The IWORK Prorgram 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.