University of Illinois Chicago — Masters Fees, Eligibility & Admission Process 2026
AAU Member · STEM-OPT Eligible · Chicago Location · Affordable US Public University
Est. 1982 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
University of IllinoisChicago (UIC)
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is the largest university in Chicago and one of the top public research universities in the United States. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UIC attracts Indian students seeking a world-class Masters degree with strong career outcomes and direct access to Chicago's thriving job market.
With STEM-designated programs across engineering, computer science, data science, and business, UIC offers Indian graduates up to 36 months of OPT — combined with one of the most affordable tuitions among US public universities.
35,000+
Students enrolled
100+
Countries represented
AAU
Association of American Universities
HLC
Higher Learning Commission Accredited
#82
US News National Ranking · 2025
STEM-OPT
36 Months US Work Authorisation
Why Indian Students Choose theUniversity of Illinois Chicago
From AAU membership to Chicago's career ecosystem, UIC delivers one of the best returns on investment for Indian Masters students.
Top-Ranked US University
Among the top 100 public universities in the US (US News) and top 250 globally (QS / THE)
STEM-OPT Eligible
Eligible for 36 months of US work authorisation after graduation — strong ROI for Indian students
Affordable Tuition
Tuition ~USD 18,000 / year for out-of-state students — excellent value vs. peer US universities
Located in Chicago
Study in the 3rd largest US city — headquarters of Google, Amazon, Boeing, and major Fortune 500 firms
Diverse Campus Community
Students from 100+ countries — a vibrant, multicultural learning environment in the heart of Chicago
Industry Connections
Direct recruiting pipelines with Motorola, Caterpillar, Allstate, and Chicago's booming tech & finance sector
Research Powerhouse
Over USD 450M in annual research expenditure — strong funded RA / TA opportunities for grad students
GVK EduTech Support
End-to-end application, scholarship, visa & pre-departure assistance for Indian students
World Ranking& Recognition
UIC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the US and is recognised by the most respected international ranking bodies.
#285
QS World Rank
QS World University Rankings 2025
#201–250
THE World Rank
Times Higher Education 2025
#82
US News (National)
Best Colleges in the USA 2025
UIC is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and recognised by the World Education Services (WES) for credential evaluation in Canada and the USA.
Masters FeeStructure 2026–27
Transparent, all-inclusive cost estimates — among the most affordable STEM Masters programs in the US Midwest.
Tuition & Fee Breakdown (STEM MS, per year)
| Item | USD | INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (out-of-state, 24 credits) | $28,000 | ₹23,80,000 |
| University Fees | $1,400 | ₹1,19,000 |
| Health Insurance (per year) | $2,200 | ₹1,87,000 |
| Total (2 Years) | $63,200 | ₹53,72,000 |
* Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ ₹85 (indicative). Tuition varies by program — MBA and select programs may be higher.
Annual Living Costs
On-Campus Housing
Furnished, utilities included
$7,800
Food / Meal Plan
Dining halls & groceries
$4,800
Books & Personal
Supplies, transport, misc.
$2,800
Total 2-Year Cost
All-inclusive estimate
~$80,000
EligibilityCriteria
A bachelor's degree, English proficiency, and (sometimes) a standardised test score — that's the short list.
Bachelor's Degree
4-year undergraduate degree from a recognised university with a strong academic record (typically GPA 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale)
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.5+ / Duolingo 110+ (waivers available for English-medium degrees)
Standardised Tests
GRE / GMAT recommended or required depending on the program — many UIC programs are test-optional
Other Requirements
Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, and program-specific prerequisites
AdmissionProcess
A clear six-step journey from online application to your first semester at the UIC campus in Chicago.
Submit Application
Apply online via the UIC graduate college portal — upload transcripts, SOP, and test scores
Receive Admission
Get your official admission decision from the UIC graduate committee within 6–10 weeks
Pay Enrollment Deposit
Confirm your seat by paying the enrollment deposit to the university
Receive I-20
UIC issues your Form I-20 — the document needed to apply for the F-1 student visa
Attend F-1 Visa Interview
Book your F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy — GVK EduTech provides full visa prep support
Fly to Chicago & Enroll
Travel to Chicago, attend international orientation, and begin your Masters program
RequiredDocuments
Keep these ready before applying — GVK EduTech will guide you through every requirement.
On-Campus Living
Housing &Residence Life
UIC offers modern, well-located on-campus residence halls and apartment-style student housing on the South Campus — within walking distance of classrooms, libraries, and the CTA Blue Line that connects you directly to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.
Life in Chicago, USA
A CityStudents Love
Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States — a global hub for finance, technology, healthcare, and culture. With the CTA Blue Line running directly through UIC's campus, you can reach downtown in just 15 minutes and tap into one of the strongest job markets in the USA.
- One of the largest Indian student communities in the US Midwest
- Affordable cost of living compared to Boston, NYC, or San Francisco
- Major job market — Google, Amazon, Boeing, and 30+ Fortune 500 HQ
- World-class food, music, art, and lakefront living on Lake Michigan
- Direct flights from India to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Safe, walkable campus with 24/7 UIC Police patrol and blue-light emergency phones
Advantages of Studying at theUniversity of Illinois Chicago
STEM-OPT 36 Months
Eligible for 36 months of US work authorisation after graduation
Affordable US Public Uni
Significantly lower tuition than private US universities of similar rank
Chicago Job Market
Direct access to 30+ Fortune 500 HQ and a booming tech & finance sector
Globally Diverse
Students from 100+ countries create a rich global network
AAU Membership
Member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU)
Optional Practical Training
12-month OPT + 24-month STEM extension for eligible graduates
Research Powerhouse
USD 450M+ annual research expenditure — funded RA / TA opportunities
GVK EduTech Support
End-to-end application, scholarship, visa & pre-departure guidance
Frequently AskedQuestions
1Is the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) internationally recognised?
Yes. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). UIC's degrees are recognised by employers and academic institutions worldwide and accepted by WES for credential evaluation.
2What is the duration of a Masters program at UIC?
Most UIC Masters programs are 1.5 to 2 years in duration, depending on the department and credit load (typically 30–36 credit hours). STEM-designated programs qualify Indian students for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in addition to the standard 12-month OPT.
3Does UIC require GRE or GMAT for admission?
Many UIC Masters programs have made GRE / GMAT scores optional for recent applicants. Requirements vary by school — engineering, computer science, and business programs may still recommend or require test scores. GVK EduTech will advise you based on your target program.
4What English proficiency scores are required for Indian students?
UIC requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 (or IELTS 6.5) for most Masters programs. Some programs may ask for higher scores. Students who have completed a degree at an English-medium institution may qualify for a waiver — we help you evaluate your eligibility.
5Can I work while studying at UIC?
Yes. On an F-1 student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester and full-time during breaks. After graduation, you may be eligible for 12 months of OPT, extendable to 36 months for STEM-designated degrees.
6What is the total cost of a Masters degree at UIC for Indian students?
For Indian students, the total estimated cost of a 2-year STEM Masters at UIC is approximately USD 65,000 – 80,000 (INR 55 – 68 lakhs), which includes tuition, housing, food, insurance, books, and personal expenses. Scholarships, GA / TA positions, and on-campus jobs can reduce this significantly.
7How is on-campus housing at the University of Illinois Chicago?
UIC offers modern on-campus residence halls and apartment-style student housing on its South Campus — within walking distance of classrooms, libraries, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line that connects to the rest of the city. Most first-year international students live on campus.
8Can I work in the USA after completing my Masters at UIC?
Yes. UIC graduates on an F-1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — 12 months of full-time work authorisation in your field of study. If your degree is in a STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of US work experience.
Fall 2026 Admissions Open
Begin Your Masters Journey at the University of Illinois Chicago
Our expert counselors will guide you through the entire process — from application to F-1 visa to your first day at the UIC campus.