Master of Science in Financial Engineering

Application Process and Timeline

 

🎓 UIUC Seniors & Recent Graduates

If you are a current UIUC student in your senior year or have recently graduated, please review the UIUC Preferred Pathway Application instructions to receive an application fee waiver with your fast-track application!
 

General Requirements

Note: UIUC uses a unified graduate application system. Please follow these MSFE-specific guidelines below, as instructions may vary by each graduate program.

  • Online Application: Complete and submit the UIUC graduate application.
  • Application Fee: $90 (non-refundable). Domestic applicants can check Fee Waiver Eligibility. Fee waivers are not available for international applicants.
  • Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts and degree certificates directly to the portal.
  • Resume: Upload your most recent resume including dates of employment (prior work experience is not required).
  • Letters of Recommendation: 3 required. Must be submitted electronically by references using an official university or company email address on official letterhead.

Statements & Video Submission

  • Academic Statement of Purpose (Max 300 words):
    Upload as a separate document. Please answer:
    1. How has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study?
    2. How will the MSFE program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
    3. What are your specific academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate study in this program?
  • Personal Statement Short Answer Essays (Max 250 words each):
    • Prompts 1 & 2: Required
    • Prompts 3 & 4: Optional
  • Video Essay (Max 2 minutes):
    Upload directly to the application portal (external links like YouTube/Vimeo cannot be accepted).
    Address the following:
    • "Why do you feel you are best suited for the MS Financial Engineering Program?"
    • "What are your career goals after completing our program?"

Fall 2027 Cohort Admission Cycle - Opening November 1, 2026

Applications are reviewed in rounds throughout the admissions cycle. Only completed applications with all supporting documents will be reviewed.

  Application Deadline
Round 1 December 1, 2026
Round 2 January 1, 2027
Round 3 February 1, 2027
Round 4 March 1, 2027
Final Round April 15, 2027 (11:59 PM CST)
⚖️  No Priority Deadlines: All rounds receive equal consideration.
⚠️ Incomplete Files: If materials arrive after a deadline, your file will automatically roll over to the next review round.

⌛ No applications will be accepted after APRIL 15th, 11:59 PM CST.

Official Test Scores & Codes

GRE/GMAT scores are optional. If you choose to submit scores, use the following institutional reporting details:
  • TOEFL: Institution Code 1836 | Department Code 99
  • GRE: Institution Code 1836 | Department Code (Leave blank)
  • GMAT: Select Univ. of Illinois / Urbana-Champaign - MSFE

💬 Have Questions?  Reach out to our admissions team at msfe-apply@illinois.edu.