Graduate Scholar Award at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2026

Graduate Scholar Award Overview:

The Graduate Scholar Award offers financial assistance through tuition waivers for academically qualified individuals underrepresented in master’s-level graduate programs and academic disciplines at SIUE. Up to 15 awards are available annually, providing a valuable opportunity to those seeking to pursue higher education.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Scholar Award at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2025:

Applicants must:

• Be one of the following:
  • A fully admitted new graduate student entering a classified master’s program at SIUE, with the first enrollment no earlier than the summer before the fall award period.
  • Note: Students who have completed a prior graduate program at SIUE are not eligible.
  • An SIUE undergraduate currently in an approved combined bachelor’s-to-master’s program, provided:
    • They will be fully admitted to the graduate program before the fall award period, and
    • Have completed the baccalaureate degree.
  • A previously enrolled graduate student who has been out of the program for at least 2 calendar years at the time of application.
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (from all institutions attended).
• If applicable, have a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA.
• Have a fully completed application to an SIUE master’s program for the eligible terms by the deadline.
• Applicants pending final admission can still apply for the GSA if all other criteria are met.
• Be a currently enrolled SIUE undergraduate student worker (if meeting all above requirements).

Application Process:

In addition to meeting all the above criteria, including having a fully completed master’s program application by March 1st, applicants must also have a completed and submitted GSA application submitted by March 1st at 4:30 pm. Applications that are not completed by the deadline will not be eligible for award consideration. 

Benefits and Value:

The GSA provides a full tuition waiver for both the fall and spring semesters during the first year of graduate studies for up to 15 credit hours per semester (recipients are responsible for paying student fees).