Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) Award

International graduate students

Over the course of an international student's two-year graduate program, they can save at least USD 13,000 with the GEO award. This is a reduced tuition fee awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement and is available for the entire length of a student's academic program.

Eligible applicants must be first-time, full-time students who can prove their academic qualifications and who are applying for a master's programme at SIUE. The GEO award is valued at USD 7,951 for each year of the 2021-2022 academic year. Scholarship students must maintain their academic achievements while holding the award and need to abide by the university's academic policy, stated in the graduate catalog.

International Undergraduate Students

The GEO award results in savings of more than USD 45,000 across an international student's four-year undergraduate degree. As with the GEO award for postgraduate students, the equivalent for undergraduate students is granted on the basis of outstanding academic achievement. The award can be offered for up to eight semesters. To be eligible you must be:

• First-time, full-time, academically qualified international student, or
• Recognized through a competitive departmental process

The GEO undergraduate award is valued at USD 9,488 for the 2021-2022 academic year.

IEP Program

SIUE has a newly approved English Pathway program for qualified international students. The Intensive English Pathway (IEP) program is an engaging program designed for students who do not yet meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Depending on their English placement, students have the benefit of studying either in all-English language coursework or in select English classes along with Pathway academic coursework that will apply directly to their degree. IEP classes focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. Visit the IEP website for more information.

SIUE offers students a rigorous and rewarding learning environment. Faculty members from around the world enhance the SIUE campus with their diversity in thought, experiences and culture. Many faculty members have been nationally and internationally recognized.

Each year, faculty receive grants and contracts for research, teaching and service initiatives from funding organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Environmental Protection Agency. Students enjoy opportunities to work alongside faculty who conduct cutting-edge research and creative activities.

Faculty teach students academic programs that are accredited by more than 35 agencies, including ABET in engineering and computer science, and AACSB International in business and accounting.

''SIUE is a great place for every international student. The university provides resources and opportunities for international students to get a very good career.'' Westenior Valmera, Haiti

Study options are offered across a number of departments:

College of Arts and Sciences

Studies in the natural sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences and communications represent the core of liberal arts education and all learning at SIUE.

School of Business

The School of Business and the accountancy program are accredited by AACSB International. The Princeton Review consistently lists SIUE as a top business school. Graduates have access to an expansive business network.

School of Dental Medicine

Students benefit from intensive clinical instruction and a broad range of patient-care opportunities. The International Advanced Placement Program enables qualified dentists to pursue a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at SIUE. This degree allows the holder to take licensure examinations and to obtain a license to practice in the US.

School of Education, Health and Human Behavior

This school prepares students in a wide range of fields including public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching.

School of Engineering

This school offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable engineering programs in the region with eight undergraduate degrees, five master's degrees and two doctoral programs, all housed in a state-of-the-art facility.

Academic Departments

• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Construction
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students learn in active classroom settings, a high-tech simulation lab and a broad range of clinical settings.

School of Pharmacy

Students enjoy a unique combination of classroom education, research, community service and patient care. Students apply their skills and gain valuable experience at more than 200 pharmacy partner locations.

Students apply to SIUE through a simple online process and upload all supporting documents in the application portal. Unofficial documents can be uploaded to provide students with a quick decision. Official academic credentials may be required to issue a I-20. Support is available throughout the process by phone, e-mail, web chat, or a virtual meeting with an admissions representative.

Application checklist:

• Review program information and requirements
• Complete the online application and pay the USD 40 application fee
• Provide transcript(s) from each school attended to the SIUE office of admissions

• Submit IELTS or TOEFL English proficiency score to SIUE
• Submit GRE of GMAT scores if required (postgraduate level)
• Submit all other documents required by the academic program, such as personal statements, resume/CV, and letter of recommendation (postgraduate level).

English language requirements

International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Official score reports must be sent directly from the testing service (ETS) to SIUE Admissions.

• TOEFL:
  • Undergraduate programs - 72 or higher on the iBT
  • Graduate programs – 79 or higher on the iBT
• IELTS:
  • Undergraduate programs – 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
  • Graduate programs – 6.5 (no sub-score below 5.5)
• Duolingo
  • Undergraduate programs – 105 (no sub-score below 85)
  • Graduate programs – 110 (no sub-score below 90)

SIUE offers modern, attractive facilities and an excellent learning environment. New Engineering, Art and Design, and Science buildings ensure that students are exposed to state-of-the-art equipment found in the research labs and design spaces of future employees.

Sustainability

SIUE is one of only three higher education institutions in the nation to be designated a Living Architecture Regiona Center of Excellence by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation. It is recognized as a STARS Silver Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for accomplishments in campus sustainability.

The 35-acre gardens at SIUE and the 380-acre nature reserve are places where students and faculty take part in valuable research, lab projects and class assignments.

The NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds.

Student recreational facilities

The Student Fitness Center allows students to challenge themselves in the indoor rock-climbing gym or make a splash at the indoor pool. Students can join in one of the specially organized events, participate in sports clubs and fitness classes or work out. The campus bike share program gives students, faculty and staff an easy way to explore the many nature and biking trails available on or adjacent to campus.

Accommodation

SIUE offers a variety of housing options. First-year students live in one of three undergraduate residence halls. Postgraduate students live in Evergreen Hall or Cougar Village Apartments, which are equipped with kitchens.

All units are fully furnished with AC, wireless internet and cable television. Each facility has accessible living units available for students with disabilities.

Living on campus means students can live among friends, be close to classes, have access to helpful resources and feel connected to the university.

SIUE offers nationally accredited academic programs of study and affordable tuition. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, competitive graduate awards, and a low cost of living make SIUE an affordable choice for a quality education.

Undergraduate scholarships

International undergraduate students are eligible for two scholarships. Highly qualified students may apply for the Meridian Scholarship, which offers full tuition, fees, room and board. The award covers four years of academic study. Students must have a high GPA (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) and submit a supplemental profile including a resume or CV and an essay by December 1.

All new international applicants are automatically considered for the special Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) tuition rate. GEO awardees save a minimum of USD9,488 per year, and more than USD47,000 over the course of a four-year bachelor's degree. Students must have a cumulative average GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a ‘B' average to qualify.

Postgraduate scholarships

Admitted international postgraduate students are automatically considered for the special Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) tuition rate. Graduate GEO awardees save a minimum of USD7,951 per year, and at least USD13,000 for a master's degree. Students must have a cumulative average GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a ‘B' average for their entire bachelor's degree program to qualify.

International graduate students may also apply to their academic department for postgraduate assistantships and awards. Assistantships provide a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to assist students with their living expenses.

Two competitive graduate fellowship awards provide a one-year tuition waiver – the Graduate Scholar Award (GSA) and the Competitive Graduate Award (CGA). Students with a specific research interest can apply for the CGA. The application deadline is January 15. Students from an underrepresented group may apply for the GSA by March 1. Additional details can be found online.