Master of Science in Financial Engineering

Application Process and Timeline

Application Instructions

The application system is now closed for the Fall 2025 intake.  Our system will open for the next application cycle on November 1.

**Please note:  Our application system is used by all Graduate Programs at UIUC.  Please refer to the instructions below when completing your application as the instructions provided on the application may differ depending on the program you're applying to.  

  • 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 unofficial transcripts and degree certificates to your application.
  • Provide official GRE or GMAT scores, if including them with your application. They are not required.
  • 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 your most recent resume with dates of employment (note: work experience in this field is not required to apply). 
  • Provide an Academic Statement of Purpose. **Please note:  The online application asks for a personal statement of up to 500 words.  For MSFE applicants, please limit your statement to 300 words. This document should be uploaded to your application. 
    • How has your academic and professional background, including any professional training, prepared you for graduate study?
    • How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
    • What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
  • Provide responses to the Personal Statement Short Answer Essay prompts on the application: 
    • Personal Statements 1 & 2 are required and should be limited to 250 words. 
    • Personal Statements 3 & 4 are optional and should be limited to 250 words.
  • Upload a short video, no more than 2 minutes in length.  Videos should be uploaded to the application.  We can not accept a link to an outside platform or website to view your video.  Please answer the following prompts in your video essay:
    • "Why do you feel you are best suited for the MS Financial Engineering Program?"
    • "What are your career goals after completing our program?"
  • Answer all other required prompts and questions on the application.

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

December 12, 2024
January 16, 2025
February 13, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 1, 2025
 
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 
 
Only completed applications will be reviewed at each round.  All materials must be received in order for an application to be reviewed.  If the application becomes complete after the deadline, your application will be reviewed in the next round. 
 
There are no priority deadlines for the MSFE Program.
 
Please refer to our Admissions page for a full list of application and admission requirements.
 

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