COVID-19 FAQ for Incoming Students

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign places a high priority on the health, safety, and security of students, faculty, and staff during their time on campus. The university is monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19 globally. This page includes updates and FAQs relevant to incoming exchange students currently attending, accepted, or applying to Illinois.

The university has created a website intended to be a central starting point for information and updates about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on our community: covid19.illinois.edu.

To find answers to questions related to your DS-2019 or other visa related issues, please refer to the International Student and Scholar Services COVID-19 webpage.

Fall 2020 and Academic Year 2020-21 Incoming Exchange Applicants

University leadership has made the difficult decision to suspend all study abroad programming, including inbound exchange programs, through January 15, 2021. This decision applies to the Fall 2020 (August through December) and Academic Year 2020-21 (August through May) terms.

We will be withdrawing all exchange applications and we recommend speaking with your home university about your options moving forward.

You may be able to defer your term, but we recommend speaking with your home university about your options first. Some Illinois units are allowing our partner universities to defer exchange spots (and applications), but you must receive approval from your home university first.



Spring 2021 Incoming Exchange Applicants

We are currently accepting and processing applications as normal for the Spring 2021 semester. If there are any changes, we will communicate these directly to our exchange partners. Please speak with your home university’s study abroad office to ensure you are up to date with their current policies.



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