Applying to the English Language Institute
How to Apply
Students who would like to apply to the English Language Institute should apply through the UH Hilo Admissions Office. Please follow the procedures indicated in the Entrance Requirements for International Students.
If you are an F-1 visa student, the application deadlines are earlier than for other students to give enough time for the necessary paperwork.
- Recommended Deadline for Fall: March 1st
- Recommended Deadline for Spring: October 1st
TOEFL Requirement
If you meet other admission requirements, you do not need a TOEFL score to be accepted into UH Hilo. You will take a placement assessment when you arrive at UH Hilo before classes begin. Based on your results, you may need to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, or a combination of ESL and undergraduate courses.
Students who may be accepted into a degree program but will be required to take the English Language Placement Assessment:
- TOEFL score of 500-599 paper-based test
- TOEFL score of 61-99 internet-based test
- IELTS score of 5.5-6.5
- Duolingo score of 90
Your results will help UH Hilo to assess your levels in the necessary university skills. The ESL courses you test into will be recommended for you, but not required.
Students who may be accepted into a degree program and not need to take the English Language Placement Assessment:
- TOEFL score of 600 paper-based test
- TOEFL score of 100 internet-based test
- IELTS score of 7.0 or higher
Tuition Schedule
Tuition is based on whether you are a non-resident of Hawaiʻi and whether you would like to attend classes full-time or part-time. Please click to see the current tuition schedule.
Calendar
The ELI offers classes during the fall and spring semesters every year. Classes are 16 weeks long and match the rest of the university classes, so students can take ESL classes and other university classes at the same time. Please click to see the current and future academic calendars.
In general, the fall semester begin in late August and the spring semester begins in early January.