The University of Illinois Springfield is a public university in the University of Illinois System, in the state capital. It is best known for computer science, data analytics, public administration, business and political science, with small classes, internships in state government and low tuition. Choose it for an affordable University of Illinois degree with strong public-sector links.
Springfield, Illinois, United States
Official website: uis.edu
Top 10 public (U.S. News)
One of three universities in the system, with Urbana-Champaign and Chicago
Graduate Public Service Internship programme with Illinois state agencies
Around 4,000 students
$18,000 – $24,000
International students, non-resident undergraduate and master's rates
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uis.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Data Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Management Information Systems
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Master of Public Administration
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
State capital location — internships in the Illinois legislature and state agencies.
Computer science and data analytics — popular with international master's students.
Small classes within the University of Illinois System.
Abraham Lincoln's home town, with historic sites across Springfield.
Graduates join State Farm, Caterpillar, Illinois state agencies, Memorial Health and Chicago's tech firms.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Public administration alumni work in state and local government across the Midwest.
Data analytics graduates move into IT and analyst roles.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The 746-acre campus sits on the south-east edge of Springfield, with the library, student union, classrooms and on-campus apartments close together and a lake nearby.
Springfield is the Illinois state capital, a city of about 115,000 with very low rent and Lincoln historic sites. Chicago and St. Louis are each about three and a half and one and a half hours away.
Form I-20 issued by UIS
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduate admission is rolling, and international applicants should apply by 1 June 2027 for fall and 1 November 2026 for spring. Graduate deadlines are set by each programme, with most computing and business master's closing about three to four months before each term.
Undergraduates can start in fall (August) or spring (January). Computer science, data analytics, management information systems, the MBA and public administration master's admit for both fall and spring. Check your programme's page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. The Office of International Student Services issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, data analytics, management information systems, the MBA and public administration attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5; the GRE is not required for most programmes.
Yes. International undergraduates can receive merit scholarships based on their grades, and graduate students can apply for graduate assistantships, which include a tuition waiver and stipend. Check the university's financial aid pages for current amounts.
