About University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public research university in the heart of Chicago and part of the University of Illinois System. Its origins go back to the Chicago College of Pharmacy (1859), and it became part of the University of Illinois in 1913.
UIC is Chicago's largest university, with about 36,000 students (fall 2025) in 16 colleges. It is an R1 research university and is home to one of the largest medical schools in the US; about one in eight doctors in Illinois trained there. It is also strong in engineering, computer science, business and public health.
- Founded
- 1913 (roots from 1859)
- Type
- Public
- Students
- 35,869 (fall 2025)
- Colleges
- 16
- Research
- R1
All courses at University of Illinois Chicago (175)
Undergraduate (65)
Postgraduate (110)
Rankings & recognition
UIC is an R1 (very high research activity) university and was ranked 82nd among US national universities by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023 rankings.
Location: Chicago, USA
Chicago, USA
UIC's campus is on the Near West Side of Chicago, just west of downtown (the Loop), with excellent public transport. Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, a major centre for finance, healthcare and technology, with a large South Asian community along Devon Avenue.
For international students
UIC welcomes students from Pakistan for bachelor's and master's programmes, especially in engineering, computer science, business and public health. The main intakes are August (fall) and January (spring). You will need academic transcripts and an English test such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.
After admission, the university issues a Form I-20, which you use to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for an F-1 student visa at the US Embassy or Consulate. On an F-1 visa you can usually work on campus part-time, and after graduating you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months, plus up to 24 more months for eligible STEM degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Where is UIC?
UIC is on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, close to downtown.
Is UIC a good university?
Yes. UIC is a public R1 research university with one of the largest medical schools in the US.
What are the UIC intakes?
Most programmes start in August (fall), and some in January (spring).
Can Pakistani students apply to UIC?
Yes. Contact us on WhatsApp and we will help with the application, I-20 and F-1 visa.
Sources: uic.edu, en.wikipedia.org