Before You Apply
Start planning now
It’s never too early to start planning.
Early preparation is the key to a smooth (and successful!) application and admission process. Give yourself the best chance of joining us by doing your research and putting your best application forward.
Know your deadlines Heading link
Applications are due January 15. We only admit degree candidates for the fall semester.
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Start early and give yourself plenty of time to collect all your materials.
Check your requirements Heading link
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the UIC Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study. In exceptional cases, applicants having a lower GPA may be admitted if they can demonstrate substantial evidence of their ability to complete the program successfully.
International Students: If English isn’t your native language, you might need to take an English proficiency test. We require minimum scores of:
- TOEFL: 80- with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60- with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test), OR,
- IELTS: 5- with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
- PTE-Academic: 54- with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
Prepare your documents Heading link
When you apply, you’ll need to submit your transcripts, a statement of academic interest, two letters of recommendation. Get started on those now! Refer to the Applying page for all the specifics.
The application process is paperless. Please don’t mail any materials unless told to do so. Documents that you will upload must be in PDF format, no larger than 5 MB in size. “Portfolio” PDFs and secured PDFs which require a password are not compatible with our system.
International Students: You might have a few extra things you need to provide. Read through the International Requirements page to make sure you have everything you need.
Have your test scores sent in advance
International Students: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted to UIC directly from ETS using the institutional code 1851. Paper score reports will not be accepted.
Think about funding Heading link
See what funding options are available to you. The UIC Graduate College has some great information on financial resources and funding opportunities.