Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a nationally recognized, public institution offering students high-quality education programs and excellent scholarship opportunities. SIUE is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, recognizing its contribution to research. SIUE is ranked amongst America’s top colleges (Forbes Magazine).
Table of Contents
Overview
About this university
It features a 2,660-acre campus in a stunning setting, overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River valley. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across new engineering, art and design, and science buildings with a focus on research labs and design spaces.
SIUE’s student body includes representation of 59 countries across a population of nearly 13,000 students. They study at one of America’s safest and most welcoming campuses, with the chance to get involved with more than 250 student organizations. SIUE received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Located a short drive away of the metropolitan city of St Louis, students can access various job opportunities, internships and full-time employment with major international companies. A dedicated careers service ensures students are in the best position to take advantage of these opportunities. Nearly 90 percent of international students who graduate from SIUE and apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program secure a temporary employment position with a company in the U.S.
SIUE provides low tuition fees which are extremely competitive within the U.S. education market. This is supplemented by over USD 148 million worth of scholarships available each year, including many scholarship and assistantship opportunities for international students.
Numerous varsity sports teams represent the university at NCAA Division 1 level, with the school ranked 5th among U.S. public institutions for graduating student athletes.
Admissions
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 are required after a student has been approved for admission. 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
- Duolingo
- Undergraduate programs – 110
- Graduate programs – 120
What’s new
Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) Award
International graduate students
SIUE automatically reviews all international applicants for the GEO Award which provides significant tuition savings. Over the course of an international student’s two-year graduate program, they can save an average of USD 16,000 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 8,190 for each year of the 2022-2023 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 48,000 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.
The GEO undergraduate award is valued at a minimum of USD 9,679 for the 2022-2023 academic year. No additional application is required, students are automatically reviewed for this award when they apply to the university.
IEP Program
SIUE offers an Intensive English Pathway (IEP) program that allows students to study English for one, two, or three semesters while beginning their degree coursework. The pathway is an affordable way to improve English skills, meet new friends and learn about American culture. Successful completion fulfills the English proficiency requirement of the university without additional standardized tests. siue.edu/iep. Visit the IEP website for more information.
Finances
How much will it cost?
| Average tuition fees per year | Living costs |
| US$19,950 | US$16,223 | US$4,467 | US$9,804 |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Living costs | To live on campus |
Scholarships & funding
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
All new international applicants are automatically considered for the special Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) tuition rate. GEO awardees save a minimum of USD 9,679 per year, and more than USD48,000 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.
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 for admission to the Fall semester only.
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 USD 8,190 per year, and an average of USD 16,000 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 on the admissions website.
Department and Faculty
Teaching quality
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 U.S. Department of Energy. 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
Department structure
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.
Campus and Facilities
Facilities
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 Regional 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 in-room data jacks for free campus network access. 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.
