The Intensive English Program (IEP) is designed for students who wish to communicate effectively in English for a variety of personal and academic purposes. IEP students develop a broad understanding of language and culture that will allow them to effectively pursue everyday needs and prepare them for higher-level language study. The IEP offers 20 hours of classes per week and three proficiency levels of study. In addition to classes, the IEP offers cultural events and experiential learning opportunities on campus and in the Lincoln community.
What is your purpose?
Non-degree Seeking (Personal, Professional)
The Nebraska IEP offers:
- Comprehensive Language Development: Improve personal, professional, and conversational English skills.
- Diverse community: Join a global student body and experience cultural exchange with American and international peers.
- Flexible Enrollment Options: Begin in any semester with short-term, semester-long, or summer programs. (part-time and online options may be available)
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to advanced learning resources, libraries, recreation facilities and technology centers.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Personalized academic advising, tutoring, and student support services.
- Engaging Campus Life: Participate in campus activities, clubs, and events for a well-rounded experience.
- Affordable and Competitive Tuition: High-quality education at an excellent value.
- Prime Location: Study in Lincoln, a safe, vibrant, and affordable city with a strong international community.
Degree Seeking (Graduate or Undergraduate)
The Nebraska IEP offers:
- Strong Academic Preparation: Build the English skills needed to succeed in your chosen degree program.
- Pathway/Conditional Admission Option: Gain admission to UNL undergraduate programs without additional proficiency testing.
- Dedicated Academic Advising: Guidance on course selection, degree planning, and university transition.
- Integrated Campus Experience: Start your university journey early by accessing campus resources and participating in activities.
- Proven Success Track Record: High rates of transition and success for IEP graduates in their degree programs.
- Opportunities to meet other UNL students: UNL students often volunteer in classes to meet and interact with IEP students.
- Cultural and Community Engagement: Enhance your experience through multicultural events and networking opportunities.
- IEP Scholarship: Get a $1,000 academic scholarship for completing the highest level of the IEP with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Online options: Complete your language requirement from home before starting your degree program on campus.
Do you want to know more?
Sessions Offered
UPCOMING SESSIONS
- Spring Semester, 2025: January 21 to May 10, 2025 (Full Semester)
- Fall Semester, 2025: August 25 to December 13, 2025 (Full Semester)
Short Term Options Coming Soon!
The IEP will begin offering 5 and 8-week options beginning in the fall of 2025. Check back in January for the official dates and information.
Tuition and Fees
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IEP) Full semester - on campus program
- Application fee: $45 (one-time payment)
- Enrollment Deposit: $250 (paid only the first semester of enrollment)
- Course Fees: $4,284 per semester (20 hours of classes per week)
- Mandatory university fees: $1,085.90 per semester
- Part-time courses may be available: Contact us at esl2@unl.ed for costs and fees
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM ONLINE (OEP) Full semester -online program for non F-1/J-1 students
- Application fee: $45 (one-time payment)
- Enrollment Deposit: $250 (paid only the first semester of enrollment)
- Full-time Course Fees: $2,216 plus University fees (includes all three classes- 20 hours per week)
- Part-time courses may be available: Contact us at esl2@unl.edu for costs and fees
Scholarships
The Intensive English Program offers a $1,000 scholarship to students who continue their studies at UNL after finishing the IEP. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the following website:
The Christian Lieding Intensive English Program Completion Scholarship
Application Requirements
How to Apply:
Please apply to the IEP by completing the Intensive English Program (IEP) Application. Note that all applicants must be at least 18 years old and submit a bank statement showing adequate funding for at least one semester of study. The current amount required for one semester is $17,090. You may contact the Program Director, Mr. Chris Dunsmore, by email at cdunsmore2@unl.edu if you have any questions. An in-person consultation can be arranged by Skype or Zoom.
Placement:
Since the IEP program starts at the Intermediate level, it is assumed that new students will have at least that level of proficiency when they apply. Therefore, it is highly recommended (but not required) that you have a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score in the range below when you apply. You may also set up virtual interview with the program director to determine if the program is right for you. The minimum recommended composite scores are as follows :
TOEFL 35 or higher
IELTS 5.0 or higher
DET 70 or higher
Further placement testing will be conducted upon arrival using the Michigan State University English Language Test (ELT). The ELT results, along with input from the IEP instructors, will determine the final placement for new students.
Health Insurance
HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS:
- Health insurance: $1,640.37 (fall semester only)
- Health insurance: $2,268.74 (spring and summer semesters combined)
You can learn more about Student Health Insurance requirement by visiting the following website:
Housing
There are many housing options available for students, both on and off campus. Visit our Housing Office website for more information about the many on- campus housing and dining options.
Proficiency Levels / Class Schedule
The Intensive English Program offers the follow proficiency levels:
- Intermediate (A2+ to B1 CEFR)
- High Intermediate (B1 to B1+ CEFR)
- Advanced (B1+ to B2 CEFR)
Each level offers the following classes and daily course schedule (20 hours per week):
Speaking & Listening Class (7 hours per week):
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday- 8:30-9:20 am
- Tuesday, Thursday- 8:30-10:20 am
Reading & Writing Class (8 hours per week):
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday- 9:30-11:20 am
- Tuesday, Thursday- 10:30-11:20 am
Grammar Class (5 hours per week)
- Monday to Friday: 12:30-1:20 pm