University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

UIC at a glance

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public research university in Chicago, part of the University of Illinois system. Popular choices for Indian students include its MS in Computer Science, engineering Master's and business analytics programs.

The two things that matter most for Indian applicants:

• UIC's international student office estimates $60,193 for one year of an engineering or computer science Master's (2026–27). That is the amount you must show for your I-20.
• The GRE is required for international MS Computer Science applicants (except UIC graduates), with an average minimum of 300 (Verbal + Quantitative) and at least 140 in Verbal.

What it really costs

UIC's Office of International Services publishes the amount international students must show for one academic year (9 months, based on 12 credits a semester):

Proof of funds for the I-20. To get your I-20 you must show funding for one year of study in your program, which means the total above for your program. See our I-20 proof of funds guide.

How tuition is charged. UIC charges tuition each term by the range of credit hours you take, at the out-of-state rate for international students, so the exact bill depends on your course load. UIC's admissions office says it cannot give a program total in advance; the international office estimate above is the figure to plan with.

Can you reduce the cost?

• Application fee. For Fall 2027, the Computer Science department waives the $80 application fee for international applicants who register for and attend one of its virtual open house events and complete their application before 15 February 2027; you then pay only the $100 evaluation fee.
• Assistantships. Teaching and research assistantships of 25% to 67% time come with a tuition exemption. International students can hold at most a 50% assignment during fall and spring, and must register for at least 12 credit hours. The department says doctoral applicants are considered automatically; for Master's students these positions are not guaranteed, so do not count on one in your budget.
• Fellowships and waivers. The Computer Science faculty may nominate a few entering students for University Fellowships and tuition-and-fee waivers, which the Graduate College decides. They are reserved for the most advanced, high-performing students.

Getting in: what UIC looks at

For the MS in Computer Science, UIC lists:

• Degree: a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field.
• Grades: at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for your whole undergraduate degree, or at least 3.5 for the final 60 semester hours (roughly the last two years). Our WES and 4.0 GPA guide explains how Indian marks are converted.
• GRE: required for international MS applicants (UIC graduates excepted). Average score requirement: at least 300 Verbal + Quantitative, with Verbal at least 140.
• English: TOEFL iBT 80 (Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21), or IELTS 6.5 with every section at least 6.0, or PTE Academic 54 (Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, Writing 56).
• Documents: online application, transcripts, test scores sent directly by the testing service, 2 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and CV.
• Courses UIC expects you to have done: programming, discrete maths, data structures, and at least one of automata/languages, software design or computer systems.

Deadlines

From the Computer Science department, for the MS program:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full, so applying by the recommended January date is safer. After admission you still need your I-20, a US visa appointment and housing.

Popular Master's programs for Indian students

• MS in Computer Science: College of Engineering; GRE required for international applicants; $60,193 estimated first-year cost.
• MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering: same cost group as Computer Science in UIC's estimate.
• MS Business Analytics and MS Management Information Systems: College of Business Administration; $65,245 estimated first-year cost.

To compare UIC with other US universities for computer science, open the MS Computer Science in USA comparison.

Where you'll live

UIC's estimate allows $20,116 for living expenses for the academic year.

Campus housing. The Single Student Residence (SSR) is apartment-style housing used by graduate students; each student has their own bedroom and meal plans are optional. 2026–27 room rates for the academic year are $15,884 for a studio, $12,626 in a 2-person apartment, $12,371 in a 3-person apartment and $10,772 in a 2- or 3-person efficiency apartment. Graduate students get first priority in room selection. Winter break housing is charged separately. Details are on UIC Campus Housing.

Many students instead rent off campus with other students; see our guide to off-campus housing in the USA.

After you graduate

Whether you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension depends on the CIP code printed on your I-20, which must be on the US government's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Check it when you receive your I-20, and ask UIC's Office of International Services if you are unsure. See our OPT and STEM OPT guide.

Who UIC is a good fit for

• A strong choice if you have a computer science or computer engineering degree with good grades (3.0+ on the 4.0 scale), a GRE of 300 or more, and want a public research university in a large US city.
• Think carefully if your budget cannot cover about $60,000 for the first year, or if your GRE Verbal is below 140.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from these official UIC pages, checked on 13 October 2026:

• Office of International Services: 2026–27 estimated expenses and funding requirements
• Computer Science: MS admissions (requirements, deadlines, fees)
• Computer Science: financial aid and funding
• UIC Admissions: graduate tuition and fees
• Campus Housing: 2026–27 rates

Fees and rules change. Always confirm on UIC's own pages before you pay or apply.