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 are your goals?
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.
- Online Options: Available for students not requiring a visa
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: Earn a $1,000 scholarship that is applied to your academic program at UNL (conditions may apply).
- Online options: Complete your language requirement from home before starting your degree program on campus.
Do you want to know more?
Sessions Offered
Fall Semester, 2025:
- Five-Week Session August 25 to September 26, 2025
- Eight-Week Session 1 August 25 to October 17, 2025
- Eight-Week Session 2 October 20 to December 19, 2025
- Sixteen-Week Session August 25 to December 19, 2025
Spring Semester, 2026:
- Five-Week Session January 12 to February 13, 2025
- Eight-Week Session 1 January 12 to March 6, 2025
- Eight-Week Session 2 March 16 to May 8, 2025
- Sixteen-Week Session January 12 to May 8, 2025
Tuition and Fees
FIVE-WEEK PROGRAM (on-campus)
- Course Fees: $1,428*
- Mandatory University Fees: $931.90*
EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM (on-campus)
- Course Fees: $2,856*
- Mandatory University Fees: $1,008.90*
- Part-time courses may be available: Contact us at esl2@unl.ed for costs and fees
SIXTEEN-WEEK PROGRAM (on-campus)
- Course Fees: $4,284*
- Mandatory university fees: $1,085.90*
- Part-time courses may be available: Contact us at esl2@unl.ed for costs and fees
SIXTEEN-WEEK PROGRAM (on-line)
- Full-time Course Fees: $2,216*
- Mandatory University Fees: $474
- Part-time courses may be available: Contact us at esl2@unl.edu for costs and fees
*The costs above are estimated based on current rates approved by the Nebraska Board of Regents. These costs are subject to change.
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 by the time their program begins. Applicants must submit a copy of their current passport and a bank statement showing adequate funding for the program length of their choice.
The current amount required on the bank statement is as follows:
- $4,722 for 5 weeks
- $7645 for 8 weeks
- $17,090 for 16 weeks
Documents (passport and bank statement) must be uploaded to your MyRed account before an I-20 form can be issued.
You may contact the Program Director, Mr. Chris Dunsmore, by email at cdunsmore2@unl.edu if you have any questions. An in-person or video conference meeting can be arranged.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall semester programs: May 1st
- Spring semester programs: December 1st
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
- 5 weeks: $668.36
- 8 weeks: $668.36
- 16 weeks: $1,640.37 (fall semester)
- 16 weeks: $2,268.74 (includes coverage for spring and summer semesters)
You can learn more about Student Health Insurance requirement by visiting the following website:
Housing
There are many housing and meal options available at Nebraska. Full-semester students who prefer or who are required to live on campus can complete a regular housing contract through the University Housing office. Students who are staying for only five or eight weeks can choose guest housing through the Conference Services office. Meal plans are also available through our Dining Services office. Choose the appropriate link below for more information about these options:
16 week student housing (full semester):
5 and 8 week student housing:
Conference Services Guest Housing
Meal plans
Class Information
The Intensive English Program offers the following 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
Testimonials
Country: Sudan
Abdalhakam
Major: Biological Systems Engineering
"The program provided well-structured lessons in all areas of English. Still, the interactive speaking activities and detailed feedback on writing assignments were especially helpful in improving my fluency and confidence."
"The Intensive English Program was a transformative experience that prepared me academically, personally, and culturally for my future endeavors."
Country: Turkey
Dilovan
"The most memorable part of my experience in the Intensive English Program (IEP)
was the opportunity to immerse myself in a supportive learning environment. The
interactive classes and small group discussions helped me improve my language
skills while building confidence."
"During my time in the IEP, I learned a great deal about American culture and the
local community. The program encouraged open discussions about cultural
differences, helping me understand American values such as individualism,
diversity, and the importance of community involvement."
Country: Sudan
Osman
Major: Biological Systems Engineering
"The teaching materials and methods in the IEP at UNL are attractive and have helped me a lot in improving my language. It is clear that the instructors in the program have excellent experience in qualifying and preparing international students."
"On the personal level, the program gave me confidence in my language abilities, and after completing the program I noticed that I could read and write easily, and I could discuss with others skillfully."
COUNTRY: JAPAN
Shu
MAJOR: BUSINESS
"This program was like a bridge to the next step, helping me start a new academic and multicultural journey."
"I was pursuing my career outside Japan when I was in Lincoln as an exchange student. At that time, there was an exam offered by the IEP program that could be used as a substitute for the TOEFL or IELTS. So, I decided to use the score from that exam because it was more convenient and financially affordable. One thing that made me want to stay here was the people in Lincoln and Nebraska. Compared to my city, Tokyo, people here are more helpful and have stronger connections with local organizations and students."
Country: Vietnam
Anh
Major: Computer Science
“I was lucky to do PIESL before starting my degree,” she said. “I was able to see what it’s like to live in the state I wanted to study in while strengthening my English skills.”
“I really liked how peaceful and quiet Lincoln is—it helps me focus on school,” she added. “People at UNL are really friendly, and I was already familiar with the city, so coming back felt right.”
“I always tell people about PIESL,” Ahn said. “If you want to experience life in the U.S. and improve your English at the same time, it’s a great way to start.”
