The Illinois LLM program is grounded in the learning partnership approach, where dedicated faculty and staff together with an exceptional student body prepare LLM candidates for success in their professional life. It is a partnership where success will require a student who is committed to professional advancement and is prepared to work towards that goal.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, LLB, or equivalent degree. The bachelor’s degree need not be in law.
To apply, please complete the LLM application available at either LSAC or the University of Illinois Graduate College. To avoid LSAC fees, consider applying through the Graduate College. The application fee has been waived for the coming year.
Application Requirements
Application requirements include:
- Completed application
- Résumé
- Personal statement with prompts
- Statement of purpose
- Certified transcripts and credentials
- One letter of reference
- TOEFL or IELTS or a Duolingo English Test score that is no older than 2 years at the program start date
Certified Transcripts and Academic Credentials
You will be required to upload your transcripts for each institution you have attended; English translations should also be uploaded if the credentials are not in English. Important: All credentials uploaded to the online application are considered unofficial. You will be asked to submit official credentials (transcripts, academic records, diplomas, certificates of degree, etc.) only if you are admitted.
English Proficiency
Unless exempt, all applicants are required to submit an official score from one of the three acceptable below. Test scores are valid for the two years preceding the start date of the program (August for a fall semester start and January for a spring semester start).
| Accepted Tests | Intensive English + LLM Pathway | Regular LLM Program |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition | 70 | 80 |
| IELTS Academic Exam | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 105 | 115 |
Our institution code for TOEFL is 1836.
Please deliver your Duolingo score to “University of Illinois Urbana Champaign – Graduate Admission,” NOT “College of Law.”
Character and Fitness
Foreign-educated applicants who intend to practice law should be aware that admission to the bar in the United States involves character, fitness, and other qualifications. For information on eligibility to take bar examinations and other qualifications, applicants may consult the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Application Process
Rolling Admissions
Applications are considered year-round. To receive maximum consideration for a fall (August) program start, interested candidates should submit their applications by April 1 and for a spring (January) start, candidates should submit their application by September 1. Admissions for Fall 2025 are closed.
Seat Deposit
To hold a place in the incoming LLM class, students are required to pay a non-refundable seat deposit by the deadline date provided.
The I-20 or DS-2019
If you are an international applicant, when your seat deposit is received, the College of Law will review all credentials for University of Illinois I-20/DS-2019 processing. To ensure timely receipt of the I-20/DS-2019, applicants are urged to respond as quickly as possible to any requests for additional documentation.
Once your credentials and file are submitted and approved, your I-20/DS-2019 will be issued by the University of Illinois. This process may take 2 to 4 weeks to complete.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available. This report includes statistics from the previous three years concerning reported crime that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and statistics for fires in on-campus student housing. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and other safety information along with fire safety policies and procedures. You may obtain a hard copy of this report by contacting the Division of Public Safety or by accessing the following website.