The English Language Institute offers an Intensive English Program to prepare you for academic success at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Our 8-week intensive program classes meet 5 days a week, 4+ hours per day (20+ hours per week), across levels of proficiency from beginning to advanced/pre-university. Elective classes may include topics related to American culture, pronunciation, language proficiency test preparation, and other specialty areas of interest.
Tuition Cost
$3,250 for each 8-week session
All costs related to I-20 issuance are noted on our Cost page
Application Timeline
Application and Tuition Deposit Submission: 60 days before term starts
Immigration Document Submission: 45 days before term starts
Visa Appointment: 15 days before orientation
Arrival to Knoxville: 1-2 days before orientation
Note: We cannot guarantee your application will be processed if the timeline noted below is not followed.
Sample Weekly Schedule
Full-time students begin classes at 9:00 a.m. and end classes around 2 p.m. The weekly schedule is subject to change, depending on enrollment and classroom availability.
| AREA OF FOCUS | HOURS PER WEEK |
| GRAMMAR | 5 |
| READING | 5 |
| WRITING | 5 |
| LISTENING & SPEAKING | 5 |
| ELECTIVE (Required for F-1 students) | 1-2 |
Conditional Admission
International students who meet all admission requirements except for the English proficiency requirement may be admitted to UT with conditional admission. This means that you will first enroll in the English Language Institute (ELI), where you will attend English classes designed to help you develop English proficiency and prepare you for UT.
You will begin a degree program when you attain the required English Language proficiency or when you complete ELI’s highest level and receive a letter of recommendation from ELI.
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Student Placement
At the beginning of each term, students are assigned to levels according to their ability in each language skill area based on placement test results and instructor evaluations of student proficiency.
Student Support and Guidance
Instructors serve as advisors and are available to support with issues such as homesickness and acculturation. Students are also assisted in applying for admission to US colleges and/or universities.
Student Orientation
An orientation program begins each term to help students acclimate to attending class in the USA. Social, cultural, and educational activities are organized during the term. Students participate in luncheons, celebrations, field trips, among other activities. Most of these activities are included in the ELI tuition and maintenance fee; attendance is required.
Learn more about our curriculum here: English Language Institute Curriculum
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