Graduate and Professional Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please see the application instructions, contact Graduate and Professional Admissions, or search the Web site.
- What are the minimum requirements for admission?
- How do I apply if I've already attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a degree-seeking graduate student?
- How do I apply if I've already attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a non-degree graduate student?
- Where do I need to send my transcripts?
- How do I contact my program of study office?
- Do I qualify for an application fee waiver?
- How do I find out the status of my application?
- Where can I get a print copy of the application?
- Where do I send my application and supporting materials?
- How many letters of reference do I need and how should they be sent?
- How do I apply to more than one program of study?
- How do I apply to a Joint Program of Study?
- Where can I get a Declaration and Certification of Finances form?
- What are the University of Illinois' English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/TSE/IELTS)?
- Am I required to show proof of financial resources for my studies?
- Will I be able to work while I am a student?
- I need an F-1 visa. When will I get my I-20?
- I need a J-1 visa. When will I get my DS-2019?
- I have an F-2 visa. Can I study?
- I have a B1/B2 visa. Can I study?
- I have an H visa. Can I study?
- Where can I find more information about the SEVIS Visa fee?
- When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Spring 2008?
- When do classes begin for Spring 2008?
- When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Summer 2008?
- When do classes begin for Summer 2008?
- When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Fall 2008?
- When do classes begin for Fall 2008?
What are the minimum requirements for admission?
Minimum requirements for admission to the University can be found in the Application Instructions, but individual department requirements may be more stringent.
How do I apply if I've already attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a degree-seeking graduate student?
If you have previously attended the University of Illinois as a degree-seeking graduate student, you must apply using a petition. See and follow the Instructions for Re-entry.
How do I apply if I've already attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a non-degree graduate student?
If you have previously attended the University of Illinois as a non-degree graduate student, follow the Instructions for Non-degree Students.
Where do I need to send my transcripts?
Transcripts should be sent to the program of study that you are applying to. More information about sending transcripts is available in the Application Instructions.
How do I contact my program of study office?
Find your program of study through the Directory of Programs.
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver?
Please review the eligibility note to see if you can have your fee waived.
How do I find out the status of my application?
To verify that your application has been submitted and the fee has been received, log back into the system with your application pin and password, and view updates posted in the application system.
For all other information (deadlines, missing materials, admission status, timelines for decisions), contact your proposed program of study office. Graduate and Professional Admissions will not be able to answer questions regarding application status. Programs of study contact information (phone, e-mail, website) is available from the Directory of Programs.
Where can I get a print copy of the application?
Print copies of the application can only be requested in unusual cases. Please contact Graduate and Professional Admissions at gradadmissions@uiuc.edu to request a print copy.
Where do I send my application and supporting materials?
All supporting materials should be sent to the department or departments to which you have applied. Programs of study contact information (phone, e-mail, website) is available from the Directory of Programs.
How many letters of reference do I need and how should they be sent?
Most graduate programs require three letters of reference. Check with your proposed program of study office regarding the number required and instructions for submitting letters of reference. You may ask your references to submit letters of reference using the online recommendation system, or they may use the hard copy of the Letter of Reference form. If a hard copy reference form is used, the recommender should send the completed form directly to your proposed program of study office.
How do I apply to more than one program of study?
Consult the Application Instructions for details.
How do I apply to a Joint Program of Study?
Consult the Application Instructions for details.
Where can I get a Declaration and Certification of Finances form?
The form is available in pdf format at www.grad.uiuc.edu/forms/admission/CertofFinances.pdf.
What are the University of Illinois' English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/TSE/IELTS)?
English proficiency requirements for admission can be found in the Application Instructions .
Am I required to show proof of financial resources for my studies?
Yes, and details can be found in the Application Instructions.
Will I be able to work while I am a student?
A student on an F-1 visa is allowed to hold graduate appointments and other forms of campus employment. However, they will not be allowed to work off campus. A student on a J-1 visa is allowed to work both on and off campus.
I need an F-1 visa. When will I get my I-20?
An I-20 form will be issued to admitted applicants who request and are eligible for and F-1 visa. These are processed as soon as possible after your program of study has received all required application materials and forwarded them with a referral for admission to Graduate and Professional Admissions.
I need a J-1 visa. When will I get my DS-2019?
A DS-2019 Form will be issued to admitted applicants who request and are eligible for a J-1 visa. Applicants sponsored by their governments, international foundations, or agencies, who receive at least 50 percent of their funding from any source other than personal or family funds, or who are part of a university exchange will receive this form. These are processed as soon as possible after your program of study has received all required application materials and forwarded them with a referral for admission to Graduate and Professional Admissions.
I have an F-2 visa. Can I study?
A student may not enroll or pursue studies with an F-2 visa.
I have a B1/B2 visa. Can I study?
A student may not enroll or pursue studies with a B1/B2 visa.
I have an H visa. Can I study?
Yes, you may study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on your H visa.
Where can I find more information about the SEVIS Visa fee?
More information can be found at the Department of Homeland Security Web site.
When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Spring 2008?
January 7-9, 2008
When do classes begin for Spring 2008?
January 14, 2008
When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Summer 2008?
June 2-4, 2008
When do classes begin for Summer 2008?
June 9, 2008
When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Fall 2008?
August 13-15, 2008
When do classes begin for Fall 2008?
August 25, 2008
