Graduate College Admissions Returning Applicants

Returning Applicants

Follow these instructions if you have previously enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Re-Entry to the Graduate College

Students requesting re-entry and to enroll in their previous department may be allowed to apply for re-entry via the petition process. Some departments require students to complete a full application with all required materials; however, the application fee will be waived for these students. Students should contact their department for instructions. Re-entry must be first approved by the department and then the Graduate College.

Re-Entry + Admission to New Department Requests

  • Students requesting re-entry and to enroll in a new graduate department must submit a full graduate application with all required application materials and an application fee. Re-entry must be approved first by the new proposed program of study and then the Graduate College.

All Re-entry Requests

  • Regardless of the re-entry process used, the Graduate College will reassess a student’s residency status for tuition and assessment purposes upon re-entry.
  • If a student has attended another postsecondary institution since their last enrollment term, they will be required to provide this information and submit official transcripts from any degree-granting institution.
  • International students requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 will need to submit the Declaration & Certification of Finances Form, along with the appropriate funding documentation.
  • If your Time to Degree/Expected Graduation Date has expired, you will need to also petition for a Time Extension at the time of re-entry.
  • For those approved for re-entry, you can visit our Re-Entry Quick Guide for a list of 10 essential steps to help you get everything in place.

*International students needing a new I-20 after not being registered for one fall or spring semester should contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for assistance. 

Individuals with Disabilities

Some of these instructions require the use of downloadable PDF forms. For alternative formats of these documents, please contact our office at 217-244-4637 or the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services at 217-333-4602 V/TTY.

Leave of Absence Information

If you have taken a leave of absence, please also see information about Leaves of Absence.