An International Campus

Who We Are

What makes Illinois stand out among other American universities?

#2
international student population among U.S. public institutions (Open Doors)

11,580
international students from 123 countries

#9
public & #33 overall university in the U.S. (U.S. News)

92
Fortune 100 companies recruited Illini grads last year

27
Pulitzer & 23 Nobel prize winners among faculty and alumni

30+
support & cultural centers on campus


But there's more to us than that. Discover other facts and rankings!

Top 10 Countries

We're proud to be a diverse, international campus. The following are the best-represented countries in our student population.

  • China
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Bangladesh
  • Canada
  • Iran
  • Turkey
  • Indonesia
  • Pakistan

Find Your Passion

No matter what you choose to study, you can expect exceptional professors, engaging classes, and an education that will help you achieve your goals.

roommates studying with each other in their dorm room

What Majors Do We Offer?

With 150+ programs across 11 academic communities, chances are we have the major for you.

View Majors

two Actuarial Science students recruiting on the Quad

Which Major is Right for Me?

Choosing your field of study is a big decision. Let us help you narrow things down!

Get Started

How to Apply

We welcome applications from all over the world! You'll follow our first-year or transfer application process below, along with some additional steps specific to international applicants.

First-Years

If you're a first-year college student, this may be your first experience with a college application. Fortunately, we've made the process easy.

Learn More about applying as a First-Year

Transfers

Transferring to Illinois from another school means a slightly different application process. We're here to give you all the details.

Learn More about applying as a Transfer

Explore Campus

It's never been easier to picture yourself on our campus.

Visit Us Virtually

Services Just For You

International students are a critical part of Illinois, and our International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) department can help you take control of every aspect of your experience here.

Explore Services

three friends in hijab posing with one another on the Quad

Make New Friends & Find Support

No matter what your country of origin is, our campus community will make it easy to meet people from all backgrounds and provide you access to helpful resources.

Two friends at Food for the Soul, African American Cultural Center

Support & Cultural Centers

Feel at home on campus and discover helpful resources at our many support centers, including 5 cultural houses.

View Centers

a K-Pop inspired dance group performs for students at the annual Quad Day

International Student Groups

Thanks to the diversity of our international student groups, you'll find a community that's right for you.

Explore Groups

Diwali, Festival of Lights display on the Quad at night

Cultural & International Events

At Illinois, you'll find events for you as well as opportunities to learn about other cultures. See what's happening soon!

View Events

A Safe Campus

We understand the safety concerns international students and families often have when it comes to attending school so far from home. We’re here to reassure you that our campus is a safe, secure community.

Learn More

Transportation

Public transportation in a new country doesn't have to be difficult, especially with the resources available in Champaign-Urbana.

Getting Here

As an international student, you'll probably arrive in Illinois via Chicago. Chicago is only a few hours away from campus, and getting from there to here is easy!

Read Blog

Getting Around CU

No car? No problem. We're located in a bike- and pedestrian-friendly college town, with plenty of public transportation options available.

View Options about public transportation

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Financial aid can be a little more complicated when you’re coming to Illinois from another country. Here's everything you need to know.

Learn More

Explore More

students walking on campus

Prepare for College as an International Student

Getting ready for college doesn’t have to be difficult, even if that college is in a different country.

Read Blog about preparing for college

student sit in small groups and practice their conversational English at an English Corner event

Take Advantage of English Corner

English Corner is designed to help you feel at home at Illinois. Practice your English, meet new people, and more!

Read Story about English Corner

three students in illini gear posing

What is life like as a student at Illinois?

Let us show you! Our students have shared their campus experiences to give you a better look at what life is like as an Illini.

Watch Video

Questions?

Reach out to us at any time! Our admissions counselors are ready to help.

Contact Us

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