English Language Institute

Any international student (a person whose native language is not English) who has graduated from a high school or college/university and with the desire to improve his/her English.

If you match this profile you can apply online.

Deadlines are posted to help insure that admission can be completed and immigration documents prepared for students to take to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the home country to apply for a student visa in a timely manner.

There is a session of the English Language Institute available during the Spring.

Spring Session 2024

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Arriving to Kearney: January 14, 2024
TOEFL Placement Exam and Information Meeting: January 14, 2024
Beginning of classes: January 22, 2024
End of Semester: May 17, 2024

The costs that apply to international ELI students are non-resident tuition/fees, plus an international student fee, and the purchase of international student health insurance. Visit the Cost page for more information.

**These prices are estimates and are subject to change
***This reflects the 30% Loper International Scholarship AND the $500 ELI Scholarship. Tuition & Fees cost breakdown is $8,739-30%-$500=$5,782.

Students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney English Language Institute take courses designed on an intensive Immersion schedule of 18 class hours per week for 16 weeks in the Fall or Spring and 10 weeks in the Summer. The program is centered around the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The levels of instruction are based on student need from beginner to advanced. Students are tested on the first day of the session to determine appropriate level of study.  Placement results can also qualify students for entry into 1-2 UNK academic courses. In all levels of study, classes are small to allow for greater student/faculty interaction.

ELI students also participate in both Conversation Partners and Conversation Table:

CONVERSATION PARTNERS: Pairs an ELI student with a UNK student and they meet for casual conversation for a minimum of 6 times during a 16 week session to establish a committed partnership.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION TABLE: Meets once a week for one hour for 6 weeks and it is open to everyone on campus and in the community to converse with a variety of people of all ages.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM: Where international students and American families meet.