The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is designed for people whose native language is not English.

Our mission is to help our students reach personal and academic goals:

• We provide our students with language skills for academic success at UIS and beyond.
• We support UIS faculty and staff who work with non-native English speakers.
• We welcome non-native speakers who are not enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UIS.

We offer:

• English-language assessment exams (see below)
• Two ways (intensive & non-intensive) to learn and/or enhance English language skills in our academic courses
• Conversation practice outside of the classroom
• Individual consultations with our expert ESL staff

Assessments

• UIS ESL Placement Exam for new undergraduate students to determine if language support is necessary

• ESL Exit Exam for conditionally-admitted undergraduate students to gain full admission to a degree program

• UIS-Administered English Admissions Exam
  • iTEP Academic- for IEP students to gain admission to a degree program
  • MELICET – for affiliated applicants applying from abroad