This information only applies to students applying to the PhD and MS programs.
Application Process
Where do I go to apply?
- Follow this link to apply: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply
When are the application deadlines?
- Fall semester closes: January 15th
- Summer semester closes: March 1st
- Spring Semester closes: October 1st
- Rolling admissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please talk with your prospective advisor.
Can the application fee be waived?
- Domestic Applicants: Exemptions for the application fee can be found here: https://grad.illinois.edu/application-fee
- International Applicants: We do not waive the fee for international students unless a faculty member is willing to pay the fee. Please reach out to the faculty member you have been in contact with about this possibility.
Is the GRE required?
- It is optional, not required.
What is the required GPA to be admitted?
- 3.00 for M.S. programs
- 3.50 for PhD programs
How do I send my official transcript?
- Follow this link for a guide: https://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/final-credentials
Can I submit my unofficial transcript while I wait to receive my official transcript?
- Yes, then have your official transcript sent to grad@illinois.edu.
Do I need to contact a faculty member before I apply?
- Yes! You should reach out to any faculty member that you are interested in working with to see if they are admitting students for the semester that you wish to start. You can also ask them about funding as a research assistant. While you can apply without having a faculty mentor, your chances of being accepted into the program increase greatly if you have identified a faculty member prior to submitting your application.
- Please check the faculty directory to learn about the research interests of HK faculty members: https://ahs.illinois.edu/kch-directory-update
Can I apply to multiple degree programs at one time?
- Yes, but you would need to pay an application fee for each degree program.
Where can I find more information regarding the UIUC grad application process?
- Follow this link for a general FAQ on applying to grad school at Illinois: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/faq
Can I apply to the PhD without an M.S. degree?
- Yes, but if you are admitted for the B.S.-PHD, please check with your advisor to see if they want you to get an M.S. along the way as this would require us to recode you from PhD to an M.S. at the time of admissions.
Are there any prerequisite courses for admission?
- No, there are not.
Is the M.S. program course based or thesis based?
- In Kinesiology, you can complete either a thesis or non-thesis M.S.
- In Community Health, the only option is to complete a thesis-based M.S.
Funding Questions
Is funding available?
- Based on the availability of funds, admitted students will receive at least a 25% teaching assistant (TA) appointment and/or 25% research assistantship appointment which come with a tuition waiver, insurance, and a monthly stipend. Students however will be responsible for student-initiated fees.
- International students must satisfy an English proficiency requirement to quality to be a TA. See qualifications here: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/taengprof.htm
- Funding decisions are made following admission to the program but with enough advance notice to allow you ample time to make the best decision for your graduate career. This applies to both domestic and international students.
Curriculum/Program Questions
What is the coursework like?
- HK Graduate Handbook (Grad programs start on page 19): https://ahs.illinois.edu/themes/ahs/pdf/2024_HK%20Handbook.pdf
- More information may be found under either Kinesiology or Community Health at the following link: http://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/
Does your department have a STEM program?
- Yes, but the only program that we have this for is the MPH / EPI degree. https://ahs.illinois.edu/mph-home
International Student Specific Questions
Is Duolingo accepted for the English proficiency requirement?
- Yes, for admissions only
- English proficiency guidelines: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/instructions/04c
- Teaching assistant English proficiency guidelines: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/taengprof.htm
Can the application fee be waived for international students?
- We do not waive the fee for international students unless a faculty member is willing to pay the fee.
I do not meet the English proficiency requirements to be a TA. Is there another option?
- Yes, after you are admitted you have the option of completing an Oral English Assessment Interview (OEAI). These interviews are typically conducted in April, May or June. If you receive a passing score, then you could possibly receive a 25% teaching assistant appointment. This would come with a tuition waiver, monthly stipend and insurance.
University-wide FAQ page for international graduate students
Campus Life/Housing Questions
Where can I find information about housing?
- Graduate college housing guide: https://grad.illinois.edu/gradmap/housing
- Graduate residence hall information: housing@illinois.edu
- Apartment information email: apartments@illinois.edu