Steps to Apply
Read through and follow the steps below to apply to UIS.
Choose and Complete Your Application
You will be directed to create an account. An email address is required. To create your application using social media credentials, choose “Log in” instead of “Create an account." To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Apply to UIS no matter what student type you are!
First-Year students can use the button to add UIS to your Common App!
Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter. Will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants website for additional information and requirements
Send Official Transcripts
Send official or certified academic records/transcripts to the Office of Admission. Transcripts may be sent electronically via email to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
International Applicants please review the International Applicants page for information about submitting your transcripts as there are additional steps required on all materials submitted to UIS from overseas institutions.
Submit the Required Statements/ Writing Sample
As a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program.
Applicants to an online or graduate program, should consult their chosen program for specific requirements.
Pay Your Application Fee
Submit your non-refundable application fee. You will have the chance to submit it online after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic Students:
Undergraduate: $50
Graduate: $60
International Students:
Undergraduate: $60
Graduate: $75
International Applicants Needing a Visa
Once you are admitted to a degree program and have accepted the offer of admission, the International Student Services Department will issue your I-20. Please refertothe Initial Form I-20 website for more information about what actions you will need to take in order to receive your I-20.
Helpful Information about Special Programs
Important Dates and Deadlines
Use the links provided to access applications and to sign up for events. Please be aware that dates and deadlines may be updated periodically. If you have questions, please call the UIS Admission Office at (217) 206-4847 to speak to an Admission Counselor.
| Deadline | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| UIS Application opens | September 1 | |
| FAFSA application opens | TBA (US Dept of Ed) | |
| Start focusing on scholarships. Research local community scholarships | October/November | |
| UIS Donor-based Scholarship Application opens | November | |
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) & Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) file completion due for Spring start. | October 1 | |
| International student application deadline for Spring term | November 15 | |
| Early Action Deadline | December 1 | |
| UIS Foundation Scholarships application deadline | February 15 | |
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) application due for Fall start | March 15 | |
| Financial aid offer notification released. Reach out to your admission counselor for help with reviewing your financial aid letter. | Spring | |
| Admitted Student Events | April-May | |
| Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) file completion deadline for Fall start. | March 31 | |
| International student application deadline for Fall term | May 15 | |
| Accept/decline loans, complete loan paperwork, and make plans for out of pocket expenses. | May/June | |
| New Student Orientation for first-year and first-year transfer students, Fall start. | June | |
| Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) Chicago file completion deadline for Fall start | March 31 |
Apply for Housing by June 15, get assignment and roommate by July 10. If you apply for Housing after June 15, you'll know your roommate assignment by July 31.
Application FAQs
How to I apply for the Honors Program?
First year applicants who are eligible for the Honors Program will automatically be reviewed by the Honors Program; no extra application is required.
How do I submit my transcripts?
All applicants pursuing a degree, certificate, or licensure must provide the Office of Admission with all official transcripts sent directly from your school(s), including the school you are currently attending. You will need to submit the final transcript upon completion of your last term there. You may submit them in one packet or separately.
How long is my application good for?
The application is only valid for the term for which you are applying. If you do not enroll for that term or defer your application to a future term (before the start of classes), you will be required to submit another application and application fee. Supporting materials may also need to be re-sent.
When will I find out about admission?
Review of your application begins after we have received your completed, signed application, current transcripts, and any additional required documents. Applicants will be informed of admissions decisions on a rolling basis (biweekly timeline). Applicants not offered admission will be notified as soon as decisions are made so alternatives may be pursued.
First Year Applicants: UIS uses a holistic approach during the application review process. We seek to enroll an academically well-qualified class of students who have pursued strong college preparatory curricula while in high school and demonstrated the ability to be successful in their pursuits, both academic and non-academic. The best qualified of each year's pool will be admitted as space permits.
Transfer Applicants: UIS requires that transfer applicants have at least 24 semester hours of transferable college credit and a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. UIS does not count developmental coursework toward the 24 hours required for consideration or in GPA calculations.
Graduate Applicants: Applications will be forwarded to the chosen graduate program of study on a rolling basis. While applications are at the program for a decision, applicants should contact the program to check the status of the application. Graduate applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- college academic coursework,
- standardized test scores,
- grade point average,
- statement of academic and career goals, and
- letters of recommendation.
UIS requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for full admission to any program. Programs requirements may be higher. Programs may grant conditional admission to students with less than the required GPA with additional requirements of completing eight semester hours of courses at UIS (exclusive of prerequisites) with a grade point average of at least a 3.0. If conditional admission is granted, the program will specify which courses must be completed. Applicants should consult their chosen program of study about which credentials they require as well as application deadlines.
Online Program Applicants: Online program admission is competitive and selective. Most programs have enrollment caps and early application deadlines.
Applications will be forwarded to the chosen program of study on a rolling basis. While applications are at the program for a decision, applicants should contact the program to check the status of the application.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- college academic coursework,
- standardized test scores, and
- grade point average.
Programs may require additional information, such as:
- statement of academic and career goals, and/or
- letters of recommendation.
UIS requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for full admission to any undergraduate program and a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for full admission to any graduate program (programs may require higher). Programs may grant conditional admission to students with less than the required GPA with additional requirements. If conditional admission is granted, the program will specify the requirements to be completed. Applicants should consult their chosen program of study about which credentials that they require as well as application deadlines.