Understanding International Student Status At The University Of Illinois

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a diverse, international campus with over 10,000 international students from more than 110 countries. The University offers a range of resources and services for international students, including orientation programs, immigration services, and cultural centers. To be considered for admission, international students must satisfy all standard application requirements and provide additional documentation, such as academic records and English proficiency scores.

International student resources

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a diverse and international campus with more than 10,000 international students from over 110 countries. The University offers a range of resources to support international students, including:

• Advising and Immigration Services: The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides support with immigration documents, maintaining student status, and other services.
• Orientation and Check-In: International students are required to check in with the university, and an orientation is held in August to help new international students get settled.
• Campus Housing: The University offers early move-in for international students to help them get accustomed to their community. University Residences include a meal plan.
• International Student Organizations: There are various cultural centers and student organizations on campus that provide opportunities for international students to connect and engage with others.
• Language Support: For students needing extra support with English skills, additional Pathway and Academic English programs are available.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: While international students are generally not eligible for the same financial aid as American students, there are specific scholarships available for international undergraduate and graduate students.
• Training Opportunities: The Office of International Engagement offers academic, management, and language training programs that can be customized to meet specific needs and learning objectives.
• International Education Week: The University hosts an International Education Week to showcase its internationalization efforts, including internationally-oriented courses, campus-wide programs, student organizations, and more.
• Illinois App: The official Illinois App is a useful resource for international students, allowing them to monitor their meal plans, use their bus passes, and stay up to date with campus events and activities.

These resources aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for international students, helping them navigate their academic, personal, and professional journey at the University of Illinois.

Immigration services

The University of Illinois provides a range of immigration services to support its international students, faculty, and staff. The Office of International Services (OIS) is the campus authority on immigration-related issues and provides practical information and guidance. Here are some key services offered by the University of Illinois:

• Visa Support: The OIS offers guidance on maintaining F-1 student visa status, including information on benefits associated with this non-immigrant visa category. They also support J-1 Exchange Visitors, which include students, scholars, researchers, and trainees participating in cultural exchange programs.
• International Employee Support: The OIS assists departments in understanding the process of hiring international employees and supports various aspects of international employee status maintenance. They help with different types of visas, including H-1B, O-1, TN, and E-3.
• U.S. Permanent Residence Assistance: The OIS provides support and guidance to international employees and their sponsoring departments through the complex process of applying for legal permanent residence in the U.S.
• Travel Guidance: The University offers important travel guidance for international students, including recommended documents for different status types and visa considerations for international travel.
• Document Replacement: The OIS helps with the replacement of lost, damaged, or stolen immigration documents, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
• Volunteering Information: The University provides information on the definition of "volunteering" within the immigration context, helping international students, scholars, and employees understand the regulations to avoid unknowingly violating their status.
• Immigration Updates: The OIS stays up-to-date with immigration news and regulatory updates, regularly informing the university community of any changes or announcements.
• Glossary of Immigration Terms: A glossary of common immigration terms is provided to help demystify the complex language and acronyms used in immigration processes.
• English Language Support: The University offers Pathway and Academic English programs to provide extra support to international students who need assistance with their English language skills.
• Financial Assistance: While international students are generally not eligible for the same financial aid as American students, the University offers scholarships and other financial assistance opportunities specifically for international students.

English language requirements

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a diverse, international campus that welcomes applications from students all over the world. If you are a non-native English speaker, you may be required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.

International students from non-native English-speaking countries must submit proof of English proficiency by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 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 scores required for admission are as follows:

• TOEFL internet-based (iBT): 79
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• IELTS overall band score: 6.5, with a score of 6 or higher in all sub-sections

Some graduate programs may require higher minimum scores for admission.

English Proficiency Requirement for Non-Native English-Speaking Teaching Assistants

Non-native English-speaking teaching assistants must provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum criteria for English proficiency are:

• TOEFL iBT minimum speaking score of 26
• TOEFL Essentials minimum speaking score of 9
• IELTS score of 8.0 overall, with a speaking sub-section score of 8
• Duolingo English Test minimum Conversation score of 140

Exemption from English Proficiency Tests

Graduate applicants may be exempt from providing a TOEFL or IELTS score if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of at least two years of full-time study in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed initial enrollment at the University of Illinois.
• Completion of a graduate degree in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed initial enrollment at the University of Illinois.

Scholarships and financial aid

International students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have access to institutional aid programs and outside scholarships obtained through private sources. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Horace & Kate King Wu International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Dean Arthur Hamilton International Assistance Fund, and the Undergraduate Tuition Assistance Awards.

Additionally, international students may be eligible for scholarships awarded by colleges or departments, with no separate application needed. The department or college will review the student's admission file and academic records to select scholarship recipients.

There are also opportunities for international students to obtain private loans, although most of these programs require a U.S. citizen to serve as a co-signer. International students can also search for scholarships from agencies outside the university, such as the International Education Financial Aid database, which offers a searchable list of over 800 scholarships and awards for international students.

At Illinois State University, international undergraduate students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) are automatically considered for a scholarship of up to $5,000, renewable for up to four years. Graduate international students with a minimum of 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) are also automatically considered for a scholarship of up to $5,000, renewable for up to two years.

Illinois Tech offers institutional scholarships to international students ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 over four years of undergraduate study. They also offer specific scholarships such as the Illinois Tech World Robot Olympiad Scholarship and the Dimiter Etimov Scholarship for Bulgarian citizens.

International orientation

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers orientation programs for new international undergraduate and graduate students. These orientations are designed to welcome new international students, help them adjust to campus life and culture, and provide an opportunity to meet other international and domestic students.

The International Undergraduate Student Orientation is typically held in August, a few days before the start of the fall semester. It covers various topics, including immigration documents, campus life, academic expectations, and campus resources. The orientation also includes social events, such as the Phone and Bank Fair, Illini Union Fun Night, and the Chancellor's Welcome Reception.

The International Graduate Student Orientation is also held in August and offers similar resources and opportunities for incoming graduate students. This orientation is virtual and covers topics such as maintaining visa status, planning for career success, campus safety, and an overview of important campus resources.

Both orientations are designed to help international students transition smoothly into their new academic and social environment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They provide essential information, resources, and opportunities to connect with other students, facilitating a strong start to their academic journey.

Additionally, the university offers a range of support services for international students throughout their time on campus, including immunizations, health insurance, and assistance with maintaining their F-1/J-1 student status.

Frequently asked questions