Incoming international students may have additional requirements. Please read the below information to become familiar with some of the requirements. Our Academic Advisors will email you individual information during your new student registration appointment and you will also receive information from the campus (and in myillini). It is important you follow all of the steps to ensure your student status is active and you are completing all requirements for the degree.
We encourage all new international students who do not have English as their first language to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and enroll in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Some students are required to take the EPT and ESL based on their incoming test scores.
ESL courses are designed specifically for non-native English speakers and they assist students with the language, even if you speak fairly fluently. Students who complete these courses do significantly better in their classes and have a better transition. Even if you place out of ESL and into RHET, you may still take the EPT to opt-in for the courses if English was not your first language.
Register and take the EPT as soon as possible to ensure you are prepared for registration. We recommend taking it online during the first available date as space fills quickly. You are unable to register for the ESL course until you take the EPT, and some sections fill quickly.
EPT Information and Registration
Prepare for a successful transition to Illinois by taking LAS 100 in your first semester! The course supports your transition to a new culture and education system, while building your leadership skills and confidence in English and working in diverse groups. The course is 2 credit hours. Speak with your Econ Academic Advisor during New Student Registration to see if this course is a good fit for you! Course Information may be found under LAS 100 in the Course Explorer.
Please read over all of the information on the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Website to find out more about requirements and check-in.
