The University of Illinois has a web-based application. On the Graduate College's
application website, you will find information, application instructions, and the link to the application itself.

Please select EITHER the application for the ONLINE program or the one for CAMPUS-BASED Program. Send audio/video materials as email attachments to slclgradservices@illinois.edu.

In your online application packet, you will be asked to submit:

  • Three letters of recommendation from referees who can provide information on your likelihood of success in our MA program;
  • Resume or CV;
  • Transcripts (with English translations, if applicable) showing all undergraduate and graduate courses taken and grades received. Transcripts received from foreign institutions should be accompanied by a Certificate of Degree or Diploma. Please consult the information here for information on minimum Grade Point Average required for admission;
  • A Statement of Purpose. This short (~ 500 words) personal essay is a crucial component of your application. In it, you should explain why you are interested in translation and interpreting studies, how completion of our program will help you to reach your individual professional and academic goals, and why you are applying to our program in particular. Your statement should also specify:
    • besides English, which language you intend to work with in your translation/interpreting courses
    • which of the three specializations offered (interpreting, literary translation, or translation for the professions) interests you most at this time
  • All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the score report of their TOEFL-IBT or IELTS as evidence of their English proficiency. Please consult the information here for details about minimum scores required for admission, and exemptions to the TOEFL-IBT requirement.

    • We will contact applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission to schedule the last step of the application process, which is a short video conversation. During this conversation, you will meet two members of our faculty. We will converse with you both in English and in the other language in which you plan to work during your MA degree.  The conversation will last around 15 minutes, and will be recorded and kept in your application file.