Application Instructions & Deadlines

All materials must be submitted electronically. Heading link

Hard copies will not be accepted. For more information about the document upload process, click the button below.

If you are having difficulties with the application, contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

Visit the Admissions website.

Application Deadlines Heading link

for... domestic applicants international applicants
admission in fall semester final deadline (no guarantee of funding) May 15 May 15
consideration for nomination for a University Fellowship –fall semester January 10 January 10
fullest consideration for
  • • Max Kade fellowship
  • • teaching assistantship
  • • research assistantship
  • • Board of Trustees tuition/fee waiver
 February 15 February 15
admission in spring semester November 1 July 15
  1. Graduate College Application (online)
  2. Transcripts – do not have to be official but must be issued by the university (printouts student portal/degree audits not accepted)
  3. Photocopy/scan of diploma(s)/degree certificates
  4. Application fee – $70 for everyone; $170 for students with international coursework
    Application Fee Waiver Programs (for domestic students)
  1. A baccalaureate or its equivalent, conferred by an approved and accredited college or university.
  2. Baccalaureate Field: No restrictions, although a substantial background in German literature or culture is expected, as is proficiency in written and spoken German.
  3. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (out of 4.0) for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study. At least 3.0/4.0 in all German courses.
  4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the student’s academic work.
  5. Statement of purpose of approximately 250 words addressing the applicant’s academic purpose and goals.
  6. Academic writing sample on a topic in German or related field.

The website of the Office of Admissions and Records gives detailed information and explanations on specific requirements for all countries of origin including:

  1. Certified English translations of all submitted transcripts and diplomas.
    Translations must be literal translations on translators letterhead and done by ATA certified translators, translation agencies,
    court-appointed translators, the consulate, or the university who issued the documents. Translations from Education USA are not accepted.
  2. English proficiency test scores meeting the following minimums:
    TOEFL – 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test)
    IELTS – 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores
    PTE-Academic – 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56
    This requirement may be waived for students from certain countries. Please see the Admissions website for your country-specific requirements.

Upon admission, applicants will be required to submit the following materials Heading link

Domestic Applicants:

  1. Official final set of transcripts stating “degree conferred”  They must be hard copies mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from educational institution where degree was obtained.
  2. University attested copy of Diploma(s) which is referred to as proof of degree; this copy may be turned in person by the applicant to the Office of Admissions.

International Applicants:

  1. Official final set of transcripts stating “degree conferred”  They must be hard copies mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from educational institution where degree was obtained. The student can directly submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions a certified translation of the final “degree conferred” transcripts by mail.
  2. University attested copy of Diploma(s) which is referred to as proof of degree; this copy may be turned in person by the applicant to the Office of Admissions along with a certified translation of the attested copy.
  3. The Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) Form.

Additional Information for Non-Degree Applicants Heading link

Only domestic applicants are allowed to apply as non-degree seeking students.

Only an online application to the Graduate College and transcripts from the applicant’s baccalaureate institution are required.

Questions? Heading link

Any questions about the application process or requirement should be directed to:

Prof. Sara F. Hall Heading link

Director of Graduate Studies for German

Email: sahall@uic.edu

Brenna Rice Heading link

Assistant Director, Academic Operations and Graduate Programs

601 S. Morgan St., 1727 UH,
Phone: (312) 996-6851
Email: brennar@uic.edu

Apply now!