University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL
University Info | College of Engineering Info | Engineering Exchange Info
Fast Facts
- Undergraduate engineering majors ranked 5th overall in U.S. News and World Report (published September 2023)
- Graduate engineering programs ranked 9th overall in U.S. News and World Report (published June 2024)
- Multidisciplinary research centers and labs that are home to world-class research infrastructure, faculty, students and experts
- #2 on American Institute of Economic Research’s Best College Towns based on demographics, quality of life and economics
- Urbana-Champaign is a designated “bike friendly” community with over 80 parks spanning nearly 1,000 acres
Introduction
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a national and global leader in education and research, attracting the best students from across the country and around the world. You will select from 150 undergraduate majors and more than 4,000 courses. You'll learn with a world-class faculty who have won the world's top honors for their research and discoveries. The university takes pride in ensuring students make the most of their time here at Illinois, both in and out of the classroom.
Also integral to the University's mission is a commitment to public engagement. Each year about 65,000 Illinois residents participate in scores of conferences, institutes, courses, and workshops presented statewide. Research and class projects take students and professors off campus to share expertise and technical support with Illinois farmers, manufacturing firms, and businesses. In a typical year, student volunteers log more than 60,000 volunteer hours.
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: Accepted (If taking coursework only)
- Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering majors: Accepted, though space is very limited.
Note: All students are accepted as non-degree exchange students
Eligibility Requirements
Students should have the equivalent of a 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA grade scale. Borderline students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Proficiency Requirements
- Minimum TOEFL iBT score – 100
- Minimum IELTS score – 6.5
Study Period
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
NOTE: Students applying to Global E3 at the September 15 deadline have a very small window of time for placement for the Spring (January-May) semester. Those who list University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as a 2nd or lower choice have nearly no chance of placement for the Spring semester.
This means, if a student has a very strong desire to attend UIUC for the Spring term, that student should list UIUC as the first university preference.
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
- Fall: late August to mid-December
- Spring: late January to mid-May
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science (very limited space in courses)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (very limited space in courses)
- Industrial & Enterprise Systems Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
Restricted Disciplines and Courses
- Global E3 students cannot register for courses in the Gies Business (ACCY, BADM, BUS, FIN), College of Law, or Masters of Science in Financial Engineering, or Technology and Management (TMGT)
- There are limited spots for Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering majors or those students wishing to take Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering courses.
Course Contents
Course Descriptions | Schedule of Classes
Students must check term of enrollment (class schedule) to determine class availability.
Students may pre-register for classes that have no restrictions up to one month prior to the start date of courses if they have received their admission documents.
Enrollment Requirements
Students must take at least 50% of their courses in the College of Engineering.
Workload per Semester
As part of your J1 visa requirements, you must maintain full-time student status throughout your exchange program. All international students are required to enroll in at least 12 credit hours.
Most courses are 3 credits each. Courses with substantial lab or studio time are usually worth 4 credits.
The maximum course load is 18 credit hours. This is not recommended if you plan to travel or participate in other forms of social activities. Sticking to 12-16 credits per semester is recommended. If you intend to travel during the weekends or pursue extensive extra-curricular activities, keep to the 12-credit minimum.
Additional Application Materials
Students nominated by IIE to UIUC are required to complete a University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign on-line application form. Please read the GE3 Guidelines. The link and access code will be provided directly to you upon acceptance to UIUC.
Recommendation letter from a professor or academic staff:
Housing
Upon acceptance, students may apply for University Housing or Private Certified Housing (meal plans may also be purchased) on the University Housing website or seek a private apartment. Students whose applications are received after the priority application deadline may not receive their first choice housing option, but University Housing does everything possible to provide housing assignments for exchange students.
Undergraduate students may choose to live in Global Crossroads. This residence hall community includes U.S. and international students who are interested in increasing their understanding of how cultures other than their own perceive the world. This community is an excellent place for international students to have exposure to contemporary U.S. culture.
Graduate student interested in living in a room in one of the University graduate residence halls should visit the housing website. Single graduate students may also live in university apartments.
For information on off-campus housing, please visit the private certified housing website.
Estimated Cost of Living
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Food/meals
Housing
Local transportation
You will pay a one-time fee each semester that allows you access to the metro (bus) system with your i.d. Students can also purchase bicycles when they arrive.
Academic expenses (e.g., books, stationery, lab fees)
Depends on what type of courses you take. Can range from $300-$600 per semester.
Personal expenses – $600/month
Other administrative fees
While tuition is waived, you will be required to pay other required fees on campus.
Effective 2024-25:
- Health Service Fee: $251.00
- International Student Fee: $76.00
- Transportation Fee: $68.00
- Student Insurance Fee: $818.00
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
International Programs in Engineering | ipeng@illinois.edu
City Info
Part of what makes Illinois a great place to learn is its location in a great place to live. The campus straddles the border between the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. With a combined population of 127,795, Champaign-Urbana is large enough to support cultural and entertainment opportunities usually associated with major metropolitan areas, yet small enough to maintain its identity as a friendly, Midwestern community.
Both Champaign and Urbana are actively involved in preserving their neighborhoods, and both cities can boast of award-winning park facilities and programs. The Champaign park system includes a terrific children's petting zoo and one park in Urbana includes a sculpture garden spread over 130 acres.
Named one of the world's "10 Hot New Tech Cities" by Newsweek magazine, Champaign-Urbana is still small enough that newcomers joke that "rush hour" lasts about seven minutes (and only then if you happen to be in the right spots). Most Champaign-Urbana residents' commutes to work lasts only a few minutes.
Champaign-Urbana sunset. Leisure choices abound. Days can be spent going to museums or playing golf. Malls or neighborhood shops offer a variety of shopping experiences. Arts-lovers can choose between community theater productions, nationally renowned acts, and a vibrant local music scene. A culturally diverse city, Champaign-Urbana offers a myriad of diverse restaurants and diverse grocery shops. Weekend getaways to Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are within a three-hour interstate drive of Champaign-Urbana.
Central Illinois Weather
Plan your wardrobe accordingly! Central Illinois experiences all seasons – fall, winter, spring and summer – in that order.
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Fall (Sept-mid-November):
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Winter (mid-November – early March):
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Average temp- 25°-50°F Dress: pants, long-sleeve shirts, heavy jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, snow boots
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Spring (early March – early June):
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Summer (early June-end-August):
