Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

How to Apply as a Transfer Applicant

1. Get prepared.

Before applying as a transfer student, you'll want to learn our course and GPA requirements, which of your classes will transfer, whether your intended major is considering applicants, and more. You can find links to all of these resources on our transfer application preparation page.

transfer students on the steps of Lincoln Hall

How to Transfer to UIUC: A Complete Guide

We've created a guide to help you navigate our transfer application process. We hope it helps as you begin your planning!

Read Guide

2. Complete your application.

You'll choose a major, write an essay, and list your extracurriculars, work experience, honors, and awards. Note that we'll also use your application to determine admission into campus honors programs and award merit-based scholarships.

3. Pay the application fee.

When you submit your application, you'll pay a nonrefundable fee by credit card. If you're a domestic student at the University of Illinois at Chicago or Springfield, you don't need to submit a fee. If you're a domestic student who qualifies for a fee waiver, your college counselor/school official must submit our fee waiver form. We must receive a fee or fee waiver form by our deadlines for your application to be considered complete.

  • $50 Domestic
  • $75 International

4. Send us your transcripts.

We need official transcripts from all colleges or universities you've attended. We also need a final, official transcript from your high school or your high school equivalency exam results to confirm you've graduated. When you apply, ask that these institutions send your official transcripts directly to our office.

5. Submit your ACT/SAT test scores (optional).

If you have fewer than 36 graded and transferable credit hours at time of application, you can choose to submit official ACT or SAT scores if you feel they will add value to your application. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and dated within five years of your enrollment at UIUC.

  • ACT Code: 1154
  • SAT I Code: 1836

6. Prove your English proficiency.

You must meet one of our listed conditions to satisfy our minimum English proficiency requirement. In many cases, the standards needed to gain admission will be much higher, so it's worth submitting all test scores showing a high level of English competency.

Accepted Test Scores

We accept TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and IELTS Indicator. We'll also accept the Duolingo English Test and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition for fall 2024, although a decision has not been made for future terms. If you're including these scores, you should report your highest valid TOEFL iBT (do not use MyBest score), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score and highest sub-scores, regardless of test date. Scores are considered valid if taken within two years of enrollment.

Sending Your Test Scores

We require official test scores when you apply, and they must be dated within two years of your enrollment at UIUC. Our TOEFL iBT code is 1836. IELTS scores should be sent electronically via your testing center to the following account name: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Undergraduate. Duolingo English Test scores should be sent electronically to the following account name: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Undergraduate Admissions.

7. See if you have further application requirements.

Depending on your background or the major you're applying to, you may have just a few more things to do.

International Applicants

You'll need to follow these additional steps during the application process.

Art & Design Applicants

You also need to submit a portfolio. More information is available through the School of Art and Design or by calling 217-333-6632.

Dance Applicants

You also need to complete an audition. More information is available through the Department of Dance or by calling 217-333-1010.

Music Applicants

You also need to complete a music application and audition or interview. More information is available through the School of Music or by calling 217-244-7899.

Theatre Applicants

You also need to interview and complete an audition or portfolio review. More information is available through the Department of Theatre or by calling 217-333-2371.

8. Check your status.

Once you've submitted your application, check its status by clicking on your application in myIllini. Make sure your personal information is correct and you report any errors to us. If you need to make a change, submit the necessary Change Request Form in myIllini.

Important Dates

Learn when our spring and fall transfer applications are available and when you'll be notified of a decision.

View dates

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