Admission Questions? Email ace-grad@illinois.edu
The Admissions Committee only reviews complete applications (all materials have been submitted, including reference letters, GRE scores and TOEFL scores if required.)
Deadlines
All applications for the fall semester are due January 15th.
All applications for the spring semester are due October 15th.
Master of Science (MSc) and MAAE programs
Applicants are considered for admission to the Master of Science and MAAE programs if they have (or are enrolled in the final year of) a bachelor’s or equivalent degree comparable to degrees granted by the University of Illinois.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program
Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy program are considered for admission if they have (or are enrolled in the final year of) a bachelor's or master’s degree.
All three of the graduate program (MSc, MAAE and PhD) are STEM-designated programs under the Illinois Board of Higher Education. For international students studying on an F-1 Visa who hope to work in the US after graduation, this provides the opportunity to obtain a 24-month STEM OPT extension if you meet the qualifications outlined in the overview provided here, and laid out in more detail here.
Rules and Guidelines applicable to all programs
A grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
For admission, the University requires international applicants whose native language is not English provide Proof of English Proficiency:
- Minimum Requirements for Admission are on the Graduate College's website.
- Exemptions to the University English Proficiency Requirements, including exempt countries, are located on the lower part of the same page.
- Results need to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS. Institution code: 1836. Department code: 99.
All applicants must submit the materials listed on the Application Checklist including GRE scores. If you have a special situation that prevents you from taking the GRE through one of the available channels or it is not availble where you are located due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, you may email ace-grad@illinois.edu to petition to waive the GRE requirement. Note that in the absence of the GRE, the success of your application will depend more heavily on the remaining application materials. If you are unable to take the GRE, a Skype interview will be required before an admissions or funding offer will be extended.
In addition to quantitative elements of the application, the following enhance an applicant's credentials:
- Evident motivation to undertake graduate study
- A clear interest in studying and researching in a focus area of the department
- Good preparation in economics and quantitative methods
- Relevant experience