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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?

  • Applicants who have been awarded a comparable bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of the undergraduate program is the minimum requirement for admission. Please note that if your undergraduate program was longer than four years, additional credit may be evaluated to determine the admission GPA.
  • Applicants enrolled in the final year of a comparable bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a recognized institution of higher learning abroad, and who meet the GPA requirements stated above.
  • International applicants must meet minimum requirements based on their country of origin.
  • Please note that proposed programs of study may require a higher GPA than the Graduate College's minimum standard.

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 graduate student petition. See and follow the Instructions for Re-entry to the Graduate College.

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, you will need to submit a new online application and application fee for the degree-seeking program of your interest.

Where do I need to send my transcripts?

Transcripts should be directly uploaded into the online application. 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?

International applicants are not eligible for an application fee waiver unless studying under an exchange contract that includes an application fee waiver.

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@illinois.edu to request a print copy.

Where do I send my application and supporting materials?

All supporting materials (transcripts, certificates of degrees, letters of reference, personal statement, proof of funding, etc) should be uploaded directly to the online application.

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. All recommender information must be entered into the online application system. Your recommenders will be required to submit letters of reference using the online recommendation system.

How do I apply to more than one program of study?

You will need to submit a separate application and separate application fee for each program of study.

How do I apply to a Joint Program of Study?

Consult the additional instructions for joint degree program applications for details.

Where can I get a Declaration and Certification of Finances form?

The form is available in pdf format within the online application.

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, you 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 an J-2 visa. Can I study?

Yes, you may study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on your J-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 I-901 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 2011?

January 10-12, 2011

When do classes begin for Spring 2011?

January 18, 2011

When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Summer 2011?

June 6-8, 2011

When do classes begin for Summer 2011?

June 13, 2011

When will I have to report to the University of Illinois if I am admitted for Fall 2011?

August 15-17, 2011

When do classes begin for Fall 2011?

August 22, 2011

 

The Graduate College at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 801 South Wright Street 204 Coble Hall, MC-322 Champaign, IL 61820-6210 Phone: (217) 333-0035 Fax: (217) 333-8019