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IWORK Work-Study Program

IWORK is a work-study program sponsored by BYU–Hawaii that enables international students to access higher education, with an emphasis on students of Oceania and the Asian Rim. Its purpose is to provide financial support to qualified students, enabling them to graduate without debt and be well-prepared to serve and lead in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the Kingdom of God. The program is based on the principle of self-reliance, where students take on personal responsibility and accountability by working and contributing a portion of their own educational costs.

A student participating in the IWORK Program works for 19 hours a week at BYU–Hawaii or the Polynesian Cultural Center. A portion of the income from that job is contributed to pay the student’s tuition and fees, housing, and meal plan. An additional contribution, determined by assessment of financial need, is provided by the student and their family. The remaining costs for schooling are covered by funds from BYU–Hawaii.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the IWORK Program, applicants must:

  • Be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Show proof of financial need through the financial aid verification process.
  • Be of Oceania or the Asian Rim.

Requirements

Participants of the IWORK Program are expected to:

  • Maintain good academic standing and be enrolled as a full-time student at BYU–Hawaii.
  • Maintain employment at BYU–Hawaii or the Polynesian Cultural Center.

    • Must work 19 hours per week during the semester and may work up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks on campus.
  • Provide the specified family contribution and student contribution
  • Live by the CES Honor Code, including renewing their ecclesiastical endorsement each year.

Apply

To apply for the IWORK Program, applicants should:

  • Complete an application to BYU–Hawaii or be a current student of BYU–Hawaii in good standing.
  • Complete an IWORK application, including the necessary documentation of income for assessment of financial need.

IWORK Updates

(Please read the entire statement)

The State of Hawaii minimum wage will increase from $12.00 to $14.00 per hour. As a result of this change, beginning the first pay period in January 2024, the IWORK financial payback will increase as follows:

  • Those with a $150 payback will have it increased to $200 per pay period (TVA).
  • Those with a $200 payback will have it increased to $250 per pay period (apartment style). 
  • Those with a $270 payback will have it increased to $320 per pay period (dormitory style). 

The work-study program is built on the principle of self-reliance, which means students cover a portion of their costs and the university covers the rest. Naturally, as the participants' capacity to pay more increases so does the expectation for the participant to pay more towards their education. Please plan and budget accordingly for this required update.