University of Illinois System: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

The University of Illinois System’s Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield universities are ranked highly among public institutions and universities nationwide as per the 2023-24 US News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) ranks # 12 among public national universities and # 35 among the top 100 national universities overall. 

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) ranks # 40 among public national universities and # 82 among national universities. The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is the top public regional university in Illinois as per the U.S. News & World Report rankings and ranked the sixth-best public regional university in the Midwest regional category.

International students (citizen or permanent resident of another country) may apply online by filling in the application forms for either undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Applicants will have to enter their personal details, course choice, educational background, English language qualification, and other information.

• Begin by gathering your application materials (keep ready your copies of high school transcripts, any test score results, and payment card details to pay the application fee upon submission), for example: for Indian students: ICSE, CCE certificates, provincial Standard X exam certificate, ISC or Standard XII exam certificates.
• Complete the application (provide high school courses/grades, select major and a second choice, complete writing prompts, and list extracurricular activities, honors, and awards), for example: for Indian students, enter your school name and select "Other" for the Standard X Indian Board Examinations Grading Scale
• Provide English Proficiency test scores
• Pay application fee ($60-75)
• Submit the application and view the status to stay updated

Applicants can check the official websites (UIUC, UIC, UIS) for details.

Documents Required for The University of Illinois System

The following documents should accompany an applicant’s application:

• Academic Credentials Required: 
• Official yearly or semesterly mark sheets for each examination attempt, including failed or repeated exams (in English).
• Official university-issued certification of degree and date awarded (in English)
• $60-75 application fee (non-refundable) or applicable waiver
• International students have to pay an additional $100 for international evaluation
• English proficiency requirements
• TOEFL iBT or rPT
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• Program required materials
• GRE scores 
• personal statement 
• letters of recommendation 
• writing samples
• resume/curriculum vitae

Applicants can check the official websites (UIUC, UIC, UIS) for details.

In addition, the Office of International Services (OIS) will need documentation for visa processing for international applicants who have been offered admission. Please visit the Office of International Services website for inquiries and details regarding the visa process.

Exam Requirements for The University of Illinois System

Relevant certified documentation has to be provided for all students whose first language is not English. International applicants can present evidence of English competency by either 

• having 2 or more years of full time education in a country where English is the only official language
• submitting a letter from a US employer of at least one year stating English proficiency or
• Through English proficiency exams

The University of Illinois System comprises three diverse campuses, each offering unique educational experiences.

International students can choose to avail of temporary housing, university housing, private certified housing or private housing. Students arriving on campus prior to the start of classes can stay temporarily with University Housing available at Illinois Street Residence Hall. The cost is $40 per night for a shared room and the charges will be applied to the student’s student account. 

Please review the University Housing website for more information. Please visit the website for more details. UIUC offers 24 undergraduate halls and two graduate upper-division halls to choose from. Please check for details on the official website.

The following are estimated University of Illinois System fees for 2023-2024:

Following are the scholarships offered by University of Illinois System: 

• Illinois Achievement Scholarship (UIUC & UIC): offered to non-resident students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA (Up to $10,000 (tuition-restricted) and renewable for up to 4 years).
• Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR): provides undergraduate and graduate students with educational experiences, with members eligible for $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
• American Association of University Women International Fellowships: are awarded to non-US citizens or permanent resident students to support graduate or postgraduate studies at accredited institutions.
• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Founded in 1994 provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States (maximum of $12,500).
• Institute for Humane Studies Fellowships: are scholarships for both undergraduate or graduate study (maximum of $12,000).
• Josephine De Kármán Fellowship Trust: is open to international students in any discipline currently enrolled in a university or college located within the United States ($22,000 for graduate students and $14,000 for undergraduate students, non-renewable and non-postponable).
• The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund: is dedicated to students from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children back home and are currently pursuing studies in the United States (annual grant of approx $12,000).

A number of College-Specific Scholarships are also awarded at UIUC and UIC. Please refer to the official website.