Savanna Hoffman
Illinois is a popular state for international students, with over 44,000 international students studying there in 2019-2020 and over 46,000 in 2022. The state is home to over 150 colleges and universities, including elite institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, as well as large public institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which has 53,000 students enrolled in rigorous academic programs. For international students, the criteria for acceptance vary among colleges, but often include English proficiency exams and proof of financial resources to obtain a visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in Illinois in 2022 | 46,000 |
| Number of colleges and universities in Illinois | 150+ |
| English proficiency exams required for international students | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test |
| Undergraduate GPA requirement at Illinois State University | Minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) |
| Graduate GPA requirement at Illinois State University | Minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) |
| Illinois State University scholarship amount for international students | $5,000 |
| Illinois State University scholarship duration for international undergraduate students | Up to four years |
| Illinois State University scholarship duration for international graduate students | Up to two years |
| Illinois Institute of Technology's English language instruction for non-native speakers | Yes |
| Illinois Institute of Technology's campus location | Chicago |
| Illinois ranked as a choice for international students | Fifth |
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What You'll Learn
International student housing
The University of Illinois offers a variety of housing options for international students. On-campus housing is a great option for international students to experience the American student lifestyle. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers campus housing for students from all backgrounds, with 10 residence halls and 32 different room styles to choose from. Students can apply for campus housing through the Housing Portal, where they can select their room, sign their contract, and choose a move-in time. UIC also offers a three-day extended orientation program called UIC Camp Fire, which helps incoming students transition to college life by connecting them with current and future student leaders.
International students at the University of Illinois often choose to live in the International House, or "I-House," a Themed Living-Learning Community inside Manchester Hall. Graduate students and junior and senior undergraduate students may opt to live off-campus, although they may still purchase a meal plan if desired.
The university also provides university apartments for students with spouses or children, with lease applications available through Family and Graduate Housing. These leases must be submitted at least six months in advance and are legally binding for the entire academic year. Additionally, the university certifies various Private Certified Housing options for all students, including freshmen.
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English language requirements
The English language requirements for international students vary across the over 150 colleges and universities in Illinois. While some colleges require international students to pass English proficiency exams, others offer English language instruction to non-native speakers.
Illinois State University
If your country of origin is from a non-English-speaking country, you must submit proof of English proficiency by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. These tests must have been taken within the past two years. The minimum criteria for English proficiency are determined by the State of Illinois, which also requires non-native English-speaking teaching assistants to show proof of English proficiency.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Tech offers English language instruction to non-native speakers. However, it is unclear whether this is a requirement for admission or an additional service provided by the university.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
If you are attending an international-curriculum school, you do not need to meet the four-year minimum English coursework requirement. However, there may be other English language requirements that you must satisfy, which are not specified on the university's website.
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Scholarships and financial aid
The University of Illinois offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. These include:
Loans
The University of Illinois offers loans to international students to help cover education-related expenses such as tuition, room and board, and textbooks. These loans often have lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans, with students typically beginning repayment after a grace period following the completion of their studies.
Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that, unlike loans, do not need to be repaid. These can be provided by the state or federal government, the university itself, or private sources. Grants are often merit-based or awarded based on financial need.
Scholarships
The University of Illinois offers various scholarships specifically for international students. These include:
- The Avery Brundage Scholarship—This scholarship is awarded to full-time graduate students who demonstrate excellence in both academics and amateur athletics.
- The Fred S. Bailey Scholarship—This scholarship provides over $100,000 in financial aid to incoming international freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who demonstrate a deep commitment to service and action.
- The Nelle M. Signor Scholarship—This $2,000 scholarship is for doctoral students studying international relations and conducting field research outside of the U.S.
- Roothbert Fund Scholarships—These scholarships provide $2,000-$3,000 in financial aid to undergraduate or graduate students motivated by spiritual values.
- American Association of University Women International Fellowships—These fellowships support international graduate or postgraduate students studying at accredited institutions.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship—This scholarship is for international students pursuing graduate studies in the United States.
In addition to these international-specific scholarships, the University of Illinois also offers various other scholarships and financial aid opportunities for incoming, transfer, and continuing students, such as the Chancellor's Fellows scholarship, which is valued at up to $7,500 per year.
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Application requirements
International applicants to the University of Illinois have several application requirements to meet. These requirements may vary depending on the specific campus and program, so it is important to check the relevant information for your chosen campus and program. Here is an overview of some common requirements:
Application Fees
There is a non-refundable application fee of $60, along with an additional $100 international evaluation fee for transfer and second bachelor's applicants with coursework from outside the US. These fees are paid together when submitting the Common Application or the UIC Application.
Academic Credentials and Transcripts
International applicants must submit official secondary school or high school transcripts translated into English. If you are transferring from another undergraduate institution, you also need to provide official, translated college/university transcripts.
English Proficiency Requirements
If your previous education was not taught primarily in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting test scores from one of the accepted exams: PTE, GTEC, TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, CEFR, Duolingo English Test, or SAT/ACT. Illinois College recognizes the successful completion of certain English language programs in lieu of a proficiency exam. Applicants who have completed two consecutive years of full-time study in a country where English is the only official language may be exempt from this requirement.
Country-Specific Requirements
Some countries require military service upon completion of secondary education. If you are from one of these countries, you should not apply until you have fulfilled this obligation. Additionally, US immigration law requires international students to prove they have sufficient funds available for their educational and living expenses.
Additional Program-Specific Requirements
Some programs, such as those within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, may have additional admission requirements. It is important to review the specific requirements for your intended program.
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Student visa process
The student visa process for international students at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) depends on a combination of your academic program and funding source. The Office of International Services (OIS) will help you determine which type of visa you will need and how to obtain it.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common visa status used for study in the U.S. and at UIC. Applicants for an F-1 visa must show evidence of funding equal to one year of study in their chosen academic program, and that funding can come from private and university sources. F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment and are eligible for limited work authorization during and after the program completion.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Student status is less common but is most often used for students in specific educational exchange programs such as UIC Exchange, Fulbright, LASPAU, and others. Degree-seeking students may also qualify for J-1 EV Student status if 51% or more of the funding for their entire program comes from non-personal sources such as government programs or agencies.
Obtaining a Student Visa
To obtain a student visa, you must first obtain admission to a UIC program of study. Once admitted, you will need to obtain or update your UIC Form I-20 from OIS. Newly admitted international students can request an initial Form I-20 by submitting the appropriate OIS Documents to their Application Summary Page. If you are currently living outside the U.S., you must present the I-20 or DS-2019 to the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country to obtain the F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa. If you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need a visa to study in the U.S.; however, you must show the I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the country.
Additional Requirements
Some additional requirements for obtaining a student visa include providing evidence of financial support and attending a visa interview appointment, if needed. You will need to demonstrate confirmation of sufficient funds and sources of support through a bank letter or statement indicating a minimum of $70,000 available for at least one year of study. The bank letter or statement must be dated within one year before the start of classes and must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Not all visa applicants will need to attend an in-person interview, but if you do, you can prepare by reviewing NAFSA's Ten Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Illinois hosted over 46,000 international students in 2022, and 44,000 in 2019-2020, making it the fifth most popular state for international students in the US. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has 53,000 students enrolled, some of whom are international.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires international students to complete secondary schooling that qualifies them for admission to selective universities. Transfer applicants must submit official high school transcripts or official copies of high school equivalency exam results. If your country of origin is a non-native English-speaking country, you must submit English proficiency exam results.
The University of Illinois offers scholarships of up to $5,000 for undergraduate students with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) and graduate students with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale). These scholarships are renewable for up to four years for undergraduates and two years for graduates.
International students at the University of Illinois can choose to live on or off-campus. Many international students who live on campus choose to live in International House, or "I-House," a themed community inside Manchester Hall. Illinois offers a vibrant art and culture scene, fantastic dining options, and outdoor activities such as hiking.
