University of Illinois at Chicago

Why UIC?

Did you know 50+ languages are spoken on campus? No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel at home at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Here are just some of the reasons why international students like you choose UIC.

Chicago: Life in the fast-paced city

Looking for excitement? Chicago is the third-largest U.S. city, full of American culture, international food and professional opportunities.

• Nearly 3 million people live in Chicago.
• Ranked #7 in the 2014 Global Cities Index.
• Home to more than 7,000 restaurants, 550 parks and 200 museums.
• International center for technology, finance, business and more.
• O’Hare International Airport is the second busiest in the world.
• Located in the middle of the U.S., for easy travel around the country.

Academics: UIC is the smart choice

UIC is the only public research university in the city. From the classroom to the lab, you’ll have every opportunity to learn, innovate and succeed.

• #132 National Universities—U.S. News & World Report, 2020
• #60 Top Public Schools—U.S. News & World Report, 2020
• Ranked one of the top 200 universities in the world.*
• Innovative research in computer science, bioengineering, education and more.
• 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, for smaller class sizes.
• 29,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate and professionals.
• 84 undergraduate degrees to choose from.
• A UIC degree has a value of nearly $400,000 USD over 20 years.**

*Times Higher Education World University Rankings
**Payscale.com

Campus: Student life worth living

A modern campus in a thrilling city. Hundreds of student clubs and organizations. Convenient transportation around campus and Chicago. This is UIC.

• Named one of the most diverse campuses in the U.S. according to U.S. News and World Report
• Fun events, including cultural fairs, concerts and festivals.
• Urban yet green, with 5,000+ trees and 800 bike racks on campus.
• 20 top-tier Division I sports programs for men and women.
• 25 recreation leagues, from sports to martial arts to dance.
• Free evening transportation service around campus.

Chicago: The Windy City

Iconic, progressive and diverse, Chicago is a commercial and cultural powerhouse. The third largest city in the U.S., Chicago is known for its strong business economy, architecture and culture. The city is a national higher education destination, with more than 250,000 students attending the city’s 50+ colleges and universities.

• #3 for Fast-Growing Small Businesses—Inc. 5000 List, 2018
• #6 Best “Innovation Hub” in the World—UKPMG’s Disruptive Tech, 2017
• #1 Most Diversified Economy in the U.S.—Moody’s Analytics, 2017
• 30+ Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Chicago—Chicago Tribune, 2018
• 400+ major corporate headquarters, 1800+ international companies and 300+ digital start-ups

Weather & Climate

Like much of the Midwest, Chicago experiences the four seasons with warm summers, cold winters with snowfall and moderate spring and autumn seasons.

In & Around Chicago

• Visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck or walk to Millennium Park.
• Experience the arts at Chicago Theatre or catch improv comedy at Second City.
• Watch a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest baseball stadium in the world.
• Sample Chicago cuisines like deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, 200+ art galleries and hundreds of public artworks, including the world-famous “Chicago Bean.”

As an international student enrolling at a select U.S. News Global Education school, you will have access to exclusive programs and services.

To make your transition as easy as possible, our enrollment counselors set you up for success with:

Application Assistance

• Streamlined application process
• Assigned counselor
• Major/field of study guidance

Pre-Arrival Guidance

• Visa interview help
• Prep webinars & checklists
• Help with required forms

Campus Transition

• Airport welcome
• Student & parent orientation
• Cultural group outings

Academic Support

• Classes for your academic level
• English-language & ESL help
• Tutoring support

Career Growth

• Career Accelerator Program
• Internship assistance
• Job search help