FAQs for International Student Applicants

Students are considered international applicants if they are non-U.S. citizens or are not U.S. permanent residents. Students who have dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country should apply as a U.S. citizen.

As a covenantal college, Wheaton College attracts and enrolls students who have a commitment and growing faith in Jesus Christ. Being a member of the student body, we ask students to joyfully enter into the community covenant by agreeing to live up to the standards that we uphold. We also encourage students to review the Statement of Faith which all Wheaton staff and faculty affirm, in order to understand the Christian heritage which serves as the foundation for our community.

While we have various offices on campus that offer broad support for students during their time at Wheaton College, we recognize the unique challenges that international students might face attending a university in the United States. Our International Student Programs (ISP) office aim to meet the unique needs of international F-1/missionary kid/third-culture kid undergraduate students through services and initiatives that develop whole individuals and vibrant communities engaged in and contributing to the mission of Wheaton College. Learn more about the ISP community here! (In the last 4 years, our Wheaton College community has welcomed students from over 50 countries!)

Wheaton College is unable to offer full scholarship funding to cover tuition, room, meals, books, and fees. Therefore, there is an expectation for the student and family to be able to afford a significant portion of their Wheaton College education up to the full cost. Wheaton College awards Presidential Scholarships (academic-based) in the range of $12,000 to $20,000 per year. International students may also be eligible to receive aid in the form of international grants (need-based) in the range of $1,000 to $10,000 per year for qualifying individuals. Based on academic achievement, Wheaton invites a number of applicants each year to candidate for the Aequitas Fellows Program, which awards an annual scholarship of $24,000. If accepted into the program, the Aequitas scholarship replaces any previously awarded Presidential Scholarship. While all international students are automatically considered for academic scholarship based on the strength of their academic achievements as well as Wheaton International Grant, they are ineligible for any U.S. federal financial aid, including federal loans.

If you have questions about scholarships and financial aid, please contact the international admissions counselor.  

All of our scholarships and financial aid for international applicants do not require a separate application (except for those who have been invited to apply for the Aequitas Fellows Program). The prospective international student's completed application to Wheaton College automatically allows them to be considered for any applicable scholarships or other financial aid.  

The financial aid award that a student receives will be level-funded for a maximum of four years or eight semesters of full-time enrollment.

International students may find work opportunities on campus while they are students at Wheaton. Income from on-campus jobs can help cover miscellaneous expenses, such as books, transportation, etc.

• Applicants whose parents are currently serving in the mission field or have recently returned may be eligible to apply for the missionary scholarship through the Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation.
• We encourage international applicants to identify support from outside sources, such as extended family members, friends, churches, and other organizations. An affidavit of support along with certified financial statements will be required from these sources.

The international admissions counselor is your advocate at Wheaton and a resource for all prospective international students and their families.