Study in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the most populous city in the state of Illinois in the USA - and the third largest city in the country. It’s known for its fast paced metropolitan lifestyle, a hub for business, and a thriving community for the performing arts.

International students are drawn to Chicago for it’s multicultural community and good connections to the rest of the US and the world. It’s a large city that is easy to get around, containing multiple transport options and even free travel through some of the city’s universities’ u-pass.

Studying in a major US city such as Chicago can be expensive. Some programs may cost international students more than $50,000 per year, however this depends on the subject and level of study.

In terms of general living costs Chicago is more expensive than the US average, which is in part down to its popularity. Accommodation off campus can be particularly expensive.

To be admitted as an international student at a Chicago university, you’ll need to meet the university’s specific entry requirements. The requirements will differ between programs, universities and degree levels, but you’ll at least need to have completed secondary education to a good standard.

You’ll also need to prove that your English language skills are good enough to study with English as the language of instruction. You can do this by taking a TOEFL iBT test - the most popular method of academic language testing in the US.

You’ll need to arrange for the correct visa before you can study at a university in Chicago. When you’ve been accepted onto a program and accepted your place, you should apply for your US F1 student visa.