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+

Apply to ELI if you do not meet these scores. When you arrive at UNK as an ELI student, you will take a TOEFL placement test to determine your proficiency level and will be placed in courses that match your ability:

• Score 470 or higher: You can take 1-2 UNK classes along with ELI courses.
• Score below 470: You enroll full-time in ELI. 

You will take the TOEFL two more times during the semester, which will determine your future placement.

Courses are offered at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, ensuring students receive appropriate instruction tailored to their needs.

Course Levels & TOEFL iBT Score Equivalency

You can take the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS anytime during the semester. If you score:

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

You will be fully admitted to UNK’s regular classes at the end of that semester.

Pre-Enrollment Health Information