Thinking about studying in the U.S.? Well, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) is one of those schools that manages to give you the best of both worlds – high-quality education and an amazing campus life, without being overly intimidating. For many international students, the dream of studying in America often comes with one big challenge: the cost. Tuition fees, living expenses, books, and the occasional “I need coffee to survive this lecture” spending can quickly add up.
But here’s the good news – UWM actually offers several scholarships and funding opportunities designed specifically for international students. These scholarships are there to help you cut down on costs, reduce financial stress, and focus more on your studies and experiences rather than worrying about your wallet 24/7. Whether you’re coming for an undergraduate program, a master’s degree, or a PhD, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that can make your life a lot easier financially.
Let’s break it down and see what’s on the table.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Scholarships for International Students
UWM is a public research university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it’s home to thousands of students from all over the world. It’s well-known for its diverse academic programs, active student life, and commitment to supporting international learners. One of the ways they do this is through financial aid packages that can either cover part of your tuition or, in some cases, provide stipends to help with living costs.
What makes UWM stand out is that they don’t just limit scholarships to top academic achievers – they also have grants and assistantships that focus on need, talent, and research contributions. That means whether you’re an academic superstar, a dedicated researcher, or just someone trying to make studying abroad possible, there’s likely an option for you.
Some of the most well-known scholarships and awards for international students at UWM include:
- Global Excellence Award
- International Student Grant
- Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award
- Graduate Assistantships
Now, let’s go through them one by one.
Global Excellence Award
This is probably the first scholarship that catches the eye of many international students. The Global Excellence Award is aimed at high-achieving students who have shown strong academic performance before coming to UWM. It’s basically the university’s way of saying, “Hey, you’re awesome, and we’d love to have you here – let’s make it a bit easier for you financially.”
The award amount varies, but it can significantly reduce your tuition costs. The higher your grades and achievements, the better your chances. It’s usually offered to students who are applying for their first bachelor’s degree at UWM, and you don’t need to submit a separate application for it – your admission application is often enough for consideration.
If you’ve been involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or have special talents, make sure they’re mentioned in your application. UWM looks at the whole picture, not just your grades.
International Student Grant
The International Student Grant is a bit different from merit-based scholarships. This one focuses more on students who have financial need. If you’re already enrolled at UWM and you’re struggling with covering your tuition, this grant can step in and help reduce the amount you owe.
It’s not a full scholarship, but every bit counts, right? You will usually need to provide proof of your financial situation and write a short explanation of why you need the grant. The grant is competitive, so the earlier you apply and the stronger your case, the better your chances.
One of the nice things about this grant is that it’s open to both undergraduate and graduate international students. So, even if you didn’t get funding when you first arrived, you still have a shot at getting some help later on.
Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award
If you’re heading to UWM for a master’s or PhD, you should definitely know about the Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award. This award is designed to attract talented graduate students from around the world.
The award usually covers part of your tuition and sometimes includes a stipend to help with living costs. It’s particularly popular among research students because it allows them to focus on their work without constantly worrying about money.
Departments often nominate students for this award, so the best thing you can do is connect with the program you’re applying to and express your interest. Having a strong research proposal, relevant experience, and good academic records will give you an edge.
How Can I Apply for a Graduate Assistantship?
Graduate assistantships are one of the most practical ways to fund your education at UWM. If you’re a graduate student, you can work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or project assistant. In exchange, you get paid and often receive tuition benefits.
The application process for assistantships is usually handled by individual departments. Here’s what you generally need to do:
- Contact your department – Ask about available assistantship positions.
- Submit an application – This often includes your CV, a cover letter, and references.
- Highlight your skills – Teaching experience, research skills, or technical expertise can boost your chances.
Assistantships not only help you financially but also give you valuable work experience that can look great on your resume. Plus, they allow you to build relationships with professors and peers in your field.
What’s the Cost of Living in Milwaukee?
Now, let’s talk about life outside the classroom – because you’re not going to be studying all the time (hopefully). Milwaukee is considered more affordable compared to many other U.S. cities, but it’s still important to budget wisely.
Here’s a rough monthly breakdown for a single student:
- Housing (shared apartment): $500 – $800
- Utilities & Internet: $100 – $150
- Food: $200 – $400 (depending on how much you cook vs. eat out)
- Transportation: $50 – $100 (Milwaukee has buses, and UWM offers discounted passes)
- Personal expenses: $100 – $200
So, on average, you might be looking at $1,000 to $1,500 per month for living expenses. If you’re careful with spending – for example, by sharing housing or cooking at home – you can save a good amount.
The good news is that Milwaukee has a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of free or low-cost events, outdoor activities by Lake Michigan, and student discounts around the city. That means you can still have fun without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is a big step, and finances often play a huge role in deciding where you’ll go. The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee makes things a lot easier by offering scholarships, grants, and assistantships that are open to international students.
Even if you’re aiming for the Global Excellence Award, need extra help through the International Student Grant, or are looking into the Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award and assistantships, there’s a variety of ways to ease the financial load. Combine that with Milwaukee’s relatively affordable living costs, and you’ve got a pretty good setup for your study journey in the U.S.
If UWM is on your list, start preparing your applications early, keep your grades strong, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions or international office for guidance. Your dream of studying in America might be more within reach than you think.
