Graduate Scholarships

We're excited to offer scholarships and awards to graduate students who stand out by meeting specific criteria! Dive into the opportunities we provide:

Tuition Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of the SIU Graduate School Tuition Scholarship as designated by the Board of Trustees is to assist students who have attained high levels of academic achievement. 

*Note: Please check with academic program BEFORE applying. Some programs may limit the number of tuition waivers awarded. The application must be signed by the student’s academic department. Applicants must reapply each semester.

Please read the Guidelines below for eligibility and selection information before applying.

Application Material:

• Guidelines
• Application

Graduate Scholarship Program - GSP

Purpose: The Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP) is to provide a 1/3 tuition waiver to academically outstanding graduate students who have been admitted into their first semester of a graduate program for the remainder of that academic year. A student awarded the GSP receives the scholarship for the academic year in which they are admitted. However, an application must be completed and submitted each semester of the awarded academic year.

*Note: Please check with academic program BEFORE applying. Some programs may limit the number of tuition waivers awarded. Students cannot apply for a GSP on their own as they must be nominated by their academic department. Interested students should contact their academic department for information on how to be nominated.

Please read the Guidelines linked below for eligibility and selection information before applying.

Application Materials:

• Guidelines
• Application

Native American Scholarship

The Graduate School, in collaboration with the American Indian Association of Illinois, offers scholarship awards to undergraduate and graduate students who are of Indigenous ancestry. Apply by February 1st each year for the chance to be chosen for a $1,000 award.

Application Material:

Interested students should apply via SIU Academic Works via Saluki Scholarship Portal. Search for “American Indian Scholarship.”

Questions may be directed to Dr. Rose Moroz at rmtmoroz@siu.edu.

Willis Swartz Graduate Student Scholarship Award

This award was established to honor the work of Dr. Willis Swartz. Dr. Swartz, a native of Burlington, Iowa, came to SIU in 1930 to chair the Department of Government. In 1943 he became the first Chairman of the Graduate Council, and in 1950 he was named the first Dean of the Graduate School. In addition, in 1947 Dr. Swartz was chosen to direct the foreign student programs at SIU. He served as the Dean of International Students from 1963 to 1964. He did all he could to help make international students' lives easier. Sadly Dr. Swartz passed away in 1965 after a heart attack. He had served SIU with distinction for 35 years, and he touched hundreds if not thousands of young lives.

The Willis Swartz Graduate Student Scholarship Award is open to all applicants who qualify, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or veteran status.

Preference will be given to the following:

1. International students.
2. Incoming students
3. Graduate students interested in conducting research in Materials Technology including science, engineering, and other areas.

Guidelines (pdf) and Nomination Form (pdf)