The English Language Institute provides the best English language and American culture program available at a competitive cost. It is open to all qualified students who wish to learn English at a mid-sized university in the Midwest where the focus is on teaching and learning in a safe, nurturing environment. The Institute provides international students a comprehensive way to prepare themselves for admission into a degree program of study at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
ELI is on campus and gives students full access to UNK resources, including the library, housing, student services, and activities. Our courses are designed to help students excel in academic environments, including college and university coursework. ELI emphasizes:
By the end of the program, students will have the skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher education or professional settings.
International students applying to UNK must meet the following criteria:
If you meet these requirements, you can apply online.
International ELI students are responsible for the following expenses:
For detailed cost information, visit the UNK Global Costs page.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney ELI offers an intensive immersion program focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Conversation Partners
English Conversation Table
International Friendship Program
To be fully admitted to UNK’s undergraduate program, students must meet one of the following English proficiency scores:
Students who do not meet the required TOEFL/IELTS scores should apply to the English Language Institute (ELI). Upon arrival at UNK, ELI students take a TOEFL placement test (TOEFL ITP) to determine their proficiency level and are placed into courses that align with their abilities.
ELI students will take the TOEFL ITP two more times during the semester. These scores will help determine their placement in future terms.
Courses are available at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels to ensure each student receives instruction appropriate to their language proficiency and learning goals.
Beginner (A1 – A2) | Basic conversations, pronunciation, and listening to simple speech | Recognizing common words and understanding basic texts | Writing simple sentences and short paragraphs | Limited academic readiness | Below 400 |
Intermediate (B1 – B2) | Engaging in discussions, participating in classroom activities | Reading longer texts with moderate comprehension | Writing structured paragraphs and short essays | Developing academic skills | 400 – 499 |
Advanced (C1 – C2) | Speaking fluently in academic discussions and presentations | Reading academic and research-based texts with high comprehension | Writing well-organized essays, reports, and research papers | Ready for university-level coursework | 500+ |
Level | Speaking & Listening | Reading | Writing | Academic Readiness | TOEFL PBT Score Equivalent |
During the semester at ELI (Fall or Spring semester) — or during the summer semester (even if the student is not enrolled in summer ELI classes), only TOEFL and IELTS scores are accepted for consideration toward academic placement at UNK. If a currently enrolled student earns a qualifying TOEFL ITP score or submits valid results from another approved standardized test—specifically TOEFL iBT or IELTS—that meet the required thresholds, they will become eligible for part-time or full-time admission to UNK in the following semester.
Placement into UNK academic programs for currently enrolled ELI students is determined based solely on the following standardized English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL iBT: 58 or higher (or Paper-Based TOEFL: 500+)
IELTS: 5.0 or higher