To help you with the application process, here are frequently asked questions for:
- Application Fees
- Requirements and Deadlines
- Starting and Completing the Application
- Uploading Documents
- Letters of Recommendation
- International Applicants
- Submitted Applicants
- Admitted Students
How do I contact my Department?
To contact your proposed program of study, please visit our Directory of Programs; you will find the contact information for your department (phone numbers and emails) as well as a link the department website.
Your department will be able to give you more specific information about your program and will be able to help you if you cannot find answers to your questions here.
See the Directory of Programs
The Application Fee is required before your application can be reviewed.
application fee requirements:
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to pay your application fee by credit card.
- The fee must be paid prior to your program's deadline or your application will be unsubmitted.
- The fee is non-refundable and your application cannot be reviewed until the application fee has been processed.
- The application fee amount is determined by your citizenship and/or visa status.
- Domestic applicants are required to submit a $70.00 application fee.
- International applicants are required to submit a $90.00 application fee.
Application Fee Waivers:
The below listed domestic applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver or exemption and can indicate so on the online application. International applicants are not eligible for an application fee waiver unless coming under a valid exchange agreement that has an approved application fee waiver.
University of Illinois Employees:
This includes Civil Service Staff, Academic Professionals, and Faculty only. Academic Hourly and Student Employee positions
do not qualify for an application fee waiver.
Illinois Promise (I-Promise) Scholars:
I-Promise Scholars are eligible for application fee waivers when applying to a graduate program. Please indicate your I-Promise Scholar designation in this section of the online application.
FreeApp Applicants:
For more information on this program and to submit your FreeApp application, please visit //www.grad.illinois.edu/freeapp. FreeApp is designed to increase access to graduate education for students who possess qualities and experiences that enhance the diversity of the intellectual, cultural, and social environments at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. As long as you have submitted your FreeApp application and indicated interest in Illinois prior to submitting your online application to Illinois, we
will approve your fee waiver. The Big Ten Academic Alliance sends us a list of all applicants who complete the FreeApp application and indicate interest in Illinois, so no additional documentation is needed. FreeApp is open to students from across the United States who meet the criteria listed at //www.grad.illinois.edu/freeapp, and applicants are not required to
have previously studied at a Big Ten university.
SROP Participants:
If you have participated in an SROP (Summer Research Opportunities Program) at the University of Illinois or another institution in the United States, you may qualify for an application fee waiver. You will be prompted to upload documentation of your SROP participation on this page. This documentation is required prior to submitting your application.
McNair Scholars:
If you are a current McNair Scholar, please ask your current institution to provide you with a letter of proof of your McNair status that you can upload to your online application. This documentation will be required before you can submit your application. For more information about the McNair Scholar program, please visit //www.omsa.illinois.edu/programs/TRIO/mcnair/.
United States Military Service
If you have previously or are currently serving in the United States Military, you are eligible for an application fee waiver. You will be prompted to upload documentation of your service on this page. This documentation is required prior to submitting your application.
Allied Agencies Applicants:
If you are affiliated with one of our allied agencies, you may indicate your allied agency in this section. You will be prompted to upload documentation of your affiliation with this allied agency on this page. This documentation is required prior to submitting your application. Your fee waiver request will be reviewed for approval after submission of your application.
Unfortunately, unless you are covered by one of the waivers described above, the application fee will not be waived.