funding requirements:

All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. Financial documentation is required as part of the application process in order for visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to the U.S. to be issued. International applicants should upload the following documentation directly to the online application. Note that this documentation may be submitted after you submit your graduate application. 

funding sources:

• If the student will provide funding from personal funds, a Bank Statement with sufficient funding for at least one year’s total cost* is required. Please refer to the PDF of the Declaration and Certification of Finances form for specific expense amounts.

• If a family or other personal sponsor will provide funding, a Bank Statement with sufficient funding for at least one year’s total cost* is required. One of the following additional documents is also required: Declaration and Certification of Finances form verifying sponsorship for full length and cost of the program OR signed Letter of Sponsorship detailing amounts and length of sponsorship.

• If an employer, government or organization will provide funding, a signed Letter of Sponsorship detailing amounts and length of sponsorship is required.

FUNDING documentation - bank statements:

• You must obtain a bank statement from your bank (web printouts are acceptable for online banking) showing the bank's letterhead or logo, and bank stamp or bank signature.

• The statement must show sufficient funding for one year’s costs* (or amount of sponsorship for one year), must be dated within one year of submission, and must show funding in liquid accounts, such as savings, checking, money market accounts, or CDs.

• Non-liquid funding such as stocks, bonds, auto/land deeds are not acceptable forms of financial support.

• Solvency and opinion statements are not acceptable forms of financial support.

FUNDING DOCUMENTATION - declaration and certification of finance forms:

• The sponsor must sign and print his/her name and relationship to the student, and the form must be dated within one year of submission.

• Signing this document verifies sponsorship for the full length and cost of the program.

• The form is available in PDF format here.

FUNDING DOCUMENTATION - letters of sponsorship:

• You must obtain an official letter of sponsorship from the sponsor that includes a signature or stamp showing the authenticity of the letter.

• The letter must detail amounts and length of sponsorship and be dated within one year of submission.

uploading funding documentation:

• You are required to upload a copy of your all proof of funding documentation if requesting an I-20 or DS-2019. English translations should be included if the documentation is not in English.
• Non-legible scans will not be accepted. 

• Please do not mail or fax in a copy of this documentation which you have uploaded to your online application. Instead, use only the upload feature of our online application at this point. This saves you the time, effort, and expense of mailing financial documents to us during the initial processing and review of your application. It also avoids any delays resulting from the non-receipt of financial documents and assures you that your documents have been successfully submitted, since you can view them yourself online.

• Please obtain an electronic version of your proof of financial documentation (bank statements, declaration forms, letters of sponsorship) or scan a copy of the document you may already have and that is current, at the lowest resolution that results in a legible document (we recommend to use under 200 dpi whenever possible.

• You may upload an institutional web based bank statement as long as the financial institution has put your name on the statement.

• You must ensure that your name, the financial institution name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process and that your scanned copy is clearly legible and can print on letter size paper - 8.5 by 11 in (21.5 by 30 cm).

• Please be certain that your document is saved as a PDF file or Word document. Scanning in “gray scale” or black and white may produce the best results.

• If the scanned file is too large you may want to make a photocopy first (experiment with different settings until you find one that results in the smallest file size) then scan the photocopy. 

The University of Illinois reserves the right to require official proof of funding documentation at any time during the SEVIS review process.

*Note that J-1 students will be required to show proof of funding (via bank statement) for the entire cost of the program (or the portion for which funds are being covered by personal or other individual sponsor funding).

The Certificate of Eligibility Form I-20 will be issued to admitted applicants who request and are eligible for an F-1 visa. F-1 students may not hold appointments that total more than 20 hours per week when school is in session, and full-time during vacation period provided the student intends to register in the following semester. Twelve months of optional practical training in a study program may be authorized. Dependents of F-1 students cannot be employed.

A DS-2019 Form will be issued to admitted applicants who request and are eligible for a J-1 visa. Applicants sponsored by their governments, international foundations, or agencies, who receive at least 50 percent of their funding from any source other than personal or family funds, or who are part of a university exchange are eligible to receive this form. Entry into the U.S. is only for the total period of the study program as specified on the DS-2019. J-1 students may work on or off-campus only with written approval from their sponsor. Students may participate in up to 18 months of academic training and up to 36 months of post-doctoral training. Changing visa category is very difficult and may not be allowed. J-1 visa holders may be subject to a 2-year home country residence requirement. Dependents on J-2 visas may seek employment.

A student may not enroll or pursue studies while on a B1/B2 or F-2 visa.

A student may choose to enroll and pursue studies while on an H-1 visa or they may choose to change status to a student visa. However, please note that an H-1 visa holder cannot hold a graduate assistantship appointment. If you choose to remain on a non-student visa during your studies at Illinois, you will need to upload a copy of your U.S. visa in your online application.

Information regarding the SEVIS I-901 Fee may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Uploading Application Materials

Below are some tips for uploading any material in your online application:

instructions for uploading all documents:

• Resolution: Please obtain an electronic version or scan a copy of the credentials at the lowest resolution that results in a legible document (we recommend using under 200 dpi whenever possible). Scanning in "gray scale" or black and white may produce the best results.
• File Type: Please be certain that your document is saved as a PDF file or Word document
  
• Legibility: To ensure that your name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process, make sure your scanned copy is clearly legible and can print on letter size paper - 8.5 by 11 in (21.5 by 30 cm).
• Multiple upload buttons will be available if needed. Once you upload one document, you will be prompted to upload another document if applicable.
• Viewing Uploaded Documents: Once you have uploaded the document into the online application, you will be able to click the "view document" button to verify whether the uploaded document is legible. If it is not legible, then try again. (NOTE: The system automatically converts your uploaded document into a standard PDF file.)
• All Required Documents Must Be Uploaded: Even if you have previously mailed in paper documents, you must still upload an electronic version.

Academic Credentials (Transcripts, Certificates of Degrees):

• Identifying Information: The uploaded document must include your name and the institution name.
• Transcript Legends: Include a copy of the transcript legend or university key (back page in most cases) for each institution.
• United States Institutions: Transcripts are required to be uploaded.
• International Institutions (you have been awarded a degree): English and native language transcripts and certificates of degree are required to be uploaded.
• International Institutions (you have not yet been awarded a degree): English and native language transcripts are required to be uploaded.
• Official Academic Credentials: All credentials uploaded to the online application are considered unofficial. You will only be asked to submit official or attested credentials (transcripts, academic records, diplomas, certificates of degrees, etc) in a sealed envelope, with a certification stamp across the seal if you are admitted. These must be submitted during your first term of enrollment at the University of Illinois.
• Third Party Evaluations: We do not accept credentials or evaluations provided by third party evaluation companies such as WES and ECE. Some of these companies do provide translation services and if they provide a true English translation of an attested credential, we may be able to accept the translation. However, the native language credentials would need to come directly from the university. This is the case both for admission review and for submission of final official credential requirements for admitted students.

TOEFL AND IELTS Score Reports:

• Identifying Information: The uploaded document must include your name and Test Registration or Report Form Numbers.

Citizenship Status Documents:

• United States Visa Holders: Please upload a copy of your U.S. visa and make sure your name and visa status information are legible.
• Applicants Applying for US Permanent Residence: Please upload a copy of your Application Receipt Notice from USCIS for your application for US Permanent Residence, and make sure your name and form are legible.
• Sponsored J-1 Applicants: If an outside organization is issuing your DS-2019, please upload your award letter from this organization, and make sure your name and the letter are legible.

Passport and Proof of Funding Documents:

• Passports: Please make sure to upload the main passport page that includes your full legal name, place of birth, and date of birth (usually the page with a picture).
• Letters of Sponsorship / Declaration and Certification of Finance Forms: Please make sure your name and sponsor's name are clearly indicated and legible. Please make sure all documents include a signature or stamp showing the authenticity of the letter/form.
• Bank Statements: Please make sure the bank name, account holder's name, and balance are listed on the statement, and are clearly legible.

The University of Illinois reserves the right to require official credentials at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission made if discrepancies between unofficial and official credentials are found.

COVID-19 English Proficiency Requirement Updates

TOEFL IBT

TOEFL testing centers are open in some locations, including within Mainland China. Please review the TOEFL iBT Test Centers and Dates page for more information.

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test

Please review the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Testing page for more information about this test option. We will accept this test in lieu of the traditional TOEFL iBT with the same score and test date requirements posted in the chart below. 

TOEFL ITP PLUS FOR CHINA TEST

We are accepting this test for students in China only. This is a paper-based test that can be taken in ATA-operated test centers in China while the iBT is temporarily unavailable. If submitting this test, a minimum score of 550 will be required for admission. Students who submit this test will not be eligible for full status admission and will be required to take the English as a Second Language English Placement Test (EPT)* prior to enrolling at Illinois. Additional information about this test can be found on the ITP Plus for China page. Note that the TOEFL ITP Plus test does not provide a scored speaking component and cannot be used to satisfy the English proficiency requirement for teaching assistants. Students who submit a TOEFL ITP Plus score for admission will need to either take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS at a later date or take the English Proficiency Interview (EPI) upon arrival to campus if planning to hold a teaching assistantship. 

DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST

In addition and in response to the temporary closings of testing centers in countries impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Graduate College will now temporarily accept Duolingo English Test examination results for tests taken between February 1, 2020 and August 1, 2021. The Duolingo English Test will be accepted as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS for proof of English proficiency for impacted applicants. If submitting the Duolingo English Test, a minimum score of 105 will be required for admission. Students with scores between 105 and 124 will be required to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) English Placement Test (EPT)* upon arrival to campus. In addition to providing a score above these minimums, graduate programs may choose to require students to participate in a zoom or skype interview prior to making an admission decision. The Duolingo English Test does not provide sub-score breakouts and cannot be used to satisfy the English proficiency requirement for teaching assistants. Students who submit a Duolingo score for admission will need to either take the TOEFL/IELTS at a later date or take the English Proficiency Interview (EPI) upon arrival to campus if planning to hold a teaching assistantship. Please visit the Duolingo preparing for the exam, scheduling the exam, and FAQs sites for more information. 

English Proficiency Requirements for Admission

DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

All domestic applicants are exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS for admission. However, some domestic applicants may be admitted on limited status and be required to take the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling at Illinois. Success in your Illinois graduate program depends upon your ability to converse in, write and understand English. The EPT may be required of domestic applicants:

• who have lived, been educated, or worked professionally primarily outside of the United States or another approved country; or
• who have U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee status and have lived in the United States for less than two years from the first term of enrollment; or
• who have lived, been educated, or worked professionally primarily within Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

international APPLICANTS

All international degree-seeking applicants are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from the testing agency. All scores must be dated within two years of the beginning of the proposed admission term.

Minimum Score Requirements

Additional Score Information

• The English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) will be required prior to enrolling at Illinois for all students who score below the full status minimums listed in the chart above. On the basis of the EPT results, applicants are generally required to enroll in non-credit "English as a Second Language" courses and take a reduced academic load beginning the first semester at the University. 
• Students applying to online programs must satisfy the full status admissions requirement.
• Students who take the revised paper-delivered test (PDT) or the ITP Plus test are not eligible for full status admission and will be required to take the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling at Illinois (and any subsequent ESL coursework). Note that not all graduate programs will accept these tests. Also note that the TOEFL ITP Plus exam is only offered in Mainland China.
• Individual academic programs may require a higher score, or evidence of spoken English language proficiency; please review your proposed program of study's website for program TOEFL or IELTS minimums for admission.

Test Information and Instructions for Requesting Official Scores

• TOEFL is owned by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Applicants who have already taken the TOEFL should request ETS to send scores to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code number 1836.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly owned by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. Applicants who have already taken the IELTS should upload their score report forms directly to the online application.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT EXEMPTIONS

Applicants who meet one of the following criteria are exempt from submitting a TOEFL or IELTS exam and from taking the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling at Illinois:

• Completion of at least two years of post-secondary full-time study, as defined by the home institution, in an approved country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
• Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in an approved country where English is the primary language within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
• Completion of a post-secondary degree in an approved country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.

APPROVED COUNTRIES WITH ENGLISH AS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE

Illinois Graduate Admissions recognizes the following countries as having English as the primary language: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon-Anglophone, Canada(excluding the Quebec Province), Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Granada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Malawi, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Kitts, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States*, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

*If your educational or professional work experience has primarily been within Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Northern Mariana Islands, you may be required to take the EPT.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Please note that all English proficiency requirements and exemptions listed above are for admission purposes only. Admissions minimums are not equivalent to minimums required for holding a teaching assistantship; and not all exemptions apply for those holding a teaching assistantship. For more information, please see the English Proficiency Requirement for Graduate Teaching Assistants.