University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago is the city's largest public research university, on a campus just west of the Loop, and it holds the top Carnegie research classification.
About UIC
It has a serious health sciences complex, one of the largest medical schools in the country, and strong engineering, computing and business colleges.
Being inside a major city matters here. Internships, hospitals, research labs and employers are a train ride away rather than a flight.
Strong subjects
Entry at a glance
| English | TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or PTE 54 for most programmes |
| Intakes | August (fall); January (spring, selected programmes) |
| Undergraduate fees | about $30,000 to $34,000 a year |
| Postgraduate fees | about $28,000 to $40,000 a year |
| Application fee | $70 to $90 |
| Deposit | Programme deposit where required, commonly $250 |
Fees are indicative for 2026/27. We confirm the exact figure with the university before you apply.
Courses
A selection. Ask us for the full list, or for a course that is not shown here.
| Course | Level | Length | Indicative fee | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | Postgraduate | 2 years | $36,000 a year | Aug |
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | Postgraduate | 2 years | $34,000 a year | Aug, Jan |
| MS Business Analytics | Postgraduate | 1 to 2 years | $38,000 a year | Aug |
| Master of Public Health | Postgraduate | 2 years | $32,000 a year | Aug |
| MS Civil Engineering | Postgraduate | 2 years | $32,500 a year | Aug, Jan |
| BS Computer Science | Undergraduate | 4 years | $33,000 a year | Aug |
Campus and student life
Location
Ten minutes from downtown Chicago on the Blue Line, with an internship market to match.
Health sciences
One of the largest medical centres in the United States on the same campus.
After you graduate
12 months of Optional Practical Training, extendable by 24 months for eligible STEM degrees.
Cost of living
Around $1,400 to $1,900 a month, below New York or the Bay Area.
Questions about UIC
Is Chicago safe for international students?
The campus and the neighbourhoods students live in are ordinary city districts with ordinary city precautions. The university runs a late-night campus shuttle and a safety escort service.
What results do I need?
A four-year bachelor's degree with a GPA around 3.0 out of 4.0, or roughly 60 to 65 percent on an Indian scale, for most master's programmes.
Is funding available?
Graduate assistantships exist but are competitive and usually awarded after you arrive or at departmental discretion. We never assume one in your budget.
Can I work during the course?
On an F-1 visa you may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in term. Off-campus work needs specific authorisation.
Interested in UIC?
Send us your results. We will tell you which of its courses you can get into and what the year will cost.