MFA in Art
at The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago

4.0 /5

(7 Reviews)

Shiksha popularity ranking

#291 in World

#66 in USA

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MFA in Art
at
UIC
Overview

MFA in Art offered at The University of Illinois at Chicago is a PG level course, which is considered the top-ranked course across the university and the country. Students who are willing to apply, can pursue the course within the duration of 18 to 24 months.

International students applying at The University of Illinois at Chicago for the MFA in Art, need to submit the necessary documents as per the department and the course including the qualification proof along with test scores of exams including IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Additionally, it is recommended that the students apply for the course before the deadlines as the seats available at the university for the course are limited.

The The University of Illinois at Chicago tuition fees for MFA in Art for the first-year international student is USD 31,548. In addition to the tuition fees students need to look into other various factors that are necessary to manage their stay during the study at the university, which include the other necessary costs, covering accommodation costs, hostel fees, food, books, supplies, utilities, etc. The average cost of living at The University of Illinois at Chicago is USD 13,690.

Duration	1.5 - 2 years
Tuition & Fees	₹28.70 Lakh Get Fees details
International Students Admission Website	Go to Website
Official Career Service Website	Go to Website
Course Level	PG Degree

MFA in Art

Table of content

Overview
Fees
Entry Requirements
Rankings
Placements
Highlights
Scholarships

MFA in Art
at
UIC
Fees

The University of Illinois at Chicago fee structure for a MFA in Art includes the mandatory payment of the first-year tuition fee. Apart from the tuition costs, students must also plan for some additional costs associated with living in USA, including rent, utilities, food, health insurance and some other expenses. The overall annual cost of living is around USD 13,690. The overall expenses may vary based on the standard of living students opt for and some additional charges asked by The University of Illinois at Chicago. The overall first year tuition fee for a MFA in Art is around USD 31,548.

For more info regarding the fee breakup for a MFA in Art from The University of Illinois at Chicago, refer the table below:

1st year tuition fees

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Tuition & fees	INR 28,69,883

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Hostel & Meals	INR 12,75,849
Insurance	INR 1,64,594

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 88.73 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 7ᵗʰ October 2025

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MFA in Art
at
UIC
Entry Requirements

Requirements for 12th grade Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned

Graduation Lock Icon

CGPA - 3/4
Applicants must hold a Bachelors degree in any disciple from accrediated university or institute

At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study

India specific:
4-6 year bachelor

master following completion of 3 year bachelor

completion of a bachelor followed by certain postgraduate diplomas

Postgrad diplomas are all evaluated individually
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GPA

Percentage

CGPA

3 year degree accepted Lock Icon

N/A
3 years degree can be acceptable if applicant also have done Master's program

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TOEFL

Marks - 92/120
TOEFL 92, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21

Register for TOEFL iBT® Test Today and get Rs 500 Off. Use code SHIKTOEFL to avail the discount. Hurry Register now for TOEFL
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PTE

Marks - 54/90
PTE-Academic54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.

IELTS

Marks - 6.5/9
With minimum 6 in each band

Get a Full FREE IELTS Prep Course with Shiksha Study Abroad – Limited Seats for Weekend & Weekday Batches! Register now for IELTS

Other eligibility criteria Lock Icon

Individuals who apply must demonstrate an advanced level of competence in the arts (painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, social practice, mixed media, interdisciplinary arts, photography, film/video, and new media arts) through their portfolio submission
a portfolio of 12 images of current work demonstrating proficiency in their area of study
Prerequisites and/or technical experience specific to this field of study may be required prior to entrance

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Which exams out of the above do I need to give?

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MFA in Art
at
UIC
Rankings

University Ranking

Rank	Rank Publisher
#84	National University US News & World Report, 2026
#334	World University QS, 2026
#201	University THE (Times Higher Education), 2025

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MFA in Art
at
UIC
Placements

Particulars	Statistics (2025)
Internship Available	Yes

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The University of Illinois at Chicago
Students Ratings & Reviews

4/5

3 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

29% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Friendly

Sporty

Easy going

Internships3.3

Part time work4.7

Post study jobs4

Quality of faculty4

Student Life4

Value for money4

Public transportation5

Safety3.3

Indian Food4

Permanent Immigration3.3

Shobhit Srivastava Verified Icon

BS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2021

Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago

4.4

It’s a fun filled and academically driven college.

Tips: The students should know that there are a lot of facilities available on campus for students to access. Ranging from academic to non-academic and extracurricular, so to be involved in any of them the students should know that they can reach out to the faculty as well.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3457

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75957

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2023Read more

Rohan Rajesh Wangikar Verified Icon

MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024

Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago

4.4

Moving here has been smooth

Tips: The transition from India to moving here has been good. I experienced no cultural shift as there are many Indians here as well. The staff provides no special facilities as such for Indian students but there are orientations. One should know where to stay and what areas to avoid in Chicago. What courses to go for is an important decision. Also, an internship requires extra fees. College students should know about the UIC global situation. No prior courses are required to settle into this course.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 873

Prepping time for classes9 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2023Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

Anonymous

BS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024

Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago

4.3

A diverse, supportive, and career-focused university experience.

Tips: The initial transition can be challenging due to the cultural and academic differences, but the support systems in place are really helpful. I didn’t receive a scholarship, but there were many part-time job opportunities to support my expenses. The coursework is intensive, but very rewarding. I'm very satisfied with the quality of teaching, the diversity on campus, and the career opportunities after graduation.

Likes (Student Life): Student life is vibrant and inclusive. I attend lectures, join group studies, and actively participate in clubs like the Entrepreneurship Club and International Students’ Association. Regular cultural events and career fairs make campus life engaging, with great support for academics and well-being.

Dislikes (Indian Food): While there are a few Indian restaurants around, they are often on the expensive side for a student budget. Most serve North Indian cuisine with limited South Indian options. On average, a meal outside can cost anywhere between USD 12 to 20. Because of limited variety and high pricing, I mostly prefer cooking at home. Grocery stores do carry basic Indian spices and ingredients, so it’s manageable if you’re comfortable cooking.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 0

Prepping time for classes18 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 52000

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more

Anonymous

Bachelor of Science in Disability and Human Development - Batch of 2023

Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago

4.4

Great support from faculty and management.

Tips: I have received a scholarship. I had a lot of opportunities like sports activities an industry-relevant curriculum, and strong career placement support, which ultimately translated to a significant return on investment for students entering the competitive job market. All faculty were very supportive and helpful. The tuition fee for my course is largely justified considering the high quality of education provided, including access to specialized faculty, advanced technology, industry-relevant curriculum, and strong career placement support. I can now see the benefits and have no regrets about my decision to study here. Overall, I am satisfied with my experiences.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5975

Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 103825

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2025Read more

Gargi

MS in Construction Engineering and Management - Batch of 2024

Offered by The University of Illinois at Chicago

2.6

University is amazing, but don’t be a Global Student.

Tips: Never apply through Shiksa or any other agency and become a Global Student. I joined UIC via SHIKSHA and I am a research assist currently with 100% tuition waiver, but that was taken away from me only because I am a global student, who did not pay application fees.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1702

Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 60532

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2023Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

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MFA in Art
at
UIC
Highlights

UIC's MFA degree is an intense, exhilarating, and dynamic program. It is positioned within Chicago’s largest Research Public University and reflects the values of inclusion that public civic institutions are designed to offer.
The curriculum is intended to provide a rich theoretical and conceptual background meant to deepen MFA candidates’ studio practice—and to help cultivate vital work within an interdisciplinary context that reflects the global art world.
MFA candidates work with active and committed artists and faculty, develop lasting peer relationships, and also have opportunities to engage in the classroom with the Art Department’s diverse undergraduates.