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AsiaConnect

Scholarship

AsiaConnect is proud to offer a scholarships in the amount of $300 to support ISU undergraduate students studying or researching Asian and Asian American culture, language, experiences, and/or participating in study abroad programs in Asian countries.

Eligibility

  1. Applicants must be undergraduate students who are currently enrolled at Illinois State University.
  2. Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing and a minimum GPA of 2.50.
  3. Applicants must submit an essay demonstrating one or more of the following:
    • Excellence and interest in studying cultures or languages of Asian countries
    • Active involvement in Asian Culture-related ISU RSOs or local communities
    • Planning to study abroad in Asian countries

Requirements

The applicant must meet the scholarship eligibility requirements and submit a completed scholarship application form during the application window to be fully considered for the AsiaConnect Scholarship.

Outcome Expectation

After completing the proposed study or research, each scholarship awardee is expected to share their experience and/or learning at an Asia Connect event (eg a poster presentation at the Asia Heritage celebration event in the spring).

Application Timeline

  • March 1, 2026: Call for AsiaConnect Scholarship applications
  • March 31, 2026: Deadline for Scholarship applications 
  • Early May 2026: Announcement of the Scholarship Awards

Once selected, scholarship recipients will be notified via ilstu email no later than 30 days.

Restrictions and Other requirements

  • The scholarship award will be posted to the awardees’ Student Account.
  • The scholarship will be forfeited if the eligibility requirement changes or are not met at the time the award is announced.
  • The award can be used to cover travel expenses (transportation, food, lodging, luggage fees, admission fees to museums or socio-cultural/educational sites)
  • The award can be used to cover part of the Study Abroad program fees that are billed through the Student Account.
  • If the study abroad program is canceled, the award may be applied to the student’s ISU student account balance.
  • The award can also be applied to reimburse books, materials, or other fees incurred by the student in preparation for his/her study in the destination Asian country, not to exceed the award amount, and these expenses must not be reimbursed from other sources.
  • The award can be used to pay registration fees for webinars or professional development opportunities geared toward learning about Asian cultures.
  • Receipts will be required for reimbursement.

Please direct any questions regarding the AsiaConnect Scholarship to asiaconnect@IllinoisState.edu.