University of Illinois Chicago: what international applicants need

What are University of Illinois Chicago's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Illinois Chicago has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 2, 2026 and Regular Decision on February 1, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is University of Illinois Chicago's acceptance rate?

77.4% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Illinois Chicago admitted 20,951 of its 27,085 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of Illinois Chicago require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. University of Illinois Chicago is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 2, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (February 1, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for University of Illinois Chicago?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 560–680 in Math and 570–670 in Reading and Writing (30% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 25–31.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of Illinois Chicago's application fee for international students?

University of Illinois Chicago's application fee is $170 for international applicants: $100 more than the $70 US applicants pay.

Does University of Illinois Chicago accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of Illinois Chicago accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does University of Illinois Chicago accept?

University of Illinois Chicago lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does University of Illinois Chicago accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests University of Illinois Chicago accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does University of Illinois Chicago require?

University of Illinois Chicago doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of Illinois Chicago require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of Illinois Chicago requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does University of Illinois Chicago have?

1,809 of University of Illinois Chicago's 22,495 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 8%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of Illinois Chicago cost for international students?

University of Illinois Chicago is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $29,884 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $14,338). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $16,500. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $53,810 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does University of Illinois Chicago give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2025-26, University of Illinois Chicago gave institutional scholarships or grants to 173 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source