Information about auditing a course can be found in Section 3-305 of the Student Code. An auditor’s role is limited to observation. Auditors may attend class but are not permitted to participate in any course activities, including but limited to, quizzes, exams, group projects, class discussions or daily assignments.
To prioritize enrollment for students taking courses for credit, auditors will not be enrolled in their requested courses until the first day of instruction for the part of term in which the course is offered. Auditors will not have access to closed sections.
Submission Instructions
- Undergraduate students (Current and former)
- Download and fill out the Auditor’s Permit form.
- Meet with the instructor of the course to get approval and signature.
- Submit form to your home Academic College for approval and signature.
- The Academic College will submit the completed form to Registration Services.
- Graduate/Professional students (Current and former)
- Download and fill out the Auditor’s Permit form.
- Meet with the instructor of the course to get approval and signature.
- Prior to the add/drop deadline for the part of term – submit form to Registration Services via myIllini profile.
- After the add/drop deadline for the part of term – submit a petition through the Graduate College Portal.
- Non-Student (someone who has never attended the university as a student)
- Download and fill out the Auditor’s Permit form using information from Course Explorer.
- Meet with the instructor of the course to get approval and signature.
- Courses Numbered 100 – 499
- Submit form to the Academic College overseeing the subject of the course for approval and signature.
- Courses Numbered 500 and above
- Submit form via email to Registration Services by the posted deadline.
- Submit form via email to Registration Services by the posted deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to audit a course?
An auditor’s role is limited to observation. Auditors may attend class but are not permitted to participate in any course activities, including but limited to, quizzes, exams, group projects, class discussions or daily assignments.
What is the deadline to submit an Auditor’s Permit?
The deadline to submit an Auditor’s Permit is the add/drop deadline for the part of term of the course. Please see the Academic Calendar for relevant deadlines.
When will my Auditor’s Permit be processed?
To prioritize enrollment for students taking courses for credit, auditors will not be enrolled in their requested courses until the first day of instruction for the part of term in which the course is offered. Auditors will not have access to closed sections.
Should I register myself for the course I wish to audit?
No. You only need to complete the Auditor’s Permit and obtain the necessary signatures. Registration Services will register you for the course. Please note: you will be responsible for any tuition and fee charges incurred if you register for the course and your audit request is denied.
What if I want to drop the course I am auditing?
If you need to drop the course you are auditing, please email registration@illinois.edu. Please do not attempt to drop the course in your self-service account as this may result in additional charges.
Does auditing a course affect the number of hours I can take in a given semester?
Yes. The audited course hours are included in total credit hours toward maximum allowed for the semester. An overload must be approved by your Academic College to go over the term maximum.
How much does it cost to audit a course?
The cost to audit is $15 per course. (This cost is waived for students billed full-time tuition, waiver-eligible employees, and persons 65 years of age or older.)
Will an audit course appear on my transcript?
Yes. The audited course will appear on your transcript with a grade of “AU.” This grade has no effect on your GPA.