Prepare yourself for academic studies with the University of Pittsburgh English Language Institute (ELI). The ELI’s CEA-accredited Intensive English Program can help you improve your English proficiency to strengthen your foundation for academic success.
Before you begin your University of Pittsburgh degree program, studying at the ELI will help you to:
- Build presentation, essay-writing, and note-taking skills that will contribute to your academic success
- Become acculturated to an American University setting with instructors and staff experienced in supporting international students
- Immerse yourself in the English language and American culture both inside and outside of the classroom
- Make friends and attend events on campus and in the community
Plan the timing of your studies carefully. Students cannot begin their degree program until they have successfully completed the requirements for the Path to Pitt Guaranteed Admission. Classes for the ELI Intensive English Program begin in September, January, and May.
How to Apply to the ELI
If you need an F-1 Student Visa, please see the Requirements for an F-1 Student Visa. This will help you prepare the documents you need to submit an ELI application.
Students who are seeking the Path to Pitt program apply directly to the ELI and must include the letter from the University that explains that they were not accepted to the University but are eligible for the Path to Pitt program.
- Before beginning your ELI application, have digital copies (PDF or JPG) of your:
- University of Pittsburgh letter of eligibility for the Path to Pitt program as proof of academic preparedness
- Passport [and dependent(s)’s passport if applicable]
- Financial statements
- Sponsor documentation (if applicable)
- Complete the ELI’s online application and upload the documents above. In the Program section of the application, select “Other Program” and type “Path to Pitt”.
- Pay the ELI tuition deposit and the optional Express Mailing fee. Please view instructions on How to Pay on the ELI’s website. The ELI Application Fee is waived for applicants with University of Pittsburgh Path to Pitt Guaranteed Admission.
- If additional information is needed for your application, the ELI Admissions Team will contact you.
- After your ELI application is complete and approved, you will receive an email with your conditional acceptance letter to the Intensive English Program. You are not fully accepted to the ELI Intensive English Program until you take the ELI English Placement Test and place into the program.
- After you receive your conditional acceptance letter for the Intensive English Program and I-20 from the ELI, you can schedule your visa Interview. For additional information, visit the How to Get Your Student Visa for the Intensive English Program page.
After you receive your conditional acceptance letter for the Intensive English Program and I-20 from the ELI, you can schedule your visa Interview. Please visit the ELI website for instructions on How to Get Your Student Visa for the Intensive English Program.
ELI English Placement Test:
- Placement into level and classes depends on your score on the ELI’s English Placement Test.
- The length of time of study at the ELI before you enter your degree program one of the University of Pittsburgh’s campuses depends on the initial ELI level in which you are placed. For example, students beginning the ELI at level 5 may need to study with the ELI for 2 semesters.
Tuition and Fees:
Because the ELI Intensive English Program is a non-credit program, the tuition and fee structure is slightly different than it is for degree programs. Scholarships for study in the Intensive English Program are not available at this time.
Health Insurance:
All students entering the US with an I-20 from the ELI must provide proof of a health insurance policy in the US. Proof must be provided by the end of the first full week of ELI classes. Students are not permitted to continue at the ELI without proof of health insurance.
Housing:
University of Pittsburgh Housing may be available to ELI students during the summer term, but not in Fall or Spring. Apartments, homestays, and other housing options are available.
Starting Your Degree Program:
After you successfully complete your ELI studies and meet the requirements for the Path to Pitt Guaranteed Admission to the University of Pittsburgh, you should contact the ELI Student Services Supervisor to initiate your guaranteed admission to one of the University of Pittsburgh’s four campuses.
More Information:
For questions about the English Language Institute and the ELI Intensive English Program, please contact us directly at elipitt@pitt.edu.