Both undergraduate and graduate UIS students who meet eligibility requirements can apply.

Students are encouraged to start planning at least 6–9 months in advance to meet application, passport, and scholarship deadlines.

Yes, both transfer and international students can apply as long as they meet the program’s eligibility and GPA requirements.

All international travelling students are required to enroll in U of I system health and safety insurance. Some programs may require additional insurance.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for undergraduates, and 3.0 GPA is required for graduate students, some programs or universities may require higher GPAs.

Located in Springfield, the Illinois state capital, UIS gives students unique access to government agencies, nonprofits, and public service professionals. The program is designed to be practical and career-focused, helping you build leadership, management, and problem-solving skills you can apply right away. With experienced faculty and flexible online and on-campus options, UIS supports students whether they are starting, changing, or advancing their careers in public service.

UIS is transfer-friendly and offers pathways for community college and transfer students.

UIS is somewhat selective, but we look at the whole application and consider each student's potential for success.

UIS students have access to research databases, study spaces, and library support services.

UIS provides accommodations and support services for eligible students.

Yes, roommates can be chosen as long as it is a mutual decision between both students. Incoming UIS students and approved affiliates can request a roommate when submitting their online Housing Contract. You will need the student’s UIN to submit your request. If you do not have the UIN, please contact the Residence Life office for assistance.
You may request a roommate in the Student Housing Portal through June 17. After this date, please email Residence Life at reslife@uis.edu with your roommate request. Both students must email to request one another for the request to be considered. Requests submitted after June 17 are not guaranteed.
Please note that Residence Life does not honor suitemate requests in the residence halls. If you are a first- or second-year student in a Living Learning Community, your roommate request may not be guaranteed unless both students are in the same LLC.

UIS offers financial aid, scholarships, and public university affordability.

A maximum of 12 hours can be accepted in transfer ("B" or better) - https://catalog.uis.edu/graduate-students/academic-info-doctoral/transfer-credit/ . The courses would need to be reviewed for equivalency before being accepted as a substitute for any required courses.

Students have access to tutoring, advising, writing support, and accessibility services.

You can find your academic advisor by logging in to Advise U and selecting the "Get Advisor" tab. Click "Search by UIN," enter your UIN, and your assigned academic advisor(s) will be displayed.

Housing varies by program and may include university residence halls, host families, shared apartments, hotel rooms, or self-arranged housing. Each program brochure page will list more detailed information regarding housing.

A dissertation is required. You will have 15 hours in dissertation phase. There are many options, but as a practitioner degree, these typically are three basic types - case studies, program evaluations, and more traditional dissertations such as a quantitative analysis testing a hypothesis/hypotheses

ECCE (Engaged Citizenship Common Experience) Global Awareness credit is offered on the majority of Study Away programs. These credits are typically needed by UIS undergraduate students and fulfill general credits.

Students apply through the EngageU portal. Major tasks include uploading a copy of their passport and electing someone to serve as their recommender.

Program costs depend on the program type. Exchange & NSE programs charge UIS student tuition. Short-term programs fees, not including tuition start at about $3,500.

Students who value engagement, flexibility, and personalized support often thrive at UIS.

Yes, students may participate multiple times, provided they meet eligibility and academic requirements for each program.

No, most programs offer courses in English, though language skills can enhance your experience and immersion.

Yes, Study Away enhances your résumé, builds global connections, and may include internship or service-learning options.

Yes, students may stay during Fall, Winter, and Spring Break. Students must complete a request form before each break period for safety reasons.