English Language Institute

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:

• Speaking – Developing confidence in discussions, presentations, and classroom interactions
• Listening – Understanding lectures, note-taking strategies, and academic discourse
• Reading – Improving comprehension of textbooks, articles, and research materials
• Writing – Strengthening skills for essays, reports, and academic research papers

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:

• Native language is not English
• High school or college/university graduate
• Desire to improve English proficiency

If you meet these requirements, you can apply online.

International ELI students are responsible for the following expenses:

• ELI program cost
• Fees
• Housing
• Food
• Insurance

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.

• Class Schedule:
  • Fall/Spring: 18 class hours per week for 16 weeks
  • Summer: 18 class hours per week for 8 weeks

• Placement Testing:
  • Students are tested on the first day to determine their level.
  • High placement scores may allow students to enroll in 1-2 UNK academic courses.

• Class Size:
  • Small, ensuring strong student-faculty interaction.

Additional ELI Programs

Conversation Partners

• Matches ELI students with UNK students for informal conversations.
• Requires at least six meetings per semester to build a committed partnership.

English Conversation Table

• Open to all students and community members.
• Meets once a week for six weeks for one-hour sessions.

International Friendship Program

• Connects international students with local American families for cultural exchange.

To be fully admitted to UNK’s undergraduate program, students must meet one of the following English proficiency scores:

• TOEFL (paper-based): 500+
• TOEFL iBT: 61+
• IELTS: 5.5+

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.

• Score 480 or higher: Eligible to take 1–2 UNK classes in addition to ELI courses.
• Score below 480: Enroll full-time in the ELI program.

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.

Course Levels & TOEFL iBT Score Equivalency

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

Pre-Enrollment Health Information