two students looking over their work on a desk

English Language Program (ELP)

Intensive English language program tailored for those wanting to improve their English communication skills to advance their academic and professional goals.

At a Glance

International students preparing for an undergraduate degree in the U.S., professionals seeking to advance their career opportunities, or anyone wanting to improve their English communication skills or study abroad in the U.S.

Writing, grammar, listening/speaking, reading and discussion.

7 levels of study, social and cultural activities, workshops on a variety of academic and cultural topics.

Summer, Fall and Spring sessions available for full-time and part-time study. On-campus and Live Online options available.

Apply

Apply now for on-campus or live online programs.

Find program dates, costs and application information.

Application and information are available in 16 languages.

Questions? Contact elc@austin.utexas.edu.

Live Online Courses Now Available

In addition to our on-campus English Language Program, we also offer a Live Online version. Reference our Dates and Costs page for more information about the Live Online program.

Apply

Who is this program for?

  • Students who are preparing for an undergraduate degree in the U.S.
  • People who want to improve their English for better job opportunities
  • Students who want a semester abroad experience
  • People who want to improve their English communication skills
  • Friends and family of UT students/staff who want to improve their English and make friends in the Austin community
  • Students who want the option of an intensive program or a part-time program**

**Depending on visa status.

What do you need to apply?

  • Proof of high school completion or secondary education from your home country.
  • We strongly recommend you know at least some English vocabulary before enrolling.

Why should you study with us?

  • ELP offers 7 levels of study with flexible placement, depending on your individual strengths and weaknesses
  • We provide workshops on a variety of academic and cultural topics, such as admissions workshops and campus safety
  • We arrange multiple social events and outings each semester to expand English opportunities outside the classroom
  • Our students have access to a wide array of UT facilities and services
  • Our ELP students have been accepted to undergraduate programs and secured top leadership positions in companies and governmental agencies across the globe

What will you learn?

Core Courses

Course Description
Writing Express yourself more effectively in academic and non-academic writing, with work on content, accuracy, and organization
Grammar Increase your accuracy in spoken and written contexts, and learn grammatical structures common in U.S. English.
Listening and Speaking Communicate more comfortably and increase your understanding in a variety of settings, from informal conversations to formal presentations
Reading and Discussion Improve your comprehension of fiction and non-fiction, and develop your vocabulary, discussion skills, and reading speed.

Elective Courses

Course Description
Pronunciation classes Speak more clearly, focusing on stress and intonation patterns as well as individual sounds.
TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE preparation courses Prepare for these tests. Our courses focus on both content and test-taking strategies.

These courses meet 4 hours per week.

 

Typical Class Schedule

Levels Offered

Our English Language Program (ELP) has 7 different levels corresponding to the proficiency level. These levels are related to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and a description of proficiency levels can be read in the table below. The CEFR descriptions correspond to the students' proficiency as they finish each level. For more information, go to CEFR.

CEFR English Language Program Levels
A1 Beginning: A student at this level can communicate on topics such as personal interests, daily routine, family, and likes/dislikes using words, phrases, and short sentences.
A2 High Beginning: A student at this level can initiate and maintain communication on topics related to daily life and can provide information in phrases, simple sentences, and short compound sentences.
A2+ Low Intermediate: A student at this level can communicate on familiar topics and provide information with some success. Uses a limited range of vocabulary and structures.
B1+ Intermediate: A student at this level can express and support opinion and can handle a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks with moderate success.
B2 High Intermediate: A student at this level can handle a variety of communicative tasks with success, although errors may be evident.
C1 Low Advanced: A student at this level can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. Can communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and if miscommunication occurs, can repair them.
C1+ Advanced: A student at this level can handle a variety of communicative tasks with ease and confidence. Can almost always be understood with little effort by the general public and in academic settings.