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Graduate Domestic FAQ

Where to Send Academic Credentials

All academic credentials should be sent to the following address:

Preferred:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions (MC 018)
University of Illinois at Chicago
Box 7994
Chicago, Illinois 60680-7994

For carriers requiring a street address:

Office of Admissions and Records (MC 018)
University of Illinois at Chicago
1200 W Harrison St, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60607-3349

Departments may request that a 2nd set of credentials be sent to their specific office. Please consult the UIC Graduate Application for requirements and address information.

Materials such as letters of recommendation, resume/curriculum vitae, personal statements, writing samples, and test scores (excluding TOEFL) should always be sent directly to your departments.

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Before Starting an Application

I was never informed of a deadline or of the necessary documentation. What can I do?

The Graduate Admissions office receives and reviews nearly 15,000 applications every year. Due to this high volume, we are not always able to maintain personal contact with individual students. All of the information necessary to successfully apply to UIC is included in our on-line and paper application. It is your responsibility to be aware of deadlines and the documentation necessary to complete your application. If you have questions about deadlines or required documents, please refer to Graduate College Deadlines.

I currently reside in the United States, but I am not a citizen. Which citizenship category should I choose? How do I know if I am categorized as an international applicant?

Regardless of your current residence, you are considered to be an international applicant if you currently hold any type of visa. Here is a brief description of some of the commonly misunderstood citizenship categories.

  • U.S. Citizen—Born or naturalized
  • U.S. Permanent Resident—Green card holder. You should submit an Alien Registration Number and a copy of your PR card with the application.
  • International—Current holders of any type of visa or those applying for a visa. If you are on a valid visa, you should submit a copy with your application. If you require an I-20 or DS-2019 to study, you will need to submit evidence of financial support.
  • Adjustment in Status—This category is for applicants who are in the process of becoming a permanent resident. You should submit any documentation that can provide details of your status such as receipts or petitions from USCIS.
  • Non-citizen (Other)—This should only be used if none of the other categories apply to you. Once again, valid visa holders or those seeking a visa should not use this category.

If you are an international applicant, see the International FAQ for more specific directions.

I'm a legal permanent resident. Do I follow domestic or international guidelines?

Legal permanent residents are oftentimes caught between processing policies for domestic and international students. Since students in this category are not in need of an I-20 or DS-2019, the Office of Admissions and Records generally accepts applications up to the domestic deadline. The Office of Admissions and Records still encourages students who completed studies overseas to apply early since the review and processing time may be longer when international credentials are involved.

Permanent residents should expect the following:

  • Required submission of all academic credentials expected of international students (complete transcripts, marksheets, proof of degree, English translations. See the International FAQ for more specific directions.
  • Plan to take the TOEFL. You may not qualify for a TOEFL waiver based on your residence in the U.S. See the section on "How can I receive a TOEFL waiver" for more instructions.
  • Submit your permanent resident card and your Alien Registration Number. This will ensure that you are classified correctly for residency purposes.
  • You will not need to submit evidence of financial support.

How much is tuition?

Tuition and fees vary from year-to-year. For the most recent estimates, please visit Graduate and Professional Tuition and Fees.

What financial support is available to me?

Teaching Assistantships and Fellowships are awarded through your academic department. More information on financial support.

I am a prospective applicant. What do I need to submit in order to be considered for admission to a degree program?

  • Completed Graduate Application
  • $60.00 Application Fee
  • Transcripts for last 60 hours of Bachelor’s degree (if credit transferred from another institution is applied during last 60 hours, separate transcripts may be required).
  • Transcripts for all course work completed after the 1st Bachelor’s regardless of level. This is a mandatory requirement even if completion of post-baccalaureate degrees is not required for admission.
  • Supplementary materials as determined by program (GRE, personal statement, letters of recommendation, writing samples, Miller's Analogies Test, etc.) Please contact your department for specific requirements.
  • Students who have completed schooling in other countries should follow the instructions listed in the graduate application for submitting international credentials or refer to the International FAQ.
  • If course work is in progress, a final transcript with grades posted and any degrees awarded will be required upon enrollment.

Is non-degree right for me? How do I go about applying?

Non-degree study may be a viable option for students who simply wish to attend a few classes at UIC without committing to a degree program. In general, non-degree graduate students may take any classes offered at the university as long as they have not been restricted by the department.

You are not eligible to study as a non-degree student if you require or currently hold a student (F1, F2, J1 or J2) visa.

Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

In order to apply as a non-degree student, the Office of Admissions and Records requires the following:

  • Completed Graduate College application
  • Non-refundable application fee
  • Proof of Bachelor’s (or higher) degree or proof of foreign equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree—This may be a photocopy of either your diploma or a transcript with posted degree. A translation will be required if the degree is issued in a language other than English.
  • Evidence of English competency for students who have completed education outside the U.S.

There are two types of non-degree programs.

Departmental—You will apply with the specific department's non-degree code and you will be affiliated with that department. Applying via this option means that your application will have to undergo review by the department. Some departments may require the submission of additional credentials for consideration. Not all departments accept non-degree applicants. Please contact your department regarding their policies.

General, unassigned—You will apply under 20FS1780NDEG. As long as you have met the above requirements, this is a quick admit process that requires little review by the Office of Admissions and Records.

You may transfer up to 12 hours of credit taken as a non-degree student to a degree program at a later date.

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Re-applying for Admission

Am I considered a graduate readmit?

A graduate readmit is an applicant who was previously enrolled as either a graduate non-degree student or a graduate degree-seeking student at UIC. A graduate readmit must have at least one graded course. You are not considered a readmit student if you applied and did not take any courses at the university.

I am applying for readmission to the Graduate College. I submitted credentials when I was first admitted. Do I need to submit them again?

The Office of Admissions and Records typically keeps the records of students who were admitted and registered for classes for several years. If you are applying for readmission, there is a chance that the documents you initially submitted are still on file. An admissions counselor will be able to verify if your old records are still here and if they can be used toward completing your new application. In some cases, you will be asked to re-submit credentials.

Files for students who have registered for classes are housed in the Records office. It is not always possible for an admissions counselor to immediately obtain your records. For this reason, processing times may be similar to those for students who have to submit new materials.

I applied for admission, but was denied or unable to attend. I want to apply for a future term. Will you keep the documents that I already submitted?

The Office of Admissions and Records will keep the credentials for denied and cancelled students and for those who chose not to attend UIC for one calendar year. For example, documents submitted with a Fall 2006 application will not be purged until the beginning of the Fall 2007 term.

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Filling Out an Application

I have used different versions of my name. What should I do to ensure that all of my documents are matched with my application?

You should always use your full, legal name on all documents that you are submitting to UIC. Please include any alternate names in the space provided on the application. When possible, include your University Identification Number (UIN) on all documents. If you provided a different ordering or spelling of your name to ETS for GRE or TOEFL reporting, please provide this name to the Office of Admissions and Records.

What is a United States Social Security Number (SSN) and when do I need to provide it?

A Social Security Number is a government issued identification number generally used for tracking working individuals for taxation purposes. UIC does not require students to provide an SSN at the time of application. Students seeking financial aid or employment at the university will be required to obtain an SSN and submit it to the appropriate office. International students who do not have an SSN should not provide other national ID numbers in attempt to fully complete the application. Please see the Social Security Administration web site for more complete details.

I am trying to apply online. Why isn't my program in the drop-down menu?

  1. Double check the deadline for your program. Some programs have earlier deadlines. If the deadline has passed, the program will no longer be available on the online application. Late applications are not accepted by the Office of Admissions and Records. Please contact your program directly for information on how to apply for a future term.
  2. Be sure that your program accepts applications for the term you have selected. Many programs admit to only the Fall term. If you are applying for the Spring or Summer terms, please verify that your program considers students for admission to that term.
  3. Make sure you are in the correct application. After creating/entering your log-in ID and password, you are brought to a drop-down box that asks you to select an application type. Non-degree programs are not available under the general Graduate heading. Similarly, degree-seeking programs will not be found under the Graduate Non-degree selection.

If your program is not listed in the drop down box, please do not choose another program in order to complete the application. The Office of Admissions and Records will not manually change your program code at a later time.

I am trying to apply online, but I cannot find my college or university in the drop-down. What should I do?

Most U.S. institutions and many international ones can be found by going through a series of drop-down menus. We encourage you to carefully search the drop-downs before manually entering the name of the school in the box provided. Using the drop-downs will ensure that your web application is processed correctly. Here are some hints for using the drop-downs effectively:

  • Try looking for an abbreviation (e.g. Univ of IL Urbana-Champaign)
  • Check for different orderings of the institution’s name as they may be alphabetized differently (i.e. U Mumbai vs. Mumbai University)
  • If you are from an institution that has several colleges that are affiliated to a larger university, always search for the university's name. Avoid using or manually enter the name of the college.

I applied for the wrong term/program. What should I do?

In the event that you apply for the wrong term or program, or would like to change the term or program of your application, you will have to submit a new application for the desired term or program. The incorrect application may be withdrawn at your request by contacting Graduate Admissions and the application fee from your incorrect application may be used toward the correct one.

How do I calculate my GPA?

Our application provides a place for students to report their GPA. If your department receives a copy of your application before it reaches the Office of Admissions and Records, your self-reported calculation gives them an easy way to see your GPA at a glance. You can calculate your GPA by using the GPA Calculator. Regardless of what information you provide, the Office of Admissions and Records is always going to perform a GPA calculation on your credentials. We also provide those GPAs to the departments. If you aren't sure how to calculate your GPA, don't worry about it. We'll do it for you.

What happens if my GPA or TOEFL score is below the minimum requirement?

A low GPA, TOEFL, or other test score does not automatically mean you will be denied admission. These are only a few factors when departments are considering your application for admission. If your department wishes to recommend you for admission, they may be able to do so with the approval of the Graduate College. All applications recommended for admission that do not automatically meet the minimum GPA and test score criteria will have to undergo a mandatory review by the Graduate College.

The Graduate College will decide whether to uphold the department's recommendation or to reject it. Oftentimes a recommendation to admit the student on limited standing will be made. If you are admitted on limited standing, you will need to complete specific requirements set forth by the department (usually during your 1st year of study). Full standing may be granted upon successful completion of the limited standing stipulations.

How do I qualify for a waiver or deferment of the application fee?

The following are acceptable reasons for fee waiver eligibility:

  • Readmission to the Graduate College or currently enrolled as a graduate non-degree student at UIC seeking degree status.
  • Qualify for CIC Free App
  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Qualify for the McNair Program fee waiver
  • Qualify for the Project 1000 fee waiver
  • Recipient of the Illinois Veterans Grant
  • Currently an employee of the University of Illinois (must provide % time and UIN)

Students must provide proof of their qualification before the fee waiver will be granted. Fees will not be waived based on statements of financial hardship. Payment of the application fee cannot be deferred until the student's arrival on campus.

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Sending Documents to Graduate Admissions

How can I ensure that all of my documents are matched to my application?

The easiest way to ensure that all of your documents are correctly matched to your application is by sending them in one packet that contains all identifying information. We suggest that students request to have all transcripts sent to their home address. As long as you do not break the seal on the envelopes, your transcripts will be considered official. Collect all of the documents required and mail them to UIC in one packet. Send all academic credentials such as transcripts, marksheets, degree certificates, financial documents, and TOEFL scores directly to the Office of Admissions and Records. (Note, TOEFL scores must be reported directly to UIC by ETS. Paper score reports will not be accepted as official scores unless they are sent to our office directly by ETS.)

Supplementary materials like letters of recommendation, personal statements, writing samples, and other test scores should be sent to your program office.

Include your UIN (if known) on all materials. Always include your full, legal name along with any other names that may be used on your documents in addition to your date of birth and current mailing address.

If you plan to have transcripts sent directly from another university, you may wish to provide them with a completed Graduate Transcript or Marksheet Cover Sheets which can be found at the end of the graduate paper application.

I sent my documents. Why aren't they posted to my account?

There may be several reasons to explain why documents have yet to post to your UIC account. Please keep in mind that we receive thousands of credentials every day. During peak times (between the months of November and May), it may take up to 4 weeks for your documents to be received, coded, posted to the system, and matched with your file for review. Once an admissions counselor has received your file for review, it may be determined that further documentation is required.

The easiest way to track your application is by checking its status online. You may Log into Your Online Application using the ID and password you created during the online application process and choose Edit/View your Application. If you submitted a paper application, an ID and password will be sent to the address you provided. Any documents that we are currently requesting will be posted under the Requirements section. Updates made to your account will be reflected immediately. Once a decision has been made on your application, it will be recorded next to "Decisions".

If more than 4-6 weeks have passed since you believe your documents were sent to UIC and they are still not posted to your account, please double check the following:

  1. Be sure that the name on all documents matched the name on your application. If documents were submitted under a different name (or ordering or spelling of a name), you will need to report the problem to the Office of Admissions and Records. You should always provide your full, legal name on all documents and include any variations as alternate names on your application.
  2. Verify the address to which your documents were sent. If credentials were directed to your department, processing time may increase. If you believe that your department has your documentation and is not forwarding it, you will need to request that they send it to the Office of Admissions and Records. You may need to have a duplicate set sent. The Office of Admissions and Records will not ask your department to release credentials.
  3. Make sure you have allowed enough time for processing. Even if you have submitted documents that provide tracking information and know that they have been signed for, it may still take several weeks for items to be processed and posted to your account. Please be patient!

How can I get my documents (or copies of them) back?

All documents submitted to UIC become the property of the University. Once you submit documents to UIC, the University will not return the documents or copies of them. Documents will not be released to the applicant or forwarded to other institutions or agencies. Please do not submit your original or only set of academic credentials.

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Transcript Requirements

My program only requires a Bachelor's degree for admission. Why am I being asked to submit my post-baccalaureate (Master's) transcripts?

It is university policy to ask for records pertaining to the 1st Bachelor's degree earned by a student and all subsequent work. You will be required to submit records for all work completed following your Bachelor's degree regardless of the admission requirements for your specific program. The university requires the Office of Admissions and Records to keep a complete record of all your previous course work on file.

I was a UIC student. Do I need to obtain transcripts to submit with my application?

The Office of Admissions and Records does not require students to submit transcripts for prior work done at UIC. We have access to your UIC transcripts through our student system. Some departments may require you to submit UIC transcripts to them for their records. You will need to contact your academic program regarding their policies.

Please note, while we are part of one university system, we cannot obtain transcripts from UIUC or UIS internally. You will need to have transcripts from those institutions sent.

What does "official" transcripts/degree mean?

Official documents are those which have been issued by the university and bear an original attestation. In the United States, sealed transcripts issued directly from the Registrar's office are considered official. The university may issue transcripts directly to UIC or to the student. As long as the seal is not broken, the transcripts will be considered official. We will not accept transcripts printed off the web.

From foreign institutions, copies of original documents which have been attested by the Registrar or Controller of Examinations and sealed by the same individual will be considered as official. Each document should be attested. There is no guarantee that documents attested by another official will be accepted.

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Evidence of English Competency

TOEFL Exemptions

TOEFL exemptions are not determined by the prevalence of spoken English in your country or the medium of instruction at your university. You may qualify for a TOEFL waiver if you can provide the following:

  1. Evidence that you have been attending a U.S. institution for at least 2 years of full-time study.
  2. A letter from an employer in the U.S., UK, Australia, or Canada (excluding Quebec) stating that you are proficient in the use of English and that you have been employed at the establishment for at least 1 year. The letter must be typed on the company's letterhead. The Office of Admissions and Records will evaluate all letters on a case-by-case basis.
  3. Education or employment for the duration of time listed above in a country where English is the only, official language, i.e. UK, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec).

Minimums

The Graduate College minimum requirements for TOEFL scores are as follows*:

  • Paper-based exam—550
  • Computer-based exam—213
  • Internet-based Test (IBT)
    • Writing—21
    • Speaking—20
    • Listening—17
    • Reading—19
    • Total score—80

* Note, TOEFL scores must be reported directly to UIC by ETS. Paper score reports will not be accepted as official scores unless they are sent to our office directly by ETS.

Other English Competency tests

Other English competency exams may be available to students and may be accepted by other institutions. UIC accepts scores for TOEFL only. We do not accept TSE, TWE, Cambridge examinations, TOEIC, IELTS, or other similar tests in place of TOEFL. Some departments may give consideration to students who have completed these exams (specifically TSE and TWE) in addition to the TOEFL. Please contact your department on details regarding their policies.

English is commonly spoken in my country. Do I need to take TOEFL?

Yes. TOEFL exemptions are not determined by the prevalence of spoken English in your country. If a TOEFL score is being requested of you then students from your country do not qualify for an automatic waiver.

All classes at my university were taught in English. Do I need to take TOEFL?

Yes. TOEFL exemptions are not determined by the medium of instruction.

How can I receive a TOEFL waiver?

You may qualify for a TOEFL waiver if you can provide the following:

  1. Evidence that you have been attending a U.S. institution for at least 2 years of full-time study.
  2. A letter from a U.S. employer stating that you are proficient in the use of English and that you have been employed at the establishment for at least 1 year.
  3. Education or employment for the duration of time listed above in a country where English is the only, official language. i.e. UK, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec).
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After Submitting an Application

Will you contact me when my documents arrive at UIC? When will I know that my file is complete and if a decision has been made?

Due to high volume of applications and credentials, the Office of Admissions and Records cannot contact you when documents arrive. During peak times (between the months of November and May), it may take up to 4 weeks for your documents to be received, coded, posted to the system, and matched with your file for review. Once an admissions counselor has received your file for review, it may be determined that further documentation is required.

The easiest way to track your application is by checking its status online.You may Log into Your Online Application using the ID and password you created during the online application process and choose Edit/View your Application. If you submitted a paper application, an ID and password will be sent to the address you provided. Any documents that we are currently requesting will be posted under the Requirements section. Updates made to your account will be reflected immediately.

Once a decision has been made on your application, it will be viewable online next to "Decisions" and an official letter of admission will be mailed to you.

How long will it take to get a decision?

The time it will take to receive an admission decision will vary by department. Once your application is complete (all of your academic materials have been received and reviewed by the Office of Admissions and Records) it will be forwarded to your graduate program for review. Some departments review applications as they arrive and make decisions on a daily basis. Others will have review committees which meet a few times during the admissions season and return all recommendations to the Office of Admissions and Records in a batch.

Once your department has made its recommendation, your application will still have to be approved by the Office of Admissions and Records and the Graduate College before official acceptance can be issued.

As always, you will receive an early decision if you apply well before the deadline and submit a complete set of required materials in one packet to the correct office.

How can I change my mailing address?

If you are a newly admitted or currently enrolled student, your mailing address may be changed through Student Self-Service.

If you are a current applicant, please submit address changes using the UIC Prospective Student Contact form (no attachments).

Can I get a refund of my application fee?

As stated in the application, the fee is nonrefundable. By submitting it, you agree that you understand the terms presented within the application. Many times students feel that since their application was cancelled, they should have their fee refunded. A cancellation or deny decision does not mean that no review was done. In fact, the instant you submit an application to us, a review is done. And before any decision is made (admit, cancel, or deny), a final review is made. In reality, no application goes un-reviewed!

If for some reason you submitted two payments for the application fee, you may request a refund by contacting us using the UIC Prospective Student Contact form (no attachments). You will be asked to provide proof that two payments were made (e.g. copies of 2 cancelled checks, 2 payments made to UIC on a bank or credit card statement). Once your rebate request has been reviewed, it may take up to 6 weeks for your refund to be issued.

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Checking the Application Status

How can I check the status of my application?

The easiest way to track your application is by checking its status on-line. You may Log into Your Online Application using the ID and password you created during the on-line application process and choose Edit/View your Application. If you submitted a paper application, an ID and password will be sent to the address you provided. Any documents that we are currently requesting will be posted under the Requirements section. Updates made to your account will be reflected immediately.

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Cancelled Applications

Why was my application cancelled?

Cancellations may be made by the Office of Admissions and Records or by your academic program. Your application may have been cancelled for the following reasons:

  • You failed to submit all required academic materials to the Office of Admissions and Records
  • You failed to submit the supplementary materials required by the department. The department has the authority to cancel your application based on missing credentials.
  • You received a recommendation for admission, but you failed to submit evidence of financial support.

I received admission from my department. Why was my application cancelled?

Receiving a recommendation for admission from your department is only one step in the admission process and does not guarantee that official admission will be granted. Your program does not have the authority to grant official admission. Their recommendation must be reviewed by the Office of Admissions and Records and approved by the Graduate College.

If you have failed to submit all required materials to the Office of Admissions and Records, your application may be cancelled regardless of departmental review procedures.

If you are an international student, the Office of Admissions and Records will not be able to officially grant admission until sufficient evidence of financial support has been submitted. In order to comply with policies set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Admissions and Records requires financial evidence to be submitted no less than 90 days before the start of the term. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your application.

Keep in mind, your department is able to cancel your application too. If you fail to submit the required supplementary materials, your file may be complete in the Office of Admissions and Records, but lacking the necessary credentials for making a decision.

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Deny Decisions

I received an admission letter from my department. Why haven't I been admitted?

Your academic department does not have the authority to officially admit you to the university. The letter you have received from them states their intention to recommend you for admission to the program. This recommendation must then be reviewed by the Office of Admissions and Records and approved by the Graduate College. Generally, departmental recommendations carry heavy weight and are rarely overridden. However, your admission will not be official until you have received a letter from the Graduate College. Typically, applicants can expect an admission letter from the Graduate College or a follow-up letter from the department (in case the recommendation is not approved) in a few weeks following the initial departmental letter.

Why was I denied? What can I do now?

If you have received a deny decision based on review, you will need to contact your program for details regarding why your application was rejected. The Office of Admissions and Records cannot give you specific reasons for the decision. Your department may also be able to advise you on how to successfully seek admission for a future term.

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Admit Decisions

What is a TCN and how do I obtain it?

A TCN is a 9-digit Temporary Control Number that is issued to students who do not have or did not report a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). Your TCN can be found at the top of your admit letter. If you provided an SSN, no TCN will be issued to you.

How do I register for classes?

Your official letter of admission will contain both your University ID Number (UIN) and Temporary Control Number (TCN, if applicable). Your ID number (along with your SSN or university provided TCN) should allow you to Establish an Enterprise ID and password which will then allow you to Register Online. You will not be allowed to register until a time ticket has been issued to you. Most new students are able to register during Open Registration times.

I am currently enrolled at UIC. How can I change my program? How can I add a 2nd program to my current course of study?

Currently enrolled students do not need to submit a formal application in order to change or add a program. Instead, a Request for Change of Graduate Program (pdf) form should be completed. Students wishing to change or add a program should contact their current department for further information.

I'm being charged out-of-state tuition, but I'm an Illinois resident. How can I get this corrected?

New students are notified of their residency status in their admission letter. If you have been classified incorrectly or you feel your residency status has changed since your date of admission, you will need to file a Residency Petition with the Office of Admissions and Records. For more information about residency and residency petition, please view Information about In-state and Out-of-state Residency. Please carefully review all instructions when filing a petition because deadlines do apply.

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Residency Requirements

Requirements for Illinois residency can be found online. Students wishing to have their residency classification re-reviewed may complete a Residency Petition.

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Registration Holds

I have a registration hold. When does this take effect? What do I need to do to have my hold lifted?

Holds may be placed on your account for many reasons. Graduate Admissions is only responsible for placing holds for 2 reasons.

  1. You are currently a UIC student and you are requesting a level change. This will affect you if you are a non-degree student applying for a degree program or an undergraduate student applying for graduate admission. This hold is placed on your account to prevent you from registering at the wrong level. Level change holds can be lifted at your request or will be lifted automatically when a decision is returned on your graduate application. If you register on the undergrad/non-degree level for a term in which you are expecting to begin graduate study, your registration will remain at the current level.
  2. You were admitted pending the submission of final, official documents. The Office of Admissions and Records will place a hold on your registration after the 10th day of your 1st term at UIC. You will be allowed to enroll and study during your 1st semester with outstanding documentation. We recommend that all students clear their pending conditions by submitting the required transcripts/degrees when they arrive on campus. If you fail to do so, you will not be able to register for your 2nd semester of study. Transcript holds will not be released until the required documentation is presented to the Office of Admissions and Records.
  3. Students may also encounter advising holds. These are placed by your academic program to ensure that you meet with an advisor prior to registering for classes. You will need to consult with your academic department for an advisor assignment. They will be able to guide you through the necessary steps for having any advising holds released.
  4. The Immunizations Office will also create holds for students who have failed to submit proper proof of immunizations. For more information on this topic view Medical Immunization Records.

If you have any other holds (Immunizations, OIS-SEVIS, Advising), you will need to contact the corresponding office for information on how that hold may be lifted.

When holds take effect

Transcript holds placed by the Office of Admissions and Records will begin after the 10th day of your 1st semester at UIC. Registration for your 2nd term of study (and every subsequent term) will be blocked until the required credentials have been submitted.

Immunization holds will begin during your 1st term at UIC.

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Deferring Admission to a Future Semester

Students who have been recommended for admission, but cannot attend for valid reasons, may request to defer their admission. An admitted application can only be deferred once. Admission can be deferred for up to 1 academic year. (Applicants for the Fall term may defer to the following Spring, Summer, or Fall terms, but no further.) Admission to the term is contingent upon departmental admissions practices for that term. Students do not need to submit a new application, fee, or set of academic credentials in order for a deferral to be granted.

Who qualifies for a deferral?

Only students who have been recommended admission by the department or officially admitted by the Graduate College are eligible to defer admission.

Students who were recommended for admission by the department, but were unable to provide the required evidence of financial support and were subsequently cancelled may qualify for a deferral.

Denied applications and those cancelled due to missing academic credentials cannot be deferred.

How to go about seeking a deferral?

If you are eligible to defer your admission, you will need to contact your academic program and request a deferral. Your department has the authority to grant your request or to deny it. Departmental awards may not be guaranteed for a new term.

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Contact Us

You may direct any inquiries to us using the UIC Prospective Student Contact form (no attachments). Questions sent to this address will be reviewed by an admissions counselor. Most basic questions can be answered by THOROUGHLY READING the graduate application, the instructions on the web site for your academic program, and our FAQ.

If you have a question or problem that is not addressed in our published material, admissions counselors are available for walk-in visits and via the phone on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm. Each counselor works with a different set of academic programs, but any counselor will be able to help you. Contact persons in your department of interest will also be able to answer most questions.



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