M.A from University Of Illinois [UI URBANA], Urbana - Fees & Admission Details 2026
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public research university located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States. UIUC offers over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate programs across various academic fields. The popular high-demand fields include computer science, engineering, business and data science.
UIUC Annual Fees 2026:
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: $39,392 - $46,944 (₹36.81 lakh - ₹43.87 lakh)
- Graduate Tuition Fees: $21,600 - $67,800 (₹20.19 lakh - ₹63.36 lakh)
The estimated total cost of attendance at UIUC includes tuition, housing, food, books, and other living expenses. As per the university, the estimated cost for undergraduate students ranges from $58,616 to $68,966 (₹54.8 lakh – ₹64.4 lakh per year). For graduate students, it is $55,000 to $60,000 (₹51.3 lakh – ₹56.0 lakh per year).
UIUC offers limited merit-based scholarships for international students, which are competitive and range from partial tuition waivers to small financial awards. For graduate students, funding opportunities such as Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA) are more commonly available, often covering partial or full tuition along with a stipend.
International students can pay their tuition fees through the official UI-Pay portal using approved international payment methods such as Flywire or bank wire transfer. These platforms allow secure payments, real-time tracking, and INR conversion options for convenience.
Also check: USA study guide for Indian students
Current INR conversion: 1 USD = ₹93.45 (as of 21 April 2026).
- UIUC Popular Courses and Fees 2026
- How to Pay UIUC Tuition Fee as an International Student
- UIUC Cost of Attendance for Graduate Students
- UIUC Cost of Attendance for Undergraduate Students
- UIUC Scholarships for International Students
- Part-time Jobs for Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
UIUC Popular Courses and Fees 2026
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, two types of programs are relevant for international students, but in different ways:
- General Programs: Open to international students with lower tuition and better chances of funding (*TA/RA), making them more affordable. Best for those seeking research-focused degrees and long-term academic or technical careers.
- Cost-Recovery Programs: Also open to international students, but are fully self-funded with higher tuition and limited aid. Better suited for students targeting quick, career-focused programs with strong industry outcomes.
UIUC offers over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate programs across various academic fields.
| Course Name | Course Duration | Annual Fees in USD | Annual Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 2 years | $39,344 | ₹36.77 lakh |
| MS Finance | 15 months | $67,800 | ₹63.36 lakh |
| MBA | 2 years | $21,600 | ₹20.19 lakh |
| MS Information Management | 2 years | $28,632 | ₹26.76 lakh |
| MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering | 1 year | $39,344 | ₹36.77 lakh |
| BS Mathematics and Computer Science | 4 years | $46,944 | ₹43.87 lakh |
| BS Computer Science | 4 years | $42,868 | ₹40.06 lakh |
| BS Environmental Geology | 4 years | $49,742 | ₹46.48 lakh |
| BS Interdisciplinary Psychology | 4 years | $39,392 | ₹36.81 lakh |
| BA Human Evolutionary Biology | 4 years | $39,392 | ₹36.81 lakh |
TA (Teaching Assistant): You help professors with classes (grading, tutorials, labs) and get a stipend + possible tuition waiver.
RA (Research Assistant): You work on research projects with faculty and receive a salary + possible fee reduction.
Know about the admission process at UIUC for Indian students
How to Pay UIUC Tuition Fee as an International Student
Paying tuition at UIUC for international students is done through an online system called UI-Pay. It is the official student billing portal where students can view their charges, check deadlines, and complete payments. The university sends email reminders regularly so students do not miss due dates. You can pay using international transfer services or other available methods directly through the portal.
Take a look at the U.S. student visa requirements for Indian students.
UIUC Cost of Attendance for Graduate Students
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the estimated cost of attendance for international graduate students (Fall 2026, 12 credit hours) is $58,942 (₹55.1 lakh) for a full academic year.
- This includes tuition, fees, housing, food, and other living expenses.
- For a single semester, the estimated cost is $29,471 (₹27.5 lakh), giving students a clear idea of both annual and term-wise financial planning.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) | Semester Cost (USD) | Semester Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $32,204 | ₹30.1 lakh | $16,102 | ₹15.0 lakh |
| Fees | $5,936 | ₹5.5 lakh | $2,968 | ₹2.8 lakh |
| Food & Housing | $16,512 | ₹15.4 lakh | $8,256 | ₹7.7 lakh |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | ₹1.12 lakh | $600 | ₹0.56 lakh |
| Other Expenses | $3,090 | ₹2.9 lakh | $1,545 | ₹1.4 lakh |
| Total | $58,942 | ₹55.1 lakh | $29,471 | ₹27.5 lakh |
Also check: Cost of living in the USA for international students
UIUC Cost of Attendance for Undergraduate Students
As per the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the total estimated annual cost for international undergraduate students ranges from $58,616 to $68,966 (₹54.8 lakh – ₹64.4 lakh).
This figure represents the full cost of attendance for one academic year, including tuition, housing, food, and other living expenses, and is used by the university as a standard budgeting estimate for international students.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $39,392 – $49,742 | ₹36.8 lakh – ₹46.5 lakh |
| Food & Housing | $15,184 | ₹14.2 lakh |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | ₹1.12 lakh |
| Other Expenses | $2,840 | ₹2.65 lakh |
| Total (Annual) | $58,616 – $68,966 | ₹54.8 lakh – ₹64.4 lakh |
UIUC Scholarships for International Students
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, international undergraduate students are automatically considered for a limited number of merit-based scholarships during admission. However, the university does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, and most applicants are expected to self-fund their education.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility & Applicable To | Award Amount (USD) | Award Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Admission Scholarships | Automatically considered for all admitted UG international students based on academic performance | Varies (limited, competitive) | Varies |
| Provost & Dean’s Merit Awards | High-achieving UG students with strong academics | $2,000 – $10,000 per year | ₹1.87 lakh – ₹9.35 lakh |
| Non-Resident Merit Tuition Waiver | Top-performing international UG studentsReduces tuition cost | Partial tuition waiver |
- |
| Teaching Assistantships (TA) / Research Assistantships (RA) | Graduate (PG) students in General Programs; based on academic merit & faculty selection | Tuition waiver + stipend | |
| External / National Scholarships (via UIUC support) |
UG & PG students applying to programs like Fulbright, DAAD, etc. | Varies (can be full/partial funding) |
Students’ review on Reddit: Most students say that UIUC offers very limited scholarships for international students, and receiving one is quite rare. While a few students do get small or partial merit-based awards, the majority report that they had to self-fund their education or rely on external scholarships, rather than university funding.
Check out: External scholarships available for international students to study in the USA
Part-time Jobs for Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
At UIUC, international students are allowed to work part-time mainly through on-campus jobs. These jobs are designed to help students earn money while studying and also build experience. Most jobs are flexible and arranged around class schedules.
- Students at UIUC can find on-campus jobs through Handshake @ Illinois, the Virtual Job Board, and department postings.
- Roles are available in housing, libraries, campus recreation, administrative offices, and Research Park.
- International students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters, with more allowed during breaks (if eligible), while maintaining full-time enrollment.
- Pay is typically $14–$20 (₹1,309 - ₹1,870) per hour, depending on the role. Job types include hourly campus jobs, Federal Work-Study positions, and research/internship-style roles.
Also check: Part-time jobs in the USA for international students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) requires a significant financial amount for Indian students, with undergraduate costs ranging from $58,616 to $68,966 (₹54.8 lakh – ₹64.4 lakh per year) and graduate costs around $55,000 to $60,000 (₹51.3 lakh – ₹56.0 lakh per year). Tuition varies widely by program, from about $21,600 to $67,800 annually, while total expenses include housing, food, and other living costs, making it one of the higher-cost public universities in the United States.
In terms of financial support, UIUC offers limited merit-based scholarships at the undergraduate level, while graduate students can access TA/RA roles that may include tuition waivers and stipends. On-campus jobs usually pay $14–$20 (₹1,309 - ₹1,870) per hour. Most international students are expected to be largely self-funded, with scholarships and assistantships covering only a portion of the total cost.
Popular Programs and Important Dates
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 2 years Course Offered by: | INR 36.6 L/Yr USD 39,344 /Yr | 90 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 4, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo-115 | - | |
MS Finance 15 months Course Offered by: | Round 4 Application Submission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (10th Jun 2026) | INR 63 L/Yr USD 67,800 /Yr | 90 | TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | - |
MBA 2 years Course Offered by: | Fall Priority 2 Deadline (7th May 2026) Final Deadline (August Start) (4th Jun 2026) Final Deadline (October Start) (6th Aug 2026) | INR 20.1 L/Yr USD 21,600 /Yr | 90 | GPA- 3.0, TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | - |
MS Information Management 2 years | INR 26.6 L/Yr USD 28,632 /Yr | 90 | GPA- 3.0, TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | - | |
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | INR 36.6 L/Yr USD 39,344 /Yr | 90 | - | - | |
MS Financial Engineering 15 months | INR 43.8 L/Yr USD 47,100 /Yr | 90 | GPA- 3.5, TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | - | |
MS Technology Management 1 year | Round 4 Application Deadline for Fall Intake (30th Apr 2026) | INR 44.1 L/Yr USD 47,452 /Yr | 90 | GPA- 3.0, TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | - |
MS Aerospace Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (8th Oct 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Dec 2026) | INR 36.6 L/Yr USD 39,344 /Yr | 90 | GPA- 3.0, TOEFL- 4, IELTS- 6.5, Duolingo- 115 | |
M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | INR 36.6 L/Yr USD 39,344 /Yr | 90 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 4, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo-115 | - | |
M.Ed Educational Psychology 2 years | INR 28.2 L/Yr USD 30,356 /Yr | 90 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 4, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo-115 | - |
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UI-Urbana Reviews
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19 Reviews Found
Likes
- Excellent programs, especially for STEM
- Beautiful campus, with many old buildings, and many libraries. Great public transport bus system.
- I love the weather! Even though it can get a bit cold in the winters, I don't mind it
Dislikes
- The CU area is small. It is a small town in the middle of cornfields, so not a lot happens outside of the campus areas for students.
- Socializing, especially as a grad student in one of the smaller majors is not the easiest
- Traveling to any other part of the US can be a bit annoying, as you would need to catch flights out of Chicago which is a 2.5 hrs road journey away
- For my first semester, I found someone's sublease on Reddit/Facebook. Afterwards, I moved into my new place by applying on a leasing agency website directly.
- USD 840, inclusive of all utilities. Unit is a studio, with a bathroom, kitchen (microwave, oven, fridge, stovetop), has an HVAC unit, desk, chair, and a twin bed.
- The main challenge is to find a unit well in advance, as most on-campus locations fill out very quickly (10 months before move in date)
- Based on preference! Off campus is quieter and cheaper, if you are willing to commute via bus, or have a car (might not be ideal when it is cold like -20C for a few days per year). On campus is louder, slightly more expensive, but close to classes and all the food joints, bars etc.
- My accommodation is just a 5 minute walk from the main part of the campus (the main quad). Indian students stay everywhere, but I think most graduate students prefer to be off campus in Urbana where it is quieter.
Likes
- One of the most important things about the college experience is the ability to have good experiences. This is an integral reason to pursue a degree abroad. At UIUC, there are numerous places where you can go in your free time and enjoy. UIUC is a prominent party college and the parties there live up to their reputation. There are also numerous activities on campus that one can do, like bowling, play all kinds of sports and take a stroll in the beautiful gardens.
- The academics are great. The teachers are extremely helpful and will give you extra attention if you need. The office hours are critical in revising certain difficult concepts. The professors are willing to put in extra efforts for individual students as well and questions are answered in class as well as after.
- The people are especially warm to everyone and there is not even a hint of racism. The community is very progressive and accepting of people from all walks of life.
Dislikes
- There is a lot of use of substances across campus, drugs and alcohol are prevalent so that is something to be aware about. People are also doing this in the open so it is helpful to be careful.
- The academics might be incredibly good but you also need to put efforts because it is equally difficult. The level of the students is extremely high and it is critical that you do not leave anything for the last minute. The grading is also extremely difficult.
- The food is great but it is quite expensive so it is good to keep a check on your spending. The dining hall is fine but not all too great. Additionally, there are minimal choices for people that are vegetarian.
- I opted for on campus accommodation for my first year and then continued to taking off campus accommodation. I found my apartment through a mutual friend and online platforms.
- The monthly rent is around 1000 USD with utilities and facilities include, a gym, a pool and a game room. The main challenge was finding a good place for a reasonable price which is quite difficult due to the large number of people trying to find off campus accommodation at UIUC.
- My recommendation for future students would be to start looking early and speak to your seniors about finding good places. My accommodation is approximately 10 mins away from campus and most indian students stay around where I am staying.
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 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
 - Mihir Mehta.jpeg)
Likes
- Campus ,Faculty
- Small town allowing for quiet surroundings and low cost of living compared to other cities
- Flexibility in Curriculum
Dislikes
- Large Class Sizes
- Closest Marketplace is an hour away from campus by bus
- Weather Extremes
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Found accommodation online, there are several real estate agents website to search from to get a good house here in Urbana Champaign
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Monthly rent is 500$. including wifi and electricity cap of 110
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Biggest challenge was to trust the condition of the house and signing the lease without looking at it in person.
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To future students: Look for accommodations as soon as you get your acceptance
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My house is 11 mins walk from my campus. Most Indians stay here
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Likes
- A very big course, plenty of opportunities to do part time. Hundreds of professors, thousands of positions and a lot of scores for assistantships.
- A good campus, cheap housing, lots to do. Reputed university.
- Good reputation, helpful people, good student community
Dislikes
- It is too cold and weather becomes extreme
- It becomes a ghost town during breaks like winter.
- Commute is from the airport. Chicago is 3 hours away
It is a tedious task. Had to compare a lot of colleges. Checked college ratings, their syllabus, cost, tuition fees etc. It required lots of hours to commit in order to shortlist and finalize a university.
Likes
- Campus: The school is a home to many students. It has a really huge and beautiful campus with loads of fun things to do around, amazing restaurants, great places to hang around, and a huge library!
- Academics: The professors in my program are really knowledgeable and helpful. I really enjoyed the lectures!
- Course Curriculum: There were 3 compulsory courses out of 10. This gave me a leverage to take up any of the courses that aligned with my interests.
Dislikes
- Class size: There were around 90 students due to which sometimes the seats got full to a particular class of a particular professor too quickly and I had to take that course next semester.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a prestigious school. It is renowned for academic excellence, especially in my field, that is computer science and data analytics. The MSIM program that I had taken was a perfect blend of technology and management, which aligned with my career aspirations.
No interview I had to submit an essay saying why I wanted to join It was a fun party school and it was also good for studying I really loved it. It was really fun I made a lot of friends and my major was not particularly hard so really happy about that.
I chose this university because of Fees, reputation for CS, reputed Faculty and research and program Structure. Overall the experience is very good.
Likes
- UIUC has excellent research faculty and ample opportunities for someone to get the taste of academic research while keeping up to date with industry requirements.
Dislikes
- Weather can be a bit poor especially during the winter season. The campus is a bit out of nowhere, so not a great place for people looking for a busy city life.
I had to submit SOP and 3 LORs along with my CV. I highlighted my academic background and work experience in the SOP. University ranking, fully funded program and a good research group My overall experience at UIUC was excellent. I joined for a masters program and decided to continue with the PhD. I had an excellent advisor and research group. I learned a lot and made good connections. The overall campus life has something for everyone.
Likes
- Reputation of the university and access to a major city. College town with multiple sports teams, bars and accessible/affordable housing
My college experience so far has been very rewarding because I have grown tremendously as a person and as a learner. Been able to learn to adapt to new circumstances and adjust to variations to normal life and adversity. Been able to control mood swings from excitement to disappointment. Also formed great relationships with amazing people around me.
Likes
- I wanted a change that would make me become more mature and independent. This school was far from my house but not that far in the case I wanted to visit
It is going great, I’m still adjusting to the classes but honestly I feel behind in all of them. I need to gain a better understanding on all my courses, but other than that this university is so good. You have so many opportunities at your fingertips and you won’t get a better education than here.
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