Application Process and Timeline

Application Checklist

• Complete an online application.
• Pay application fee as part of your online application ($70 domestic/$90 international).  We are unable to provide a fee waiver for international applicants.  Domestic applicants may see if they qualify for a fee waiver here.
• Upload certified transcripts and degree certificates to your application.
• Provide official GRE or GMAT scores, if including them with your application.
• Provide 3 letters of reference.  They must be sent electronically from a university or company email address, be signed and appear on official letterhead.
• Provide a resume with exact dates of employment (note: work experience is NOT required to apply).
• Provide a purpose statement: In 300 words or less, describe your area of interest and what your goals are upon completion of the MSFE program.  **Please note:  The online application asks for a personal statement of 1000 words.  For MSFE applicants, please limit your statement to 300 words.
• Provide a short video, no more than 2 minutes in length, describing the following prompts:
  • "Why do you feel you are best suited for the MS Financial Engineering Program?"
  • "What are your career goals after completing our program?"

Application Review Dates for the Fall 2025 Cohort (see deadlines here):

No applications will be accepted after APRIL 15th, 11:00PM CST.

Send all ETS scores to:
TOEFL: Institution Code 1836, Department 99
GRE: Institution Code 1836, Department: leave blank

Send GMAT scores to:
Reporting Option: Univ. of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign - MSFE

Questions? Email msfe-apply@illinois.edu