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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT UCI IN THE CITY OF IRVINE
Study English at the University of California Irvine in 2025 or 2026. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure
STUDY ENGLISH AT UCI
Learn English in a great school at the University of California Irvine, part of the highly prestigious California University system.
ONE OF THE BEST ENGLISH SCHOOLS IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
UCI’s Division of Continuing Studies is one of the best of such institutions in Orange County and offers great ESL programs for international students.
LEARN ENGLISH IN AN INCREDIBLE LOCATION SUCH AS IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
Irvine, located in Orange County, California, is an incredible place for international students, who can enjoy great tourist attractions and fun activities.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE
This is one of the most popular destination for international studentsA WIDE SELECTION OF COURSES AT UCI
At the University of California Irvine, you can find intensive English courses, English for conversation and culture and English for business.
LEARN ENGLISH IN AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The Intensive ESL program at UCI is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, certifying its high quality and prestige.
STUDY IN A HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY
The University of California Irvine is among some of the best schools in the USA and the world, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
STUDY IN A HIGHLY DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT
By joining UCI you will be part of a diverse community of students coming from all over the world, which is a great opportunity for making friends and networking.
A SMALL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS
In average, classes in the English programs have around 16 students, which allows students to enjoy a more personalized teaching.
CLASSES HELD ON CAMPUS AT UCI
All classes are held inside the campus of UCI, which lets you experience how it feels being a college student in the USA.
LEARN WITH EXPERIENCED TEACHERS AT UCI
The Faculty at UCI have in average 10 years of learning experience. This ensures that you will be learning and improving at a fast pace.
HAVE LOTS OF FUN WHILE LEARNING ENGLISH
In the University of California Irvine, you can participate in all kinds of fun cultural, sport, and social activities and events.
ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES AT UC IRVINE
Students at the University of California Irvine have access to campus facilities and resources, which allows you to live a full college experience in the USA.
IRVINE IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO LEARN ENGLISH
Irvine is located in Orange County, California, and is an awesome location for international students, since it is full of fascinating tourist attractions you can visit.
ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE
CONTINUING EDUCATIONINTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (Intensive ESL)
The Intensive English as a Second Language Program at the University of California Irvine is a 10-week full-time program, which is perfect for those who wish to prepare for university-level studies, improve their careers, or just accomplish their own personal goals. It has 20 hours per week, 18 at higher levels, and classes are scheduled from Monday to Friday.
Main Features
- Full-Time Program
- Part-time options available
- Classes are on campus
- 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday), 18 hours for levels 6 and 7
- 7 levels available
- You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
- Sessions of 10 weeks
- Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer dates available
- Elective classes
- Few students per class
- Access to University facilities and services
- Extra-curricular activities
- Certificate of Completion
- Applies for Student Visa
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes. No maximum age.
- International students are welcome to apply
More information about the intensive English program at UCI
Program Curriculum
Levels 1 - 5 (20 hours in total)
- Grammar and Writing (7.5 hours)
- Reading and Vocabulary (5 hours)
- Speaking and Listening (7.5 hours)
Levels 6 and 7 (18 hours in total)
- Reading and Writing (7.5 hours)
- Speaking and Listening (7.5 hours)
- Elective Class (3 hours)
Benefits of enrolling on this ESL program
- Experience a program with more than 40 years of tradition, which will support you in achieving your academic, career, and personal goals.
- Learn with highly prepared instructors with an average of over 10 years of ESL experience.
- Attend small classes of around 16 students in average for a more personalized learning experience.
- Benefit from engaging and interactive lessons with a great curriculum, which emphasizes practical use of English in all types of different contexts.
- Improve your skills enrolled on a wide variety of elective classes in topics such as idioms, advanced pronunciation, advanced conversation, business English, advanced vocabulary, advanced grammar, and TOEFL iBT and IELTS preparation courses.
- Practice your skills and learn more about campus life alongside a UCI undergraduate friend through conversation lunch hour held two times per week.
- Enhance your English skills using modern technology and methodologies.
PRICES & DATES
Complete the contact form to get a quotePRICES AND DATES ENGLISH PROGRAMS 2025 - 2026
How much does it cost to study English in the University of California Irvine?Table with costs and dates of the Intensive English Program of UCI 2025 - 2026
| Session | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2025 | Jan. 8 - Mar. 20 | 10 weeks | $4,500 |
| Spring 2025 | Apr. 2 - Jun. 12 | 10 weeks | $4,500 |
| Summer 2025 | Jun. 25 - Sep. 4 | 10 weeks | $4,500 |
| Fall 2025 | Oct. 1 - Dec. 11 | 10 weeks | $4,500 |
For example if you want to study for approximately 6 months, you can take the Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions. You will not repeat the same course, because each session will be in a different level.
Other Costs to consider
The following fees are included in the "Program Fee"
- Tuition Fee
*Students must pay a deposit fee 1 month prior to the program start date. The amount will be deducted from tuition. Contact a respresentative for more details.
Other costs to consider
- Application fee: $200
- Student Services fee: $250
- Health insurance: $585 per quarter
- Visa costs: international students who enroll on a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the I-901 SEVIS Fee (US$350 aprox.) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$160 aprox.). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
- Accommodation in Irvine: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options UCI recommends for foreign students.
- Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and you should consider between US$150 and $400.
- Flight Tickets from your country to Irvine, USA
- Food: you should consider food costs when planning your budget, which will depend on where you eat.
Click for Your Customized Quote!
Click to find out how much money you need.HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE
All the application process is online. Follow the instructions belowSteps to apply for a program
1. Application Process
2. Acceptance Process
3. Visa Processing
4. Payment
5. Classes start!
1. Application Process
Documents must be sent to ucivivecampus.com
Documents needed to apply
1. Application Form
Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.
Download Form and Instructions2. Passport Copy
Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.
3. Financial Verification
Bank letter or bank statement that shows that you or your sponsor have at least the "Estimated Total Expense" of the program (amounts can be in US dollars or your local currency).
The estimated total expense is an estimate made by the university that includes tuition fees, and an estimate of what you might spend in medical insurance, housing, meals, books and supplies. Flight tickets are not included in this estimation.
Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:
- 10-Week Intensive ESL: USD$10,500
- 4-Week Conversation & Culture or Business English: USD$5,300
4. Application Fee
Non-refundable application fee of $200 dollars paid to the UCI Continuing Education. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the instructions mentioned by the representative.
Send your application documents
A representative needs to review all your documents are correct.
Your application documents must be sent to ucivivecampus.com
*If you are a transfer student from another US school. Please contact us for more details. The application process is different
2. Acceptance Process
After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.
If you are applying for a full-time program, you will need an F-1 student visa. After you have been accepted in the program, the admission office will send you the acceptance documents plus the form I-20, needed to apply for the F-1 student visa.
3. Visa Processing
Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at UCI.
- If the program you are applying for is a full-time program (18hrs/week or more), you will need the F-1 student visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- If your program is less than 18 hours a week, you will have to travel to the U.S. as a tourist with a B1/B2 tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. As a tourist, you can only stay in the U.S. the time period your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
Please check the website of the U.S. embassy of your country to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.
Generally, for a F-1 student visa, students must do the following:
- Complete the DS-160 form
- Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy
- Pay for the F-1 student visa (approx. US$160)
- Pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee (approx. US$350): https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
- Go to the embassy on the scheduled day
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
4. Payment
Non-refundable Program Deposit (1 month prior to the program start date)
Non-refundable Program Deposit Deadline: 1 month prior to the program start date. A deposit is required for the 10-Week Intensive ESL, 4-Week Business English, and 4-week Conversation & Culture before the first quarter of study. A deposit is not required for 2-Week Business English and Conversation & Culture. The deposit is deducted from the tuition.
Deposit Fees:
- 10-week Intensive English Program: $2,000
- 4-week Communication & Culture: $1,500
- 4-week Business English: $1,500
Tuition & Fees Payment Deadline (1 week prior to the program start date)
Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due a week prior to the program start date and can be done by money order or bank check issued by a U.S. bank, credit card payment, or Flywire. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.
*Late Fee: Students who pay the program after the deadline, need to pay a late fee. Contact us for more details
5. Arrival at School
You should arrive a week before the program start date to attend the orientation. On your admission letter you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test. On the first day at school you should bring your passport, F-1 student visa, I-20 and a bank statement.
Important: We suggest that you apply at least 2 months in advance.
ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
You will be able to participate in several activities during the programSOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN IRVINE AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE
Most of the activities are free!ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE.
International students can participate in activities as:
- Field trips around Los Angeles
- Trips to other nearby cities
- On-campus sport activities
- Social activities
- Volunteer activities
- Lectures
Students at UCI can participate in a wide variety of activities while studying English at this wonderful school, which include: field trips to local tourist attractions; visits to other nearby cities; on-campus sport activities, such as playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, among others; social activities such as potlucks, beach bonfires, Halloween festivals, picnics, etc.; volunteer activities; and on-campus lectures by professors from UCI. These are all great opportunities to put your English into practice, make new friends, and have lots of fun.
Information about the city of Irvine, California
Irvine is part of the Orange County in the South of California, one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, and it is a very safe and fun city to live in. It has been chosen the fourth best place to live in the United States and it is constantly positioned among the safest cities in the country. Irvine has beaches like Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, some of the best in California. It also has plenty of industrial centers and corporations, which make it a city with many professional job opportunities. Since it is located in Orange County, Irvine is only an hour away from Los Angeles and an hour and a half away from San Diego by car or by train, so you can visit lots of popular tourist attractions in these wonderful cities.
Information about University of California Irvine
The University of California Irvine, also known as UCI, was founded in 1965, and is one of the best public universities in the United States, which is recognized for the excellence of its academic programs and research studies. This great institution, on top of its excellent high-quality education, it is also located in one of the best areas in California, which makes it very attractive for its students. They can also be part of a successful and diverse community, which thrives in its fantastic on-campus environment.
Photos of the English Programs at the University of California Irvine
Videos of the English Programs at the University of California Irvine
HOUSING IN IRVINE
Most common housing options for international students in IrvineSTUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UCI HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS:
Check housing options for international students at UCI in Irvine- Dormitories on Campus
- Apartments
- Homestay
Dormitories On Campus
During the summer quarter, students can live inside the on-campus dormitories at UCI. This includes a fully furnished shared or private rooms and Wi-Fi connection. This is a great option, because you can live close to your classrooms and experience life inside a real college campus.
For more information check the following website:
Apartments
Another option you can try is looking for an apartment to rent on your own or share with other students. This option might be more suited for those who will study for a longer period, because in most cases you'll need to sign a lease.
More information can be found here:
Homestay (Living with a family)
Homestays are a type of housing in which students live with a local family in the same house, share common areas, and follow household rules, just like any family member. This can be a good option for younger students that don't feel ready to live on their own yet. And as such, living with an American family is perfect for those who want to interact with a local family. You will have the option of living in a single room or with a roommate, depending on the place. Most of the choices include one or more daily meals.
Some of the options are:
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE, DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.
There are many options available near the campus of the University. If the housing option is off campus, students must contact directly the housing provider.
FAQS
Do you have any question about studying English at UCI?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE
If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form belowWhy should I study English at UCI?
The University of California Irvine has been offering ESL programs for international students for nearly 40 years, so you can trust in the quality of them. Moreover, all lessons are taught by experienced instructors who are ready to help you achieve all of your goals, using some of the best resources that this prestigious school offers.
Why should I choose to study in Irvine, California?
Irvine is located in Orange County, California, and is an awesome location for international students, since it is full of fascinating tourist attractions you can visit. You can also visit nearby Los Angeles and San Diego, or even enjoy a short trip to Las Vegas.
I am not a student in my country. Can enroll on these English programs with a Student Visa?
Absolutely! The ESL programs at UCI are available for everyone, including those who are not currently studying. You only need to be at least 17 years old by the program start date.
Does the University of California Irvine offer scholarships?
No, UCI does not offer any type of scholarships.
What kind of comments and reviews do the English programs at UCI have?
The University of California Irvine is ranked among some of the best schools in the world and the USA, and therefore, students trust in its excellence and the high quality of its education. That is why international students write great reviews and comments about UCI.
Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study English at UCI?
Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.
- All full-time programs in the U.S. require a F-1 student Visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- Part-time programs (less than 18 hours a week) can be taken with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. With a tourist visa, you can only stay in the U.S. the duration your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
If you need an F-1 student visa, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (I-20 form) from the Continuing Education at the University of California Irvine. In some countries it can take several weeks to obtain a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
Are classes taught inside UCI?
Yes, all classes are taught inside the UCI campus.
How is my English level evaluated?
You take a placement test before registering for the English program.
How many English language levels are available at UCI?
There are 7 levels in total.
Can I use the different on-campus facilities at the University of California Irvine?
All full-time English students can use the on-campus facilities at UCI.
Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams to apply for the English programs at UCI?
No, there is no need to take any language proficiency exams beforehand.
Will I need a high school diploma to enroll on the English programs at UCI?
No, you will not need a high school diploma to enroll on these ESL programs.
Will I need health insurance to study English at the University of California Irvine?
Health insurance is mandatory for those studying with an F-1 Student Visa. Those on a Tourist Visa or ESTA are not require to have insurance, but it is still recommended to have one.
Will I need to buy books to study English at UCI?
Yes, you should consider between US$150 and $400.
Is there an application fee to study at the University of California Irvine?
Yes, all programs have a US$200 application fee.
When do I need to pay for the program? What are the payment methods?
The full payment is due a week prior to the program start date and can be done by money order or bank check issued by a U.S. bank, credit card payment, or Flywire.
Can I work while studying in Irvine, California?
Only those with an F-1 Student Visa can work up to 20 hours a week inside the campus. However, these positions are really limited, so you will not be able to find a job as an ESL student.
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