Welcome
At the University of Chicago, we are committed to creating a diverse campus community. All students who apply, regardless of citizenship are considered for admission and for every type of private financial aid the University offers.
The University of Chicago has, from its inception, been a place where the best and brightest minds from around the world can gather to shape, ideas, produce new knowledge, and contribute to the betterment of human life. Our community has been deliberately inclusive, because it is from the widest possible range of perspectives and viewpoints that the most innovative ideas can be proposed, tested and debated. We are committed to assembling a community of talented individuals regardless of their backgrounds, finanical circumstances, or national origins.
In this context, the University of Chicago considers for admission students from around the world. All students who apply, regardless of citizenship, are considered for admission to the University and for every type of private financial aid which the University offers. In accordance with the law, the University admits and enrolls undocumented students and uses private funds to provide financial aid to support their studies.
We maintain lists of Frequently Asked Questions and Campus & Community Resources. For the most up-to-date information about programs and resources, we encourage you to join the Student Support Services mailing list.
The Undocumented Student Ally Training provides participants with tools, and promising practices to support undocumented communities, with a focus on UChicago students. Open to members of the campus community who identify as allies or would like to be identified as allies, including students, administrators, and educators.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of upcoming training dates.
To request a training session for you or a group, please contact studentsupport@uchicago.edu.
- For questions specific to undergraduate undocumented students, please contact ccss@uchicago.edu.
- For questions specific to graduate/professional undocumented students, please contact studentsupport@uchicago.edu.
The Immigration Working Group currently includes the following members:
- Nick Seamons, Chair of the Immigration Working Group, Executive Director, Office of International Affairs and Assistant Dean of Students in the University
- Cindy Agustín, Director, Student Support Services
- Michael Hayes, Interim Dean of Students in the University
- James Heller, Director, Undergraduate Financial Aid
- Talaya LeGette, Assistant Dean of Students in the College and Director, Center for College Student Success
- Beth Niestat, Assistant Provost and Executive Director, UChicagoGRAD Administration & Policy
- Ravi Randhava, Associate Dean of Students in the University and Executive Director, Center for Identity + Inclusion
- Elizabeth Shanin, Interim Vice President and General Counsel
- Rachael Ward, Deputy Director, Career Advancement and Director, Finance and Administration
The University of Chicago has a long tradition of seeking and admitting the best and brightest students. The links below include a compilation of statements UChicago has issued addressing and supporting the admission and enrollment of undocumented students on campus.
- Update on Injunction, January 2018
- Campaign of Support, Autumn 2017
- On Campus Resources for Students, September 2017
- Letter to President Trump Regarding DACA, September 2, 2017
- Update on Supporting International and Undocumented Students, Staff and Scholars, January 4, 2017
- President Zimmer adds signature to the College and University President's Statement in support of DACA program and undocumented students.
- Updated message to the university community regarding undocumented and international students, November 18, 2016.
- Updated message regarding undocumented students, August 23, 2012
- Message from Office of International Affairs, June 13, 2012
- Message regarding undocumented students, Oct. 7, 2010
- University of Chicago’s Behind the News page
At the University of Chicago, we welcome the brightest minds and boldest thinkers of tomorrow to our campus, regardless of their financial background. Undocumented and DACAmented prospective students interested in attending the University of Chicago are encouraged to apply for admission. You are welcome to attend a free UChicago session in your area to hear more information on the selective admissions process and how to apply for financial aid.
The University of Chicago is deeply committed to ensuring that students from every background, regardless of financial need, will find a home here. We offer need-based financial aid that meets 100% of your family’s demonstrated need, as well as merit scholarships. The No Barriers program allows UChicago students to graduate debt-free and prepared for lifelong success—no matter their chosen major or background prior to enrolling in The College. We will work with your family to create a comprehensive aid package that fits your circumstances and ensures that a UChicago education is within your reach. Learn more about the grants, scholarships, and programs that help families like yours thrive in the UChicago community.
Prospective applicants to the College should send inquires to Veronica Hauad, Deputy Director of Admissions/Deputy Director for Access, Affordability, and Inclusion at hauadv@uchicago.edu or 773.834.0304.
At the graduate level, the University of Chicago is characterized by its unique organizational structure, with more than 100 graduate programs in four graduate divisions and seven professional and the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies.
Both graduate research and professional training have been part of UChicago's history from nearly the beginning. As a student in any one of these programs, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of academic and co-curricular offerings across campus, and to be part of a graduate student body nearly 10,000 strong.
Each graduate division and professional school has their own admissions application and process. Click on the links below to learn more about each of them.
Graduate Divisions
- Biological Sciences Division
- Humanities Division
- Institute for Molecular Engineering
- Physical Sciences Division
- Social Sciences Division
Professional Schools
Resources for Undocumented Students and Communities during the Covid-19 Crisis:
Below are several resources that provide support for undocumented students and students who have been granted DACA. We welcome suggestions for additional resources. Please email studentsupport@uchicago.edu.
Local Resources
- Chicago Legal Clinic: Provides legal assistance in adjustment of status, DACA, asylum applications, and naturalization.
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: Equips migrants with resources regarding healthcare access, education initiatives, language assistance, policy changes, and rights awareness.
- The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling and their College Advising Guide for Undocumented Students: Advises undocumented students on obtaining financial aid, communicating with college admissions and navigating the system of higher education as a parent or student.
- DACA Not-for-Profit Referral List – Legal services providers compiled by the Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic in connection with the Chicago DACA Collaborative
- Recommended mental health resources in the city: Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health and National Alliance on Mental Illness, Chicago
National Resources
- Educators for Fair Consideration: Connects undocumented students to legal services, leadership trainings, mental health support, and resource guides for navigating multiple spheres
- Migration Policy Institute: Provides to date migration policy research on the national and global level
- National Immigrant Justice Center: Provides comprehensive legal services and legal trainings to refugee, asylum seeking, and undocumented individuals.
- National Immigration Law Center: Information on legal rights, education, economic support, news releases, and training opportunities.
- United We Dream: Empowers immigrant youth through various justice initiatives, undocumented toolkits, research, and fellowships
- Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth. A guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. U.S. Department of Education: Information on scholarships, school counselors, financial aid eligibility, and legal guidelines
- My Undocumented Life: A blog led by undocumented students providing advice on scholarships, applications for higher education, news, and personal accounts.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Resources
- USCIS Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Up to date DACA changes as well as information on filing, fee exeptions, and renewals
- USCIS FAQs for DACA
- DACA Renewal Information
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Tool Kit: Resources for Community Partners