Illinois Tech's global partnerships span a range of educational models. Prospective educational partners are encouraged to explore the existing options and to contact Illinois Tech's Assistant Vice President for International Affairs Mariamma Thomas to discuss additional opportunities.
International Partnership Models
A branch campus is a physical campus that is owned or directly managed by the university. It offers academic programs—often full degree programs—that mirror or are equivalent to those on the main campus. These campuses operate under the same accreditation and quality assurance frameworks as the Chicago campus, maintaining the integrity and reputation of Illinois Tech degrees.
A micro campus is a location established through a partnership between Illinois Tech and a local institution, where Illinois Tech degrees are offered and delivered in person. While the instruction takes place at the partner’s facility, the curriculum, academic standards, and degree awarded are all governed by Illinois Tech. This model allows students to earn a full Illinois Tech degree without leaving their home country, while benefiting from in-person learning and local support.
Joint degree programs combine the strengths of two institutions to provide students with a broader educational experience globally. These program formats include courses that are offered online in asynchronous mode and taught by faculty members of both institutions.
Learn more about Illinois Tech's partnership with National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli in India.
Transfer Pathways
Transfer pathways create a means by which undergraduate (bachelor's) and graduate (master's) students can move from a partner institution abroad to a program at Illinois Tech.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Level) Partnership Program Options
| Program Type | Home Institution | Host Institution | Degree(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 + 1 + 1 | 3 years bachelor’s level | 2 years master’s | bachelor’s (home) + master’s (host) |
| 2 + 2 | 2 years bachelor’s level | 2 years bachelor’s | bachelor’s (host) |
| 2 + 2 + 1 | 2 years bachelor’s level | 2 years bachelor’s 1 year master’s | bachelor’s (host) master’s (host) |
Bachelor-Master Partnership Options
| Program Type | Home Institution | Host Institution | Degree(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 + 2 + 1 | 2 years bachelor’s level | 2 years bachelor’s 1 year master’s | bachelor’s (host) master’s (host) |
| 3 + 1 + 1* For select programs | 3 years bachelor’s level | 2 years master’s | bachelor’s (home) + master’s (host) |
Bachelor’s-Level, Non-Degree Options (Engineering/Technology/Science/Applied Math/Business)
| Program Type | Home Institution | Host Institution | Degree(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SURE-IProgram | 3 or 4 years bachelor’s level | summer (6–8 weeks) | bachelor’s (home) |
| Study Abroad | 3 years bachelor’s level | semester/year | bachelor’s (home) |
Graduate (Master’s Level) Partnership Program Options
| Program Type | Home Institution | Host Institution | Degree(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 + 1 | 1 year master’s level | 1 year master’s | master’s (host) |
| 4 or 5 + 1 | 4 years bachelor’s completion | 1 year master’s | master’s (host) |
Immersion Programs
Immersion programs are intensive experiences that typically take place during the summer months, where learners fully engage in a specific activity or subject. These programs are typically custom designed to provide exposure and hands-on learning, based on the preferences and requirements of the partner institution. Immersion programs combine classroom learning with cultural activities and travel. Students might work on research projects, attend workshops, or participate in practical experiences to deepen their knowledge in a specific subject area. These programs allow participants to get a glimpse of life at Illinois Tech and experience the city of Chicago.
Semester/Year Abroad
Illinois Tech is a partner institution for universities whose students come to study at our Chicago campus for time periods ranging from a semester to a year. Similarly, Illinois Tech students broaden their horizons through exposure to different cultures worldwide by taking part in study-away programs internationally.
Partner schools with summer/semester study abroad experiences with a choice of at least five courses (15 U.S. credit hours) during the semester or two courses (6 U.S. credits) in the summer, in English, are compatible with our first-/second-year student curricula across fields of study and/or internship opportunities. Illinois Tech offers affordable and secure housing accommodation options.
Research
Illinois Tech offers non-degree research program opportunities for undergraduates (bachelor’s level) and graduate students (master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) during the summer and the academic year.
For partner schools and/or potential partner schools that are interested in summer research opportunities at the undergraduate level, please find the information below:
Summer Research Opportunities
Partner schools and potential partner schools that are interested in sending a cohort of a minimum of 10 bachelor's-level students who may require a research project as part of their home institution’s bachelor’s degree requirements, during the summer for a period of 6–8 weeks (end of May through the end of July), please send your inquiry by September 30, to internationalpartnerships@iit.edu.
For partner schools interested in sending their master's-level students for summer research over a period of three months from mid-May to mid-August, only pre-selected students are eligible. The partner school may send the names, contact information, and department of interest to the senior director of international partnerships prior to the application deadlines.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: April 15
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: February 1
Summer research programs may be offered for credit or for zero Illinois Tech credit if the home institution will award their student(s) the equivalent credit for the research experience at Illinois Tech.
Summer (3 months) and/or Semester Research Opportunities (4 to 6 months)
Partner schools must pre-select the students interested in master’s/Ph.D. level research and transmit the names, contact information, and department of interest at Illinois Tech to the senior director of international partnerships.
Requirements include, but are not limited to the following: Proof of an Intermediate level in English (official TOEFL or IELTS test score (not home edition) or a certified letter from a Professor of English at the student’s home institution, CV/Resume, a professional statement indicating research area of interest, and the idea of a research topic within the research area, prior research experience where applicable), courses completed related to the research area and duration of stay while at Illinois Tech.
SURE-I Program (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience-International Program)
This is a 6- or 8-week program offered in the summer (usually starts in June) for undergraduate third, fourth, or fifth-year students in engineering/technology disciplines from universities abroad.
The application deadline is March 31, however, early application is highly recommended.
Students are assigned research projects that are matched with their competencies and interest and are required to participate in a poster session at the end of the period whereby judges review, critique and provide their evaluation of each student’s project. Upon successful completion each student is awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Benefits
- Fulfills undergraduate students’ research requirements towards their bachelor’s degree at their home institution
- Opportunity to co-publish the research with the supervising professor
- Opportunity to expand on the research with the professor, if interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Illinois Tech in the near future
- Opportunity to learn new concepts and acquire new skills
- Opportunity to work in a team with students from other universities
Non-Credit Badges
Non-credit academic badges are a relatively new form of recognition that Illinois Tech issues for completing specific learning experiences or demonstrating certain skills. Unlike traditional academic credits, these badges do not count toward a degree or certificate but serve as a way to acknowledge achievement in specialized, often shorter-term, learning experiences. They can be used to highlight a person’s competencies, skills, or expertise in particular areas. These are currently available through:
Stackable Credit Badges
Stackable credit badges are micro credentials that allow learners to accumulate smaller achievements (badges) that can eventually be stacked together to earn a higher level credential, such as a certificate, diploma, or even bachelor's or master's degrees. These types of badges combine the flexibility and focus of non-credit badges with the recognition and value of academic or professional qualifications. They are an innovative way to allow learners to pursue learning at their own pace, while building toward a larger, more formal recognition of their achievements.
Degree Programs
Degree programs designed for working professionals or learners who prefer to undertake their studies in their home countries, are tailored to offer flexibility, practical relevance and cultural context, allowing individuals to continue their careers while earning an academic degree. These programs are often structured to accommodate the schedules and professional commitments of adults who want to advance their education without sacrificing their work-life balance. Many of these programs offer online, part-time, or executive formats that provide a blend of in-person and virtual learning.
Executive Education
Short-term executive education programs provide professionals with focused, high-impact learning experiences that can enhance their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and technical expertise. These programs are typically condensed, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, and are custom designed as credit bearing or non-credit programs. Students may spend a short amount of time on Illinois Tech's campus, and courses are offered for credit or non-credit. These courses provide professionals with opportunities to stay updated on the latest trends, improve their key competencies, and expand their professional networks.