Scholarships & Awards
Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students Heading link
The Office of International Services is honored to administer the Laurette Kirstein Scholarship Program for UIC International Students. The scholarship is funded by the estate of Professor Kirstein who founded the Office of International Services in 1961 and served as its Director until 1993. Currently enrolled international students are invited to apply each spring for an award in the form of a student account credit for tuition, books, and living expenses. The deadline to apply for the 2023 Laurette Kirstein Scholarship is March 10.
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2023 Laurette Kirstein Scholarship application
The Office of International Services is pleased to announce the Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. Eight awards of $5,000 each (pretax)* in the form of student account credit for tuition, books, and living expenses will be offered to international students who display academic excellence and meet the eligibility requirements.
Interested students should download the 2023 Laurette Kirstein Scholarship Application and Recommendation Forms below to review the eligibility requirements and application process. Applications are due to the Office of International Services on Friday, March 10, 2023, by midnight.
*Non-qualified scholarship payments (i.e. living or travel expenses) made to international students (non-
resident alien for tax purposes) are subject to withholding and IRS reporting. -
About the scholarship
History
Professor Kirstein began her career with the University of Illinois in 1946 teaching English at Navy Pier. She went on to found the Office of International Services in 1961 and served as its director until her retirement in 1993. She was known for her tireless dedication to helping international students, faculty and staff with their transitions to both a new country and a new university. The Laurette Kirstein Foreign Student Fund, created through a generous gift from Professor Kirstein’s estate, continues her legacy by providing scholarship support for international students.
Eligibility
The Laurette Kirstein Scholarship recognizes students who display academic excellence and meet the following requirements:
- An international student* currently enrolled full-time at UIC pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- A minimum UIC cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have completed at least one semester of coursework at UIC at the time of application.
*The term “international student” encompasses any student enrolled at UIC who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident, who holds a valid non-immigrant visa status and is maintaining his/her status. In addition to those individuals who entered the U.S. on student visas, this population includes students in dependent status who are eligible to enroll full-time in an academic program.
Application Process
The Office of International Services typically awards the scholarship once a year during the spring semester. Around February, the OIS website is updated and an email is sent to the UIC international community announcing the availability of updated application details, including materials, process, and deadlines. Outside the application window, students may send questions about the scholarship to ois@uic.edu.
Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award Heading link
UIC maintains a strong relationship with the international consulate community in Chicago. One reflection of that connection is the Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award. The CCC Professional Development Award honors the Corps’ commitment to education and cultural exchanges that foster international understanding and supports the academic and professional development of our international students. The deadline to apply for the 2023 Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award is March 20.
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2023 CCC Award
UIC international students (those at UIC on an international student visa) enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or professional program of any discipline are invited to apply for the 2023 Chicago Consular Corps Professional Development Award. Up to ten successful applicants will each receive awards of $1,000. The deadline to apply is March 20, 2023.
Questions about the CCC Scholarship can be directed to the Office of Global Engagement at oge@uic.edu.
International Student Ambassador Service Award Heading link
The International Student Ambassador Service Award (ISASA) is given in collaboration with the Chancellor’s Student Service & Leadership Awards each year. The ISASA honors international students who are attending UIC on an international student visa and have made an outstanding contribution to the University through campus and/or community service, particularly by contributing to greater knowledge and understanding across our diverse national cultures. Student nominees must have contributed a significant amount of time and effort to projects, activities, or causes that advance intercultural and international understanding on the UIC campus and/or amongst the Chicago community. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2023 ISASA is Friday, Feb. 3.
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2023 ISASA application
Students may self-nominate or nominate a peer to receive the International Student Ambassador Service Award by completing the online nomination form located on the Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Website. The deadline to submit a nomination is Feb. 3, 2023. The winners will be selected by a review committee to receive the $500 monetary prize and recognition at the 50th Annual Chancellor’s Student Service and Leadership Awards on April 13. Questions about the ISASA can be directed to the Office of International Services at ois@uic.edu.