Scholarships

Cheng/Liu Scholarship
The Cheng/Liu Scholarship (Summer) may be used either in the United States or abroad but is awarded only for recognized summer Chinese language programs. The proposed summer course must provide the equivalent of a full academic year of Chinese language study. The award of up to $1000 is based on merit rather than on need. Both graduate and undergraduate students currently majoring in Chinese in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature at The University of Iowa may apply, but preference will be given to students who demonstrate (1) aptitude and achievement in previous work in the Chinese language, and (2) serious commitment to incorporating Chinese language into future study and career goals. Consideration will be limited to students who intend to return to The University of Iowa for further Chinese language study.

Applicants must submit the following to the selection committee by the deadline (usually near the beginning of April—contact the Department office for the specific date).

  • Completed application form
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a Chinese language instructor. Letters should be sent directly to the selection committee.
  • Evidence of your intent to study during the summer (e.g., a copy of your application to or acceptance by one or more summer language programs)
  • A description of how the total cost of your summer study will be funded

Send all materials to:
Cheng/Liu Scholarship Selection Committee
Department of Asian Languages and Literature
111 Phillips Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242

Fairall Scholarship
Junior, senior or graduate student majors in Asian Languages and Literature (non-majors and minors are not eligible) are eligible to be nominated for the Fairall scholarships, offered through the Department and the UI Foundation. To be eligible, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and you must have been born in Iowa and attended and/or graduated from Iowa elementary/secondary schools. Amounts and number of scholarships varies. Applications are available at the end of the spring semester, with scholarships to be awarded during the following fall semester. For more information, contact the main office in 111 Phillips Hall at 319-335-2151.

Summer Language Scholarships
Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to compete for summer scholarship aid for intensive language study provided by the Stanley-University of Iowa Support Organization. Scholarships consist of a cash grant for use in an approved summer language program. Applications are available every January, to be applied to the upcoming summer. Detailed information is available from the Department.

Chinese Government Scholarship

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students in Chinese Language classes are eligible to Apply. The Chinese Government Scholarship from the Chinese Ministry of Education is to support students studying Chinese language and culture at a Chinese university in Mainland China. The scholarship will cover tuition, medical insurance and monthly living allowance for one semester of study in China. Applications are available every March, for awards to be applied to the fall. To apply, please contact your Chinese class instructor. 

Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers two kinds of support for graduate students in Asian Civilizations: teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Persons requesting information on the MA program and an application will also automatically receive the application forms for the teaching and research assistantships. Assistantships are awarded every spring for the following academic year.

Fellowships

Foreign Language Area Studies
Graduate students who combine work in modern Asian languages at an advanced level with interdisciplinary or professional study are encouraged to apply for Graduate Fellowships in Foreign Language Study (FLAS) awarded by International Programs. The fellowships offer academic year and summer study stipends as well as full or partial tuition support. They may be held only by American citizens.

Graduate International Research
Graduate students wishing to conduct research abroad have frequently qualified for numerous University-related resources, including the Stanley Fellowship for Graduate Student Research Abroad, CIREH Research Scholarship in International Health, Fulbright Grants, and Foreign Language Area Fellowships. Check the Graduate Fellowships page from the Office of Study Abroad for more listings.

Division of Sponsored Programs

The Division of Sponsored Programs offers professional development resources. Specifically, they can help you 1) learn techniques for searching for external funding opportunities, 2) develop skills in writing persuasive proposals, and 3) develop a history of applying for external funds. https://dsp.research.uiowa.edu/.

The Graduate College

The Graduate College offers a wealth of information about funding for graduate students. For more information, visit Funding your UI Education in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa.