Study at Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a leading public, research institution in the United States with a land-grant mission and a global impact. Our global classroom provides students, faculty, and alumni with the tools they need to find innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Why Study at Illinois?
- We have many years of experience. The University was founded in 1867, as one of the one of the original 37 public land-grant institutions created after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act. In 2017, Illinois celebrated 150 years as an institution. Learn more about our Sesquicentennial
- We foster some of the greatest minds. 28 Pulitzer Prizes and 24 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to Illinois faculty and alumni. Meet the winners of these prestigious awards
- We pioneer innovative research. Illinois invented the first graphical web browser in 1993. Read more about Illinois research milestones
- We stand out among our peers. Illinois is the #11 ranked public university in the United States. View more national and international campus rankings
- We are a global campus. Illinois welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries every year. Learn more about Illinois’ global impact
Take a Virtual Tour of Campus
Let the Office of Undergraduate Admissions introduce you to Illinois through photos, virtual reality, or the eyes of current Illini and learn more about the places where you will live, learn, and work.
Campus Life
There are many opportunities for international exchange students to get involved on campus.
Registered Student Organizations
With more than 1,000 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at Illinois, there is something for every student. Find a campus organization that fits you
Athletics
Cheer on one of Illinois' 19 Division I sports teams. Stay active with Club Sports, Intramurals, and Campus Recreation.
GLOBE
The goal of GLOBE is to provide opportunities for domestic and international students to network and develop leadership skills, and help all students develop global awareness and cultural competency. GLOBE connects “Blue” members, experienced domestic and international students, with “Orange” members, new international students, and teams them up in small groups to participate in various activities and events.
Support Services
There are a number of offices on campus that offer resources and support services to all students.
- Counseling Center
- Asian American Cultural Center
- Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center
- La Casa Cultural Latina
- Native American House
- McKinley Health Center
- Student Health Insurance
- Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
- Library Services for Users with Disabilities
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center
- Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Relations (OIIR)
- Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA)
- Veteran Student Support Services
- Women's Resources Center (WRC)
Courses
Review the undergraduate course offerings during the term you plan to attend Illinois and complete a tentative course form to share with your academic advisor. Refer to the list of restricted courses to ensure the courses you have selected are not closed to incoming exchange students. Be sure to have maximum flexibility as the availability of courses may change and some course offerings may be restricted to only degree-seeking students. Please be advised that the we cannot guarantee enrollment in classes, even if the home university requires that course.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an institution that has a bilateral student exchange agreement with Illinois. To find out if your university has an active agreement with Illinois, contact the office or individual who coordinates such exchanges on your home campus.
- Nomination from your home university to participate in the exchange program at Illinois.
- A 3.0 out of a 4.0 grade point average or a "B" average in all courses.
- Completion of one year of university education prior to commencement of exchange at the Illinois.
- English language proficiency (see section on "English Language Proficiency Verification" Instructions & Components page).
- Certified evidence of financial support (see section on "Certification of Financial Support" Instructions & Components page).
Ready to get started? Learn more about the Application for Incoming Exchange Students