Applying to NIU

Thank you for your interest in applying to a graduate program at NIU. All application materials must be uploaded through our online system. Be sure to review additional information about the application process if you're an international student or a student-at-large.

Time to apply

About 15 minutes, with careful preparation.

Cost to apply

• $60 for degree-seeking students
• $25 for select programs with the CAS application (Athletic Training, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Speech Pathology, Audiology)
• $10 for students-at-large (non-degree-seeking)

Graduate school application deadlines

• Fall: July 15 (May 1 for international applicants)
• Spring: Dec. 10 (Oct. 1 for international applicants)
• Summer: June 1

Application fee waiver

Payment for the application fee must accompany the submission of the application.

The following individuals are exempt from payment of the application fee:

• Individuals who received a GRE or GMAT fee reduction or fee waiver
• McNair Scholars
• Qualified veterans under the Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG) Program

How to Apply

1. Select Your Program
   • Select the graduate program in which you wish to apply.
   • Take note of the program's application requirements and its application deadline, the date by which you must submit all application materials.
2. Gather Your Application Materials
   The following items are required for graduate admission. Additional materials may be required by your program.
   • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
   • 2.75 undergraduate GPA (on 4.0 scale)
   • Unofficial transcripts
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Statement of purpose
   • Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
   Read complete details on application materials.
3. Check in With Your References
   Your references are people who will write letters of recommendation for you. You should ask them if they are willing to write a letter before you begin the application process.
4. Start Your Online Application
   When you start your application, you'll be asked to do the following:
   • Provide required information.
   • Enter email addresses for your references and trigger an email to be sent to them.
   • Upload required materials
5. Finalize and Submit Your Application
   Double check your work. Verify that you have chosen the correct program of study. Pay the application fee online as part of the submission process. If you save your application before you submit it, you can log back in to continue working on it. After you submit your application, you can log back in to view a checklist of materials and upload any you still need to submit.

• Admission
  • Graduate Admission Overview
  • Apply to the Graduate School
  • Application Materials
  • After Admission
  • Virtual Orientation

  Campus Safety

  NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. See the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF).

  Additional file formats and information about the annual report are available on the Clery website. To request a hard copy, please contact the director of Clery Compliance at clerycompliance@niu.edu or 815-753-1649.

  Contact Us

  The Graduate School
  Williston Hall 100

  Northern Illinois University
  1425 West Lincoln Hwy
  DeKalb, IL 60115

  Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.