SIL-UND strives to keep its costs low, in effect providing an automatic scholarship to everyone. If that’s not enough, here are some options for additional financial aid.

• General SIL-UND scholarships: Based on academic record, financial need, and intention to work with lesser-studied language communities. If interested, be sure to submit Step 1 of the application process by March 15.
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  Usually between 30-70% of tuition; if you have greater needs, you should seek other sources for help and not rely on SIL-UND. Normally awarded in the middle of the summer session, although on request some decisions may be made before the summer. Applied first against anything you may still owe, then any remainder is paid to you directly. To be eligible, submit your Step 1 pre-application form by March 15 and complete your application (Step 3 pre-arrival form and Step 4 tuition deposit) by April 1. If you express interest in a scholarship on your Step 3 form, we’ll send you a scholarship application in early April.

• U.S. Federal student aid (FAFSA): For U.S. citizens and certain others pursuing a degree at a U.S. college or university.
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  For details on eligibility, see the FAFSA website.  If you’re working on a degree or certificate at UND, contact UND’s financial aid office. Otherwise, contact the financial aid office at the school where you’re getting your degree, to see if you can transfer your financial aid to SIL-UND. This is often possible if you will be transferring SIL credits back to use as part of your degree, but it is your home institution that decides (some are willing, others are not). If they are, they will want to make what is called a “Consortium Agreement” with UND to arrange for the transfer. At that point, please contact the SIL-UND Director and he will walk you through the rest of the process.

• M.A. finishing scholarships: Awarded routinely to M.A. students as they near the end of their study program.
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  You become eligible if you have an approved M.A. program of study. Covers the “per-credit” tuition for thesis (4 credits) and up to 3 other credits of your choice starting with the 23rd credit on your program of study.

• “Training the trainer” scholarships: For those who will be teaching in similar training programs in other parts of the world, especially developing countries.
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  Amounts are usually more generous than our general scholarships. You need to already have considerable field experience (at least one year) in language development activities with lesser-studied languages (linguistics, literacy, translation, etc.), be committed to teach regularly, and be endorsed by a training organization that is familiar with your teaching ability and intends to use your services as a teacher. Contact the SIL-UND Director if interested.

• Other sources: See what you can find; we’ll work with them.
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  Some ideas to consider: Americorps vouchers, GI Bill benefits, private scholarship funds (community organizations, churches), GoFundMe campaigns, and payments from friends or family. If any of these sources will not pay the money directly to you, contact the SIL-UND Director for help in arranging payment directly to SIL-UND to be applied to your invoice.

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