UIUC needs no introduction when it comes to the excellent research. ECE department of UIUC has top-class research faculties and facilities - it is one of the top 5 graduate program in the world.
Course Curriculum
Syllabus is excellent and lots of options for course work. Courses at ECE are more math oriented though. If you want to learn software sides of ML, AI etc., CS department should be better choice (you can also take CS courses).
Exams
GRE 157 Verbal 168 Quant 4.0 AWA; TOEFL 111: Reading 30, Writing 28, Listening 29, Speaking 24
Placement
In PhD program, it is extremely easy to get internship/job that too in the top companies of the industry. Everyone got amazing offers before they graduate -- including all masters students.
Internship
I am going to intern at Amazon for 2021 summer.
Events
Campus is very vibrant as lot many international students are there of all nationalities. Infrastructure is excellent in all dimensions. Library at UIUC is the second largest academic library in the world.
Fees
It is nearly 36000$ per year, but most graduate students get assistantships and tuition waivers.
Scholarship
Yes, got research assistantship and a fellowship -- no need of separate application -- your admission application would be considered for fellowships by default
Faculty
Highly qualified faculties - many of them are the pioneers in their own fields.
Hostel
students usually rent 2 or 3 bedroom apartments near campus. There are variety of options available and the prices vary according to the amenities and the location you opt for. You can find some very cheap apartments for 350$ per month, and can also go for luxurious complexes that costs 1000$ a month. Average student would spend somewhere around 400$ per month for apartment.
