News
For the sixth time in seven years, Illinois has been named a top producer of U.S. Student Fulbright Awards
Five Goldwater Scholars named in 2024 – #1 in the country
Illinois is a 20-year top producer of Gilman Scholars
What’s the National and International Scholarships Program?
The National and International Scholarships Program, often referred to affectionately as “Topscholars,” assists University of Illinois students in making the most of their time at Illinois and applying for nationally competitive scholarships.
Our program administers nationally competitive awards for University of Illinois students and alumni. Opportunities include undergraduate and graduate study, research, and teaching—often in foreign countries. We also provide advice and feedback for candidates throughout the application process, helping you to become more competitive for scholarships.
Interested individuals—from freshmen to recent alumni—are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss these opportunities.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Junior/Senior Information Sessions
Monday, March 24, 2025 from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. Register HERE.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 9:00am – 9:30am. Register HERE.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 4:00pm – 4:30pm. Room 514 IUB.
Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Register HERE.
Friday, March 28, 2025 from 3:00pm – 3:30pm. Room 514 IUB.
Freshman/Sophomore Information Sessions
Monday, March 31, 2025 from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. Register HERE.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. Register HERE.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Register HERE.
Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Room 514 IUB.
Friday, April 4, 2025 from 9:00am – 9:30am. Register HERE.
Friday, April 4, 2025 from 3:00pm – 3:30pm. Room 514 IUB.
How we define winners
“Thank you for all you’ve done in helping shape who I am. I’ve had some of the most amazing experiences of my life thanks to you. I’m excited to see what’s to come for me.”
Did You Know?
- Illinois students have earned more Churchill Scholarships than applicants from any other public university.
- Illinois students have earned the second most Marshall Scholarships among public university students, including six in the past ten years.
- Illinois students have earned Goldwater Scholarships at a 70% clip (20% of nominees nationally awarded), including all five of our nominees in 2024.
- Illinois students perennially earn Fulbright Scholarships ranking Illinois among the top producers of Fulbright Students.
- Illinois students have earned Udall Scholarships or Honorable Mention for 12 of the past 13 years, including two recipients in 2020.
- In 2022, a record tying 16 Illini earned Fulbright grants (30% of our pool) and another 6 students were named Fulbright alternates. All 3 of our Boren applicants won scholarships, and in the Udall Scholarship competition, we had both a recipient and an honorable mention. This years award recipients also included a Goldwater, Schwarzman, and Truman Scholar. An Illinois applicant was named a Rhodes finalist, and 4 students were awarded Critical Language Scholarships. Further, a robust 24 students (80% of our applicants) received Gilman Scholarships.
