Courses for UT Undergraduate Students

We offer classes in English listening/speaking and writing for undergraduate students who are non-native speakers of English.

Courses

ESL 501S: English Language Speaking

Fall 2026 - MWF 2:00-3:30 p.m (Unique Number: 70725)

Course Description: This course focuses on improving listening and speaking through activities such as note-taking, conversation practice, and participating in discussions. Emphasis is on speaking in a variety of contexts; developing appropriate pronunciation, pitch, rhythm, and stress; increasing fluency; and expanding spoken vocabulary. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters only.

Requirement: Placement testing is required for this course. Students must complete an online grammar, listening, and writing English skills assessment and complete an oral interview for course placement. 

ESL 501W: English Language Writing

Fall 2026 - MWF 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Unique Number: 70729) 

Course Description: This course focuses on improving writing skills by increasing writing fluency and accuracy at the sentence, paragraph, and essay levels. Emphasis is on structure, organization, and development of ideas. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters only.

Requirement: Placement testing is required for this course. Students must complete an online grammar, listening, and writing English skills assessment and complete an oral interview for course placement. 

Eligibility

These courses are primarily designed for international undergraduate students who are at UT for a semester or year on a reciprocal exchange program. Placement testing is required. Other interested international students should email our office at elc@austin.utexas.edu for permission to register.

Credit

These courses 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. They typically fulfill home university requirements for students on a reciprocal exchange program. Students are limited to one ESL course per semester. 

Registration

Registration for these courses is done online through Texas One Stop. Once students register, they will receive an email with online placement testing information and next steps. Students can register for these courses until the 12th class day. We do not add students to ESL courses after 12th class day. Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters only. Courses may not be audited. 

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