a student doing a hook em sign

UT Students

The English Language Center offers courses for admitted graduate and undergraduate international students to enhance their English skills for academic success.

Courses for UT Graduate Students

These courses help clear the J-hold and are taken on a credit/no credit basis. They count as 3 credit hours for purposes of full-time enrollment but do not count toward degree requirements. If you received a conditional pass on the ITA exam, you may register for ESL 389T. If you did not pass the J-hold screening, you may register for ESL 388S and/or ESL 388W. Otherwise, please email our office at elc@austin.utexas.edu, for permission to register.

Courses for UT Undergraduate Students

Designed primarily for international undergraduate students who are at UT for a semester or year on a reciprocal exchange program, these courses help refine your grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Placement testing is required. Classes are taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. They count as 5 credit hours for purposes of full-time enrollment but do not fulfill UT degree requirements. These courses typically fulfill credit requirements for students on a reciprocal exchange program; check with your home university if you are unsure about credit transfer.

Summer Academic English Programs at UT Austin

These programs are designed for international students who have been admitted to UT or another US university for the fall semester. Strengthen your academic English skills and learn about expectations that are emphasized in US higher education and are especially challenging to international students.