University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): what international applicants need

What are University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 5, 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 Urbana-Champaign's acceptance rate?

42.4% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admitted 31,247 of its 73,742 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 Urbana-Champaign require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 1, 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 (January 5, 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 Urbana-Champaign?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 660–780 in Math and 650–740 in Reading and Writing (48% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 30–34.
• 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 Urbana-Champaign's application fee for international students?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's application fee is $75 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accept?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test 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 Urbana-Champaign accept the Duolingo English Test?

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

How many recommendation letters does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign require?

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

• 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 Urbana-Champaign require the Common App personal essay?

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

How many international students does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have?

5,533 of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 37,140 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 14.9%.

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

How much does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign cost for international students?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $35,124 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $16,004). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $14,522. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $53,346 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 Urbana-Champaign give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign gave institutional scholarships or grants to 44 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source