
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population. In 2020, UIUC was home to approximately 10,140 international students, with the most popular degrees among international students being Statistics, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. There are several reasons why international students choose to study at UIUC. One reason could be the relatively high acceptance rate for international students, especially from China, due to the historical relationship between UIUC and China. Additionally, the United States has a higher number of prestigious universities per capita compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination for international students seeking a high-quality education. The possibility of working in the US after graduation and the potential for greater earnings is also a factor that may influence international students' decisions to study at UIUC.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 10,140 |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 4,442 |
| Percentage of international students | (10,140/52,679) x 100 = 19.24% |
| Popularity ranking among international students | 5th out of 1,279 colleges |
| Popularity ranking among Chinese students | 4th out of 1,079 colleges |
| Number of Chinese students | 5,700 |
| Popularity ranking among Indian students | 19th out of 999 colleges |
| Number of Indian students | 1,464 |
| Popularity ranking among South Korean students | 1st out of 967 colleges |
| Number of South Korean students | 1,080 |
| Popularity ranking among Taiwanese students | Not available |
| Number of Taiwanese students | Not available |
| Competitive admissions in home country | Yes |
| Better education than home country | Yes |
| Potential for higher earnings | Yes |
| Potential for US citizenship | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a high acceptance rate for Chinese students
- The US has more prestigious universities per capita than China
- UIUC is ranked highly for popularity with international students
- UIUC is ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students
- UIUC has a large international student population

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a high acceptance rate for Chinese students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a high acceptance rate for Chinese students, which is likely due to the historical relationship between the university and China. In 2014, UIUC enrolled 4,898 students from China, more than any other American university. Chinese students comprise the largest group of international students on campus.
There are several reasons why Chinese students may prefer to study at UIUC. Firstly, China has a limited number of prestigious universities per capita compared to the United States, making it extremely competitive to gain admission to elite Chinese universities. As a result, many Chinese students opt to pursue higher education in countries like the United States, which offers a wider range of top-notch educational institutions. Additionally, a degree from an American university, such as UIUC, can enhance career prospects both within China and internationally.
Another factor contributing to the high acceptance rate of Chinese students at UIUC is the financial aspect. International students, including those from China, pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, which can be a significant source of revenue for the university. The growing Chinese middle class has resulted in more families having the financial means to send their children abroad for education. Additionally, the one-child policy in China has allowed parents and grandparents to pool their resources to support a single child's education.
UIUC also offers a supportive community for Chinese students through its Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA). This organization provides a home away from home for Chinese students, fostering a sense of community and cultural connection.
It is worth noting that while UIUC has a relatively high acceptance rate for Chinese students, the overall acceptance rate for international students at the university has decreased in recent years. Despite this, UIUC continues to attract a significant number of Chinese students due to its academic reputation, ranking highly among public universities in the U.S.
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The US has more prestigious universities per capita than China
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a popular choice for international students, particularly those from China. There are several reasons why international students may choose to study at UIUC. Firstly, the United States has more prestigious universities per capita than China. While China has made significant strides in development and industrialization in recent decades, it still lags behind the US in terms of GDP per capita. This means that the US has greater wealth and resources to invest in higher education and the development of prestigious universities.
Historically, the US has placed a strong emphasis on education, with high literacy rates dating back to the 1700s and the establishment of renowned institutions like Harvard and Yale. In contrast, China's literacy rates were significantly lower during the same period, and the country's focus on education has been hindered by events such as the Cultural Revolution, which was anti-intellectual and led to a perception of professors as "enemies of the people".
As a result of these factors, China has a more limited number of elite universities, and admission to these institutions is highly competitive. On the other hand, the US offers a wider range of prestigious universities, making it easier for international students to gain admission to a top-notch college. UIUC, in particular, has a relatively high acceptance rate for Chinese students, possibly due to historical relationships between the university and China.
Additionally, a degree from an American university can provide greater career opportunities, both in the US and internationally. Obtaining a visa sponsorship after graduation can lead to the possibility of working in the US, which offers the potential for higher earnings. Furthermore, gaining US citizenship through education can also provide a pathway for the student's parents to immigrate to America and transfer their assets out of China.
While the cost of studying in the US may be higher, many international students and their families view it as a worthwhile investment in their future prospects. UIUC also offers various on-campus job opportunities for international students, allowing them to earn money during their studies. Overall, the combination of academic excellence, career prospects, and the potential for personal and financial growth makes UIUC an attractive option for international students seeking a high-quality education.
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UIUC is ranked highly for popularity with international students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a popular choice for international students, with one of the largest international student populations among US public institutions. In 2020, UIUC was home to approximately 10,140 international students, out of a total of 52,679 students. This includes 5,700 Chinese students, 1,464 Indian students, 1,080 South Korean students, and 442 undergraduates from other countries.
UIUC's popularity with international students can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university has a relatively high acceptance rate for international students, especially those from China. This is in contrast to the highly competitive nature of elite universities in some countries, such as China, where admission is solely based on exam scores. Secondly, the possibility of obtaining a degree from a prestigious American university can enhance career prospects, both in the US and in students' home countries. This is particularly true for countries like China, where there are fewer prestigious universities per capita compared to the US.
Additionally, UIUC offers popular degree programs for international students, including Statistics, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. The university also provides opportunities for on-campus employment, allowing international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. This can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Overall, UIUC's high ranking for popularity with international students reflects its reputation as a welcoming and attractive destination for those seeking a high-quality education and enhanced career prospects. The university's large international student population contributes to a diverse and vibrant campus community.
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UIUC is ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population. In 2020, UIUC was home to approximately 10,140 international students out of a total of 52,679 students. This diverse student body includes a significant number of students from China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan.
UIUC's popularity among international students can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university offers a wide range of popular degrees, including Statistics, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering, which attract students from around the world. Secondly, the United States, and specifically UIUC, has a higher number of prestigious universities per capita than some other countries, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a world-class education.
Additionally, obtaining a degree from an American university can enhance career prospects, both in the United States and in students' home countries. The possibility of obtaining visa sponsorship and working in the United States after graduation is an appealing option for many international students. This is especially true for students from countries with controlled economies and thought, such as China, where there may be greater opportunities for innovation and career advancement in the United States.
Furthermore, UIUC's large international student population creates a diverse and vibrant campus community. This diversity exposes students to a range of cultures and perspectives, enriching their educational experience and broadening their global outlook. The university also provides various support services and resources specifically for international students, ensuring they have the necessary tools for academic and personal success.
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UIUC has a large international student population
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a large international student population, with approximately 10,140 international students on campus as of 2020. This makes up about 19% of its total student population. UIUC is ranked 5th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.
UIUC is a popular choice for international students due to its high acceptance rate for students from other countries, particularly China. In 2020, there were approximately 5,700 Chinese students at UIUC, making it the 4th most popular US university for students from China. The large number of Chinese students at UIUC may be due to the relatively high acceptance rate for these students, as well as the historical relationship between the university and China. Additionally, the competitive nature of Chinese universities makes it more attractive for students to pursue higher education in a country like the US, which offers one of the best university education systems in the world.
UIUC is also a popular choice for students from other countries, such as India, South Korea, and Taiwan. In 2020, UIUC was home to approximately 1,464 Indian students, ranking it as the 19th most popular university for students from India. The university is ranked 1st out of 967 colleges and universities for popularity with students from South Korea, with approximately 1,080 South Korean students enrolled in 2020.
The large international student population at UIUC contributes to a diverse and vibrant campus community, with students from various cultural backgrounds and countries. The university's popularity among international students can be attributed to its academic reputation, high-quality education, and the opportunity for international students to gain US work experience during and after their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
UIUC is one of the best engineering and business schools in the world. The university is well-respected and prestigious, and its degrees in CS and physics are highly sought after by international students.
No, UIUC provides zero financial aid to international students. Tuition fees for international students can be as high as $65k per year.
International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week on campus during the semester. On-campus jobs include working in the dining hall or as a tutor or course grader. Off-campus work is restricted to jobs directly related to the student's field of study and requires a CPT, which can be obtained after one full semester or the first year of study.
The cost of living can vary depending on spending habits, but food costs can range from $10 to $20 per day. There are many restaurants near campus that offer meals for under $10, such as Lai Lai Wok and Cravings.
UIUC offers a range of resources for international students, including advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach. The Illinois App is also a useful resource, allowing students to monitor their meal plan and use it as a bus pass for off-campus transportation.











































