Northern Illinois University (NIU) Admissions 2026: Application Deadline, Eligibility & Fees

Northern Illinois University Application Process

Northern Illinois University requires international students to submit a number of documents along with the application. These documents vary among programs across undergraduate and graduate courses. Some programs may require additional documents, such as writing samples, test scores, and resumes.

The application fee for international students for all courses and programs is $60 (₹ 5,140).

Admission Requirements for Graduate courses

Northern Illinois University offers more than 80 graduate degree programs across 7 colleges - business, health and human sciences, education, liberal arts and sciences, visual and performing arts, and engineering and engineering technology, and law. The eligibility criteria and the documents needed to be submitted are mostly the same for all programs, save a few. These have been mentioned below:

• Eligibility criteria:
  • 4-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution like UGC
  • 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent

• Documents required:
  • Individual Marksheets, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principle, controller of exams or registrar
  • Letters of recommendation, providing the names and email addresses of recommenders
  • Statement of purpose - in at least 500 words describing the preparation, goals and personal journey

* The above 3 documents need to be submitted in both the native/original and English languages.

• English proficiency test scores (any 1 of the following):
  • IELTS - 6.5
  • PTE - 53
  • TOEFL - 80
  • DET - 115
  • ELS English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 112

* Upon admission, the English proficiency test scores need to be sent to the NIU testing centre (except Duolingo, which can be sent directly through the website)

Certain graduate programs like M.S. Computer Science, M.S. Biological Sciences, M.S. Finance, and M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics required additional eligibility and documents, as mentioned below:

Admission Requirements for MBA

Northern Illinois University offers the MBA program in 4 formats - Executive MBA (EMBA), One-year MBA, Global MBA, and Online MBA. Each of these programs have different term duration as mentioned in the table below:

Along with the eligibility criteria and documents required for all Graduate courses, international students wanting to apply for an MBA program at Northern Illinois University need to meet some additional criteria, which are as follows:

• 3-year BCOM or BBA degree must be from an NAAC-accredited institution with grade A or better
• If the 3-year BCOM or BBA degree is received from another institution, permission is required from the respective program of NIU
• For Global MBA program, further eligibility criteria are to be met:
  • GPA must be from a baccalaureate institution
  • TOEFL test scores mandatory - minimum 80

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate courses

Northern Illinois University provides a diverse array of majors, minors, and certificates, which students can customize as per their goals and interests. From traditional on-campus experiences to flexible online options, dual-degree (known as “accelerated programs”) paths to pre-professional programs, NIU offers flexibility and support students need to thrive.

The common eligibility criteria for all undergraduate programs include:

• Visa requirements:
  • New or current visa holder
  • Pending permanent resident (need to have I-551 stamp on passport to be considered immigrant)
  • A student with refugee or asylum status
• Academic requirements:
  • Graduated by the time of starting course at NIU
  • U.S. C+ average equivalent on all transcripts and/or exam scores
• Documents required:
  • Final secondary school transcripts and/or exam results - both in original and English languages
  • Any one of the following English language proficiency test scores:
    • Internet-based TOEFL - 71
    • Paper-based TOEFL - 527
    • IELTS - 6.0
    • PTE - 48
    • Duolingo - 105
    • IGCSE, GCSE or GCE O-level or A-level English test subject - grade C
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 4 or higher on English A Standard Level exam
    • Completion of ELS level 112 for Academic Purpose offered by ELS Language Centers
• Students coming on F-1 visa must also submit proof of financial stability to receive immigration documents.