studied at ISU, or attended Management Development International training in 2006.
There are well over 100 Student Organizations at Illinois State. We encourage you to get involved, have fun, meet new people, and develop your leadership skills!
All international students are also encouraged to participate in Gala Night and International Fair, two annual events sponsored by International House. These events are great ways for you to share your culture with the ISU community!
The International Studies Office is pleased to have the support of volunteers and families in the Bloomington-Normal community who enjoy meeting international students. To learn more about programs that connect International students with American families, please read on. If you want to join any of the programs, you can sign up during Orientation Week or just contact an advisor in the International Studies Office.
When choosing a university, a primary concern is often the quality and availability of courses in your area of academic interest. Illinois State has hundreds of undergraduate (Bachelor's level) and graduate (Master's and Doctoral level) major and minor disciplines.
Graduate Students: Since getting an education in the U.S. can be expensive, many graduate students fund their education with the help of a graduate assistantship. A graduate assistantship (GA) is a job, usually for 20 hours per week, that pays both a small monthly salary (like $800-1,000 per month) and a full tuition waiver. You can apply for an assistantship when you apply for admission to the University.
Undergraduate Students: Students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree have fewer funding options. Most fund their studies through a combination of personal funds and by working in minimum-wage jobs at ISU.
Most students in the English Language Institute (ELI) fund their studies through personal funds while some also work on campus. On campus employment for ELI and Undergraduate students is usually in food service.
Please Note: Most international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, but some are not. Since employment is strictly monitored by U.S. Immigration, you must be aware of the laws and be sure to consult your advisor in International Studies. It is illegal for international students to work off campus unless they have received prior approval from Immigration and the work relates to their academic program.
Besides getting a degree, there are many ways that people can gain additional knowledge and skills at ISU. Some people come to expand their fluency in the English language; some come to learn about managing international development projects; some participate in study abroad opportunities; and some complete internships and other professional practice opportunities related to their majors.
The University's Admissions Office accepts students' applications to be admitted to ISU. Read about Admissions Requirements and apply to attend Illinois State.
The Illinois State has a beautiful campus in a great location, and fabulous computer and science labs, libraries and labs, and other facilities to enhance your learning experience.
Illinois State University is located in the cities of Bloomington and Normal, Illinois - in the Midwestern part of the United States. We are approximately 211 kilometers southwest of Chicago (about 2.5 hours away) and 264 kilometers from St. Louis, Missouri. Bloomington and Normal have a combined population of about 120,000 people and are home to 2 universities, 2 colleges, State Farm Insurance Company (the largest insurance company in the U.S.) and Mitsubishi Motors. Read more about Bloomington-Normal.
