Learn, Connect, and Prepare for Academic Success
Join our dynamic 8-week Intensive English Program and take your English to the next level. Our university-based program will help you reach your goals!
Program Overview
8 weeks per level (5 terms per year)
Daily classes 20+ hours a week
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
Tuition & Fees →
Apply for the Intensive English Program
Student Life
Students participate in social, cultural, and educational activities including luncheons, celebrations, and field trips.
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- Field Trip to the Sunflower Fields
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- Lunch Break!
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- Ice Cream Social
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- Speaking Class Goes to the Farmer’s Market
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- Smoky Mountains National Park Field Trip
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- ELI poster presentation at the annual CGE Summit
Sample Daily Schedule
Full-time students begin classes at 9:00 a.m. and end around 2:00 p.m. Weekly schedule may vary based on enrollment and classroom availability.
| TIME | CLASS |
|---|---|
| 9:00-9:50am | Reading |
| 10:00-10:50am | Writing |
| 11:00-11:50am | Listening & Speaking |
| 12:45-1:35pm | Grammar |
| 1:45-2:30pm | Elective (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS/DET prep, pronunciation) |
The full academic calendar (orientation and class dates) can be found under Student Resources.
Learn more about our curriculum here: English Language Institute Curriculum PDF
Conditional Admission
Applicants who qualify for conditional admissions are ready academically, but need to improve English language skills to be successful at UTK. ELI and undergraduate admissions at The University of Tennessee Knoxville have two separate applications and payment systems. Below is an outline of the process of conditional admission.
STEP 1: APPLY FOR CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
- Submit your application for admission to the undergraduate degree program.
- Select that you wish to be considered for conditional admission on the application
- Pay the $75 nonrefundable undergraduate application fee
STEP 2: RECEIVE THE ADMISSIONS DECISION FROM UTK
STEP 3: APPLY TO ELI
English Proficiency Test Waiver
This pathway is for international students seeking admission to Tennessee universities and colleges. Students who successfully complete the high advanced level at ELI receive an English proficiency test waiver for these institutions.
Participating Institutions:
Ready to join us? Here are your next steps:
- Complete the application form and pay the $100 application fee at least 60 days before the intended term start date.
- Pay the $250 deposit to reserve your place at the ELI.
- Immigration document submission at least 45 days before term starts. (F-1 students only)
- Attend your visa appointment at least 15 days before term starts (F-1 students only)
- Arrive in Knoxville 1-2 days prior to orientation.
- Orientation Day at the English Language Institute: Welcome to Knoxville!
We cannot guarantee your application will be processed if the timeline above is not followed.
Apply at ELI now
Questions?
Email us! eli@utk.edu