Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program

The Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) program fosters a community of intellectually curious students who are invested in exploring significant global issues, ideas, and experiences throughout their undergraduate career, creating a foundation for global engagement and cultural understanding that will enable them to be catalysts for positive change in the world.

WISc is not a one-time scholarship. Rather, students admitted to the program commit to participating in a first-year seminar, four semesters of language study, and regular participation and engagement in activities and programming throughout their undergraduate careers. Students in the program receive funding to support participation in study abroad programs in addition to the benefits of mentoring, advising, and belonging to globally minded and engaged campus community.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the WIScholars website and learn more about the program before submitting the application: www.intlscholars.wisc.edu

PLEASE NOTE: WISc is an on-going global enrichment program that admitted students commit to participating in throughout their undergraduate careers. It is not a one-time scholarship.

• Prospective freshman students who are curious about the world around them, who are committed to increasing the depth and breadth of their understanding, and who would like to benefit from a close-knit campus community experience.
• Recommended language preparation: Applicants typically possess a minimum of 3 years of language study or demonstrated proficiency in at least one language beyond English.

Additional elements considered in the selection process:

• Demonstrated international interest: this might include participation or leadership in an internationally focused club or activity, elective coursework with an international focus, or participation in a gap year or study abroad program.
• Background and experience: examples include diversity of work and life experiences, education, disciplinary interests, accomplishments, social and academic activities, special challenges, etc.
• Language interest: commitment to learning one or more world languages.
• Leadership potential: examples include participation in student government, team captain or club organizer, organizer in a service learning project, or major role in community or family.
  
  
  Award Information
  WISc participants making satisfactory progress in the program are eligible for two study abroad travel grants for participation in study abroad programs offered by a UW-Madison unit, and for which students earn UW-Madison residence credits. The first is a $2500 travel grant to participate in a short-term study abroad program. As long as all program requirements are met, students will also be offered either a $4000 travel grant for a semester-long or $6000 for year-long study abroad experience.
  
  
  Conditions of Award
  In order to be eligible for WISc study abroad travel grants students must meet the following program requirements:
  
  
  
  1. Regular attendance and participation in WISc events
  
  
  2. Completion of the following courses: IS212 (one-credit discussion section specifically for first-year WISc students) and ONE approved comparative global studies course
  
  
  3. Completion of four or more semesters of language study</li
     
  
  
  Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the program’s features and goals and visit the FAQ on our website before completing the application:
  Visit program site