How to Apply | Center for African Studies

Proven academic ability and Africanist interest are critical for admission. Successful applicants should have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0=A) calculated for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work. International applicants must have a TOEFL score of over 550 (or over 213 on the computer-based test). The Center does not require GRE scores.

In order to make good use of an interdisciplinary program, students must be highly motivated and focused on the field of African studies. Consequently, careful attention is given to the clarity of the statement of purpose when admissions decisions are made. Applicants are welcome to submit writing samples, portfolios, or other supplemental materials that they feel would aid the admissions committee in making its determination. Such supplemental materials may be useful when the center seeks assistantships for students.

Because of the Center's size and its relationship to other departments, only a limited number of students can be admitted into the masters program. Unfortunately, to admit every qualified applicant would over-burden the Center's administrative capacity and its core faculty. Consequently, only the most promising of our applicants can be admitted. Budget constraints often leave the Center unable to fund all talented students who are admitted. The Center considers a graduate student population of 5-10 to be ideal.

To be considered for admission for Fall Semester 2023 (August) and to be considered for funding, apply by Friday, January 10, 2025. Rolling applications accepted until Friday, May 2, 2025.

Application Procedures

All applicants are required to submit the following:

1. An application for admission to the Graduate College. For information about the application process and to access both domestic and international student applications start here: Graduate and Professional Admissions. Please note the online graduate application is part of the ApplyYourself Application Network. You will receive a PIN and Password so that you can return to work on your application over several sessions. Your information is transmitted through a secured server and is kept confidential until you submit your application.

2. A statement of purpose describing your proposed academic program and plans for a professional career. Please also include a discussion of your intent to study an indigenous African language(s) and how language study relates to your academic and professional objectives in African Studies. The Statement of Purpose should be uploaded as an attachment to the online application for admission.

3. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework should be mailed to:

Center for African Studies

Illinois Global Institute at University of Illinois

125 Coble Hall
801 S. Wright Street
Champaign, IL 61820, USA

Please note that only official, sealed copies of transcripts will be accepted.

4. Three letters of recommendation to the Admissions Committee at the Center for African Studies should be submitted online as part of the online application.

5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: The GRE is not required for admission to the African Studies program. However, the GRE is a requirement for all students who wish to apply for a Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship.

International students must also submit:

6. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores.

7. Evidence of financial resources which includes: A completed University of Illinois Declaration and Certification of Finances form, including the original signature of your sponsor. Neither photocopies nor facsimile copies of this form are acceptable.

AND one of the following:

An official bank statement or letter showing sufficient funds for at least one year of study. Photocopies of this statement are not acceptable. The account holder name on the bank statement must match the name of your sponsor as listed on the Declaration and Certification of Finances form. The statement must also be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

Original, official, signed Letter of Sponsorship from an employer or governmental agency, including the monetary amount of sponsorship and expenses covered (including dependents' expenses, if applicable), and length of sponsorship. If a Letter of Sponsorship is submitted, no Declaration of Finances form is required.