Graduate and Professional Admissions
203 Coble Hall, MC-322
801 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820 USA
Phone: 217-244-4637
E-mail: gradadmissions@uiuc.edu
Individuals with disabilities: for alternative formats of these or other application documents, please contact our office at 217-244-4637 or the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services at 217-333-1970 V/TTY.
Frequently Asked Questions for Domestic Applicants
- www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/apply/faqdom.htm
Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
- www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/apply/faqint.htm
Campus facilities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are among the most accessible in the nation for disabled persons, and applications from persons with disabilities are always welcomed. For alternative formats of these or other application documents, please contact our office at 217-244-4637 or the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) at 1207 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, phone: (217) 333-1970 (V/TDD). DRES coordinates services for all U of I students with disabilities.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of the University community. As part of this commitment, the University requires applicants who are under current indictment or have been convicted of a crime (other than a routine traffic offense or in a juvenile proceeding) to disclose this information as a mandatory step in the application process. A previous conviction of current indictment does not automatically bar admission to the University, but does require review. Complete information must be sent by certified mail at the time of application for admission to: Review Committee, 300 Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA. Applicants are responsible for verifying receipt by the University and for maintaining a copy of the receipt certifying submission. Information to be submitted includes a brief explanation, location (city, state, country) of conviction or current indictment, dates, and court disposition, in English. This statement must include a grant of permission to the University for complete access to criminal records, if any. For further information on this requirement, call (217) 333-0050.
The commitment of the University to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms, whether or not specifically prohibited by law. Among the forms of invidious discrimination prohibited by the University policy but not law is discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of sexual orientation. Complaints of invidious discrimination in violation of University policy are to be resolved within existing University procedures. The policy of the University of Illinois is to comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. The University will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. This nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.
The Application Checklist provides you with a checklist of the different types of information you will need to have available as you complete the Graduate College application for admission.
All the forms required for the application process are available both within the online application and here.
Each program of study office establishes application deadlines and materials required for admission review. Application procedures differ by programs. Please follow the instructions that pertain only to the program(s) in which you are interested. IMPORTANT: Check with your proposed program of study office for deadline information before submitting the application and non-refundable application fee.
The application process requires you to complete and submit the Application for Admission to the Graduate College; all other materials should be sent directly to your proposed program of study office. Complete all five steps listed below. Incomplete applications, or applications submitted after published program deadlines, will not be considered for admission.
We encourage all applicants to apply online and pay with a credit card. However, the online application is available in an alternative format, upon request, if applying online is not possible. Please send your request to gradadmissions@uiuc.edu.
If you are an international applicant:
If you do not use the online recommendation system inside the online application:
Transcripts and educational credentials should be mailed directly to your proposed program of study office . Please see Transcripts/Educational Credentials sections (domestic/international) within the application instructions for important information regarding this requirement.
Send all other required materials (statement of purpose, portfolio, etc.) directly to your proposed program of study office. You also have the ability to upload a statement of purpose and relevant application documents from within the online application. Please review the list of document formats eligible to be uploaded.
Contact ETS to send official test scores to institution code 1836 and department code 00.
Contact IELTS to send official test scores to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The non-refundable application fee amount is determined by your citizenship and/or visa status. Payment may be made online via credit card. Your application cannot be submitted until the application fee has been processed.
Certain domestic applicants (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Staff, Civil Service, Academic Professionals, Faculty, Graduate Assistants, Employees of Allied Agencies, or applicants to designated programs, such as Project 1000, McNair Scholars, CIC FreeApp) may be eligible for an application fee waiver or exemption. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, choose the appropriate waiver in the "Application Information" section of the online application. Please contact Graduate and Professional Admissions at gradadmissions@uiuc.edu for additional information regarding application fee waivers. Unfortunately, unless the applicant is covered by one of the waivers described above, the application fee will not be waived.
Domestic applicants are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States, or have been granted Asylee, Refugee or Paroled in the Public Interest status by the United States government. If you can answer yes to ALL of the following three questions, you may also select the "Non-Citizen - Status Identified" citizenship type: 1) I am not a U.S. citizen, but I did or will graduate from an Illinois high school or attain a GED in Illinois 2) I did attend school in Illinois for at least three years during kindergarten through high school and 3) I did live with my parents while I attended school in Illinois. If applying to a term prior to Fall 2008, domestic applicants are required to submit a $50.00 application fee. If applying to Fall 2008 or later, domestic applicants are required to submit a $60.00 application fee. If you have submitted an application, but have not yet been approved for United States Permanent Residency, please see the instructions for International applicants in the next section.
International applicants are citizens or permanent residents of a country to which they intend to return other than the United States. International applicants may be in the United States on an educational, worker or visitor visa, or be residing in their home country. If applying to a term prior to Fall 2008, international applicants must complete the "International Applicant" section of the application, and are required to submit a $60.00 application fee by credit card. If applying to Fall 2008 or later, international applicants must complete the "International Applicant" section of the application, and are required to submit a $75.00 application fee by credit card. International applicants who are requesting F-1 or J-1 visa eligibility documents are also required to provide evidence of financial support by completing the "Declaration and Certification of Finances Form" (PDF) with accompanying bank statements, and evidence of English proficiency. For a list of additional required documents, see transcripts for international applicants.
Please note: International applicants who have filed an application for United States Permanent Residency, but have not yet been granted approval, are considered International applicants and should complete the "International Applicant" section of the application, but are not required to provide financial documentation. The applicants should choose the "Adjusted in Status" citizenship type and provide a copy of the Application Receipt notice from USCIS to their proposed program of study
Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to multiple programs of study should submit multiple applications, application fees, and appropriate supporting materials to each program of study office. Students may be enrolled in only one program of study at a time, unless enrolled in an approved joint program of study.
Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to one of our joint degree programs should submit one application and fee, and choose the appropriate joint program degree program from the Degree listing in the Application Information section of the application. One set of supplemental application materials and supporting documents (transcripts, etc.) should be submitted to each program of study office. Contact both programs of study offices for specific instructions and deadlines regarding joint program applications.
Domestic applicants should request that an official transcript of your academic record from each college, university, or graduate and professional school you have attended be sent to your proposed program of study office. It is not necessary, however, to submit a transcript covering work completed at the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois. When completing the application form, be sure to list all of the institutions you have attended, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
For information about transcripts for international applicants, visit www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/04.cfm.
Please note that the Admission Requirements listed in the Minimum Requirements by Country section are Graduate College minimum requirements for admission.
Your proposed program of study may require a higher GPA than the minimum standard listed in Minimum Requirements by Country. Please review your proposed program of study's Web site for specific program admission requirements. Proposed program of study contact information is available at www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/depts/.
International applicants for graduate study must submit official or attested copies of academic credentials from all universities and colleges attended, in a sealed envelope, with a certification stamp across the seal. Academic credentials include mark sheets, certificates, transcripts, and examination results and must include all coursework, grades and degree information. For each college or university attended, provide a credential in the original language, and an attested English translation. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS; all submitted documents become the property of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and will not be returned. Questions about financial aid, graduate appointments, degree requirements, courses, curricula, and programs should be addressed to the appropriate program of study office.
For information about transcripts for domestic applicants, visit www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/03.cfm.
For international teaching assistant requirements see the English Proficiency Requirement for International Teaching Assistants.
All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS (please see instructions below for Submitting Official Scores regarding our institution code and program number).
Please visit www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/apply/exemptcountries.htm for a list of countries that qualify for an exemption from the admissions requirement.
The following chart provides minimum score requirements for admission*:
| English Proficiency Test | Minimum score | Limited status admission and English as a Second Language Placement Test required** | Full Status Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 79-102 | greater than 102 |
| TOEFL CBT | 213 | 213-253 | greater than 253 |
| TOEFL PBT | 550 | 550-610 | greater than 610 |
| IELTS (academic exam) | 6.5 and 6 in all sub-sections | 6.5 and/or any sub-section less than 6 | greater than 6.5 |
* Please note: TOEFL or IELTS scores must be less than two years old from the first day of class at the proposed term of entry in order to be valid. In addition, individual academic programs may require a higher score, or evidence of spoken English language proficiency; contact your proposed program of study office for the minimum TOEFL, TSE, or IELTS requirement for admission.
** If the scores on the TOEFL or IELTS are acceptable, but indicate the need for further English study (scores of 550-610 Paper, 213-253 CBT, or 79-102 iBT, inclusive), an English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) will be required upon arrival at the University. On the basis of the ESL EPT results, applicants are generally required to enroll in non-credit "English as a Second Language" courses and take a reduced academic load beginning the first semester at the University.
Website: www.toefl.org
TOEFL Services at Educational Testing Service (ETS):
Information about the TSE is available on the ETS TOEFL website (see above).
IELTS is jointly owned by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia.
Website: www.ielts.org
Requesting Official Scores: Applicants who have already taken the IELTS should request that IELTS send scores to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. Official financial documentation is required as part of the application process in order for visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to the U.S. to be issued. International applicants should submit the following documentation along with other supporting application materials directly to the proposed program of study office.
If the student will provide funding from personal funds, an official Bank Statement with sufficient funding for at least one year’s total cost is required. Please refer to the PDF of the Declaration and Certification of Finances form for specific expense amounts.
If a family or other personal sponsor will provide funding, an official Bank Statement with sufficient funding for at least one year’s total cost is required. One of the following additional documents is also required: Declaration and Certification of Finances form verifying sponsorship for full length and cost of the program OR official Letter of Sponsorship detailing amounts and length of sponsorship.
If an employer, government or organization will provide funding, an official Letter of Sponsorship detailing amounts and length of sponsorship is required.
- Must include original letterhead or logo, and bank stamp or bank signature,
- Must show sufficient funding for one year’s costs (or amount of sponsorship for one year),
- Must be dated within one year of time of admission, and
- Must show funding in liquid accounts, such as savings, checking, money market accounts, or CDs,
Note:
- Non-liquid funding such as stocks, bonds, auto/land deeds are not acceptable forms of financial support,
- Solvency and opinion statements are not acceptable forms of financial support, and
- Photocopies are only accepted with original bank stamp AND original bank signature.
- Must be original and signed,
- Must verify sponsorship for the full length and cost of program,
- Must be dated within one year of time of admission,
- Includes the total cost of study, and
- Is available in PDF format here.
- Must be original,
- Must detail amounts and length of sponsorship,
- Must include original sponsor signature or stamp, and
- Must be dated within one year of time of admission.
Note:
- Photocopies are only accepted with original sponsor stamp AND original sponsor signature.
In order to be admitted to the Graduate College at UIUC, applicants must meet admission requirements of both their proposed programs of study and the Graduate College. Your proposed program of study office will evaluate your application and recommend a decision for admission to the Graduate College. An official Notification of Admission from the Graduate College will be made available to you via the online application system. Admitted applicants will be sent an email notifying them that a decision letter is available, and to re-enter the system to view the decision.
Download the PDF handout called Supplmental Admissions Information for Admitted International Graduate Students.
The Financial Assistance page for prospective students contains a listing of other forms of financial assistantance available to graduate students at Illinois in addition to those found below.
Assistants enrolled in the following programs should check directly with their program of study office for information regarding assistantship tuition and fee waivers: MS, Accountancy (International Program); MAS, Accountancy; MS, Accountancy-Tax; MBA; Executive MBA; MS in Business Administration (Technology Management); MS in Policy Economics; MS in International Finance; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM); MSW in Social Work; MS in Library and Information Science; MS, Architecture (Track 1, 2, 3); and Law (JD, LLM). Details about tuition waivers are available from the Guide to the Tuition Waiver Policy.
These awards waive payment of tuition and selected fees. For deadlines and applications, please contact your program of study office. For University-funded fellowships, assistantships, and tuition waivers, there are no restrictions on citizenship, age, sex, ethnic or national origin, marital status, or disability. Certain non-University-funded fellowships and assistantships may have restrictions. Before you apply for such an award, consult the office of your proposed program of study office for both the types of financial aid available and the financial aid deadline. Please note: In general, most financial aid decisions are made before April 1.
Please note that need-based financial aid requires students to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 15. To apply, or for more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Housing information is available within the Guide to Graduate Life at Illinois at www.grad.uiuc.edu/survivalguide/housing.asp.
Illinois state law requires all new students to provide proof of immunity to certain contagious diseases (among them: diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus) before enrollment. All admitted students will receive an Immunization Information Form, which must be completed and submitted upon arrival on campus. All international students will be screened for tuberculosis at the time of enrollment in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health. All students please note: if the required Immunization Information Form is not submitted, you will not be eligible to register for future terms. Immunization Information Forms are also available online from the McKinley Health Center.
Health insurance is a means to partially cover the costs of health care whenever one needs medical attention in the U.S. All students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are required to carry health insurance coverage. For more information about the University health insurance plan, please see www.grad.uiuc.edu/current/health.htm.
Additionally, all students on J-1 status and their J-2 dependents are required by law to carry adequate health insurance for the full duration of the J-1 program. Students and their families may participate in the University insurance plan or in a private plan that provides at least comparable coverage. International students can find additional information regarding health insurance at the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
The University of Illinois is committed to maintaining a safe campus environment. Current campus crime statistics are available from the Division of Public Safety.