IWORK Program
The IWORK (International Work Opportunity Return-ability Kuleana) is a work study program to assist students from Oceania and the Asian Rim (South Pacific & East Asia) in obtaining a quality education at BYU–Hawaii and help students become self-reliant.
The goal of the IWORK program is to provide the necessary financial assistance to worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- Assist students to return to their home country and region debt-free.
- Provide qualified leadership in the church, civic and social affiliations, and within their families.
The IWORK program is a unique and generous opportunity available only at BYU–Hawaii. Eligibility for the program will be determined based on the following:
- Must have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for at least one year or more;
- Must be first-time attendance to a university in the United State of America;
- Must show proof of financial need through the financial aid verification process;
- Must be from one of the Pacific Islands or South East Asia countries;
- Parents must be residing in the home country, not in the United States of America.
How can IWORK help me in college?
- For International Students, IWORK is based on need and is typically reserved for students from the South Pacific and East Asia geographic areas.
- No Student Loan Debt. IWORK students attending BYU–Hawaii finish their degree and then return to their home region with no student loan debt (see the application or the Terms and Conditions for complete details).
- 100 percent grant.
- Benefits - the amount covered is based on need.
IWORK Will Help Cover
- Tuition.
- Fees.
- Housing.
Basic IWORK Requirements for Student Participants
- Complete at least 12 credit hours in a semester.
- Maintain good academic standing.
- Expected to graduate in 12 semesters in residence.
- Abide by the Honor Code.
- Be physically able to participate in any job assigned at BYU–Hawaii or the Polynesian Cultural Center and work 19 hours/week during the semester and 40 hours/week while school is not in session. Employment at BYUH or PCC should begin by the third Wednesday after classes begin.
IWORK Updates
- The funds that were issued as a forgivable loan will now be issued as a grant.
- Instead of being required to work for a minimum of three years at PCC, IWORK students will receive their first job assignment at PCC but may work elsewhere on campus or at PCC after their initial job.
- Institutional scholarships will be awarded to the IWORK student's account without additional restrictions.
- Effective January 1, 2023, all students in the IWORK program must secure a job with BYU–Hawaii (BYUH) or the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) by the third Wednesday after classes begin. The PCC has the first opportunity to hire students in the IWORK program. Those not selected by the PCC must find employment at BYUH. Any IWORK students still not employed by BYUH or the PCC by the second Wednesday after classes begin are required to meet with an IWORK, financial aid, or student employment counselor within 48 hours. Counselors will help students to find a job. Those who fail to meet with a counselor and secure a job by the third Wednesday after classes begin will no longer be eligible for IWORK funding.