iMSA Admissions

Graduate College Application

All the steps below must be completed online through the University of Illinois Graduate College application.

Academic Credentials

Applicants must upload their academic credentials (transcripts, marksheets, certificates of degree, etc.) as required by the Graduate College. For the application review process, applicants do not need to submit official academic credentials; unofficial or scanned credentials are acceptable. If admitted, however, you will be required to submit official academic credentials. When uploading your academic credentials, please keep the following in mind:

• Credential evaluations (such as WES or ECE) are not accepted.
• Uploaded credentials must include applicant’s name, institution name, and a transcript legend, grade scale, or grade criteria.
• For domestic degrees, your transcript must have your degree awarded information and the date your degree was conferred.
• For international degrees, you must include the certificate of degree.
• If the credentials were originally in a language other than English, credentials in native language and English must be uploaded.
• If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree at the time of application, we will review your application based on the in-progress unofficial transcripts you have uploaded.

Resume

Your professional resume should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), internship experience, educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Technical resumes are not required. Please limit your resume to two pages.

Essay Prompts

All degree applicants will be required to submit both an academic statement and a series of short answer personal statements. Exact essay prompts can be found within the graduate application.

• Academic statement: A 300-500 word statement that addresses three questions noted in the application.
• Short answer personal statements: A maximum of 250 words that address 2-4 questions noted in the application.
• Program essay: Learners applying to stack their first Gies degree into the iMBA will complete a program stacking essay of 300-500 words and short answer personal statement 1 and 2.

Video Essay

You will need to complete a short video essay consisting of three questions. You will have 2 minutes for the video, and you are allowed two attempts. If you encounter any issues, please reach out to our team for assistance.

References

Two references are required. Once contact information is entered into your application, an email is sent to your references where they will be asked to complete a short form describing their professional relationship with you. A letter of recommendation can also be submitted but is not required. It is preferred that at least one of your references is a current or former supervisor. Reference forms can be received after an application is submitted. Applicants cannot submit references on their own behalf.

English Proficiency Scores

(International applicants only) If you are a non-native English speaker or do not meet one of the Graduate College’s exemptions, you will need to upload your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores directly to your application. If you do not have scores and do not meet an exemption, you may also upload an essay requesting an exemption. Please note that if your test scores fall within the limited status range, you will be admitted to the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT) program to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

Prerequisite Coursework Form

A completed prerequisite coursework form is required for admissions. For Fall 2025 admissions, a one to two course sequence in principles of accounting and a business management course are required. Effective Spring 2026, a one to two course sequence in principles of accounting and an introductory finance course will be required. College course credit or a certificate of completion from a known online course provider is accepted. If you are missing prerequisites, please visit our FAQ page to view a list of recommended courses.

Optional Materials

GMAT or GRE score (optional): The GMAT or GRE is not required for the application, but you are welcome to submit scores to supplement your application. Unofficial scores can be loaded into your application, but your official GMAT scores must be sent directly to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Institution Code – 1836.

Transfer Request Form: Requests for transfer credits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed even if the following criteria are met. A maximum of 12 credit hours can be transferred. Transfer requests can be submitted after an application is submitted.

• Institution must be AACSB accredited 
• Course(s) cannot have been previously applied toward a degree or other transcripted credential
• Course(s) must have been taken at the graduate level
• Course(s) must have been completed within the past 4 years
• Student must have earned an A- or better
• A maximum of 12 credit hours will be approved for transfer

Scholarships: After submitting your application, you will have the option to submit an application for the Gies Online Coursera Scholarship (All iDegrees) and the Forte Fellowship (iMBA Only). Applications must be received by the scholarship deadline for the term.