Transfer Admissions
Transfer to a hub of collaborative innovation
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign embraces the unique experiences and diverse perspectives that our transfer students bring to campus. As you consider continuing your education at Grainger Engineering, our Transfer Programs staff is here to assist you and keep the transfer admissions process all about you - because it's all about where you see yourself, and we hope to see you at Grainger Engineering.
Transfer Admissions Requirements Contact Transfer Programs
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Transfer Application Process
At Grainger Engineering, you apply directly to your engineering major of interest. Early planning it is important to make your application competitive and to ensure you make adequate progress toward degree requirements. Reach out to Transfer Programs for assistance with course planning as early as your first semester.
Dates and Deadlines
Application Filing Period: December 15 – March 1
Notification: By March/April
All engineering transfer applications are submitted through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer applicants apply to UIUC through myIllini.
Any transfer student interested in completing a major, including a dual degree, in The Grainger College of Engineering must apply and be admitted directly into the college at time of transfer. Transfer students entering other colleges on campus are not eligible for later admission/on-campus transfer to the Pre-Engineering Program (PREP) or Grainger Engineering. No exceptions will be granted.
Transfer Applications will open Dec. 15, 2023 .
- Select a program of study that best fits your skills, interests, and goals.
- Review and gather all application requirements to prepare for each stage of the application process.
- Complete the online application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
- Check your application status. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will notify you via email when your application decision is ready.
Transfer Admissions Requirements
To be considered for transfer admission to The Grainger College of Engineering, all applicants must complete transfer coursework equivalent to the following University of Illinois courses prior to application:
- CHEM 102 and 103, General Chemistry I
- CHEM 104 and 105, General Chemistry II*
- MATH 220, Calculus, or MATH 221, Calculus I
- MATH 231, Calculus II
- MATH 241, Calculus III
- PHYS 211, University Physics: Mechanics
- PHYS 212, University Physics: Elec & Mag
- One of the following, as recommend by the program of study in the Transfer Handbook:
- CS 101, Intro Computing: Engineering & Science, or
- CS 124, Intro to Computer Science I, or
- CS 125, Intro to Computer Science, or
- ECE 110, Introduction to Electronics, or
- MCB 150, Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life, or
- SE 101, Engineering Graphics and Design, or
- ME 170, Computer-Aided Design
*Specifically required only for the following Programs of Study: Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, and Materials Science and Engineering. A full year of chemistry may be required, regardless of major, depending on course transferability from the current institution. Please note: AP Chemistry awards credit for the lecture only — applicants are responsible for completing the full lecture and lab sequence(s).
Students are highly encouraged to complete additional courses that will transfer to their desired program of study to have the most competitive application for admission.
An Alternative Pathway to Grainger Engineering
For students interested in starting their engineering journey to at an Illinois community college, Engineering Pathways offers a streamlined transfer experience and guaranteed admission to the Grainger College of Engineering, upon successful completion of program requirements.
Participants may be admitted to 18 Grainger Engineering programs and have access to specialized student support services.
Application Review
The Grainger College of Engineering is home to some of the most accomplished problem solvers, academic powerhouses, social collaborators and critical, creative thinkers in engineering. Accordingly, we review all applications holistically, considering each aspect of the individual when making admissions decisions. By evaluating your academic achievements and personal aspirations, we strive to create a review process that is both fair and tailored to your individual needs.
Overall and Technical GPA
Grainger Engineering generally expects applicants to have a minimum of 3.00 overall GPA (A=4.00), but admission to specific majors may be significantly more competitive during any given admission cycle. In the fall of 2022, the average transfer GPA for admitted students was 3.86, with the middle 50% of GPAs ranging from 3.78–4.00.
Applicants should demonstrate mastery of subject matter by earning a B or better (3.00–4.00) in all prerequisite courses.
Technical Coursework and Academic Rigor
All applicants should complete as many technical courses listed in the Transfer Handbook as possible. Successful applicants demonstrate course progression and rigor consistent with suggested sequences for the major(s) selected, taking a minimum number of technical courses (three to four) and credit hours (15+) each semester. Applicants should also complete all required coursework and at least one semester with four technical courses and 15+ credit hours completed before applying.
If an applicant is unable to complete a listed course or maintain a full-time schedule due to any reason, please address in the "Other Academic Information – Academic Challenges" section of the online application.
Essay
Grainger Engineering seeks applicants who are excited to showcase their unique talents and to take advantage of our cutting-edge resources to fulfill their goals. Transfer applicants apply directly to their intended Grainger Engineering major and will provide one to two essays, depending on a second-choice major has been selected. Essays should be 300 to 400 words each.
View our transfer admissions essay questions .
Activities and Work Experience
Tell your story by sharing your involvement with extracurricular, work and volunteer experiences. We want to know more about who you are and what personal strengths and skills you will bring to Grainger Engineering.
High School Transcript and ACT/SAT Scores
For applicants with less than 30 graded credit hours, we review high school and college-level coursework, alongside ACT and SAT scores, if submitted, for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there someone who can assist me with schedule planning?
Yes! We know navigating the transfer process can be challenging, so our program staff members are here to help. You can work with a transfer programs advisor by emailing engineeringtransfers@illinois.edu and including the name of your current college/university, major(s) of interest, intended transfer semester (fall terms only) and an attachment of an unofficial transcript of any college coursework completed or in progress. We encourage you to contact us early in your college career to discuss transfer requirements due to our competitive admissions process.
Is there a limit to how many credit hours I can transfer?
While the policy varies by college, there is no limit to the number of credit hours you can transfer, and a high number of credit hours earned does not negatively impact your admissions process. Regardless of credit hours transferred, all students must complete the campus residency requirement, which specifies that each bachelor’s degree candidate from UIUC must earn at least 60 semester hours of credit, with 21 credit hours of 300- or 400-level courses.
As a transfer student, am I eligible for the James Scholar Honors Program?
Transfer students who complete an initial full-time semester on campus (fall or spring) and have a UIUC GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply for the James Scholar Honors Program.
Can I use test-based credit (AP, IB, etc.) to fulfill transfer requirements?
We strongly encourage you to fulfill admission requirements by earning graded, transferable credit, as test-based credit policies are not finalized until after the incoming student admissions cycle is complete, and these policies can and do change often.
I already earned a bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to apply for a second bachelor’s degree?
Yes, we accept second bachelor’s degree applications for consideration; however, we give priority to students seeking their first bachelor’s degree for limited-capacity majors. If you completed your first bachelor’s degree from a different institution, continue as a transfer applicant; but if you earned your first bachelor’s degree from the UIUC, contact Grainger Transfer Programs for information on how to proceed. Our guidelines and course requirements established in the Transfer Handbook, alongside transfer admissions dates and deadlines, apply to all transfer applicants.
Can I change majors after being admitted as a transfer student to Grainger Engineering?
The Transfer Programs staff must approve major change requests, evaluating them on a case-by-case basis. Due to space constraints, the college does not permit dual-degree petitions or major change requests to Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Grainger Engineering may consider a major change within the same department for students admitted to Electrical or Computer Engineering with limited exposure to the introductory courses at their previous institution (e.g., ECE 110, 120, 210, 220). For questions about declaring a major outside of Grainger Engineering, please contact the respective college or academic department.