Amount
Annual award is based on the number of years you have been a Golden Apple Scholar. Scholarship funds may pay tuition, fees, and room and board or a commuter allowance.
Learn more about the award amountEligibility
You must be named a Golden Apple Scholar by the Golden Apple Foundation and agree to a teaching commitment. You amust meet enrollment and academic performance requirements.
Learn more about eligibility requirementsApplication Process
Apply every year via the Golden Apple Foundation. If you are eligible for an award, the Foundation will share that information with ISAC.
How to applyApplication Deadline
The Golden Apple Foundation sets the deadline for this program each year.
Dates and timelinesProgram Details
This program supports talented students who want to become teachers in high-need schools. It recruits high school graduates and early college students, prepares them for teaching careers, and provides scholarships to help them earn teaching degrees.
For Students and Parents
For Partners and Professionals
The 2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) appropriation for the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program is
$10,750,000.
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program: Part 2764 - Administrative Rules
Please review the eligibility, how to apply, dates and timelines, award amounts, and definitions sections for additional program information.
2025-26
Although the priority claim deadline dates have passed for the first, second, and third terms, colleges may continue submitting claims for these terms.
Claims submitted after a term's priority claim deadline date will be paid only if funds remain after all timely claims have been paid.
Colleges are not responsible for certifying initial eligibility. The Golden Apple Foundation certifies applicants’ eligibility each term. Refer to the Golden Apple USER GUIDE to learn how to an applicant’s status in the Golden Apple system.
- Golden Apple awarding reminders:
- The Golden Apple Foundation certifies that an applicant is eligible to receive a scholarship. At that time, an award displays in the Golden Apple system.
- The amount of each award is determined by the
number of years the applicant has been a Golden Apple Scholar. Refer to the Golden Apple FAQS FOR APPLICANTS for details.
- Golden Apple awards are paid in multiple disbursements.
- For full-year awards:
- semester schools receive two disbursements, and
- quarter schools receive three disbursements.
- Multiple disbursements are not required if the student's eligibility is not determined until the final term of the award year for which the grant is awarded.
- If the student has applied for or is enrolled in a term(s) which is less than the award year, they may receive the full maximum annual award amount.
- For full-year awards:
Refer to the Golden Apple USER GUIDE for more information regarding awarding and payment processing.
2025-26 Golden Apple Priority Payment Request (Claim) Deadline Dates
Term one (fall for semester and quarter schools): December 31, 2025
Term two (spring for semester schools; winter for quarter schools): March 30, 2026
Term three (spring for quarter schools): May 8, 2026
- Golden Apple User Guide
- Administrative Rules
- GAP Access Two-Factor Authentication
- GAP Access Portal User Guide
- Studentaid.gov page defining eligible noncitizen
- ISAC Rise Act
- Payment Offset and Reconciliation
- Refunds and Unpaid Claims