English Courses at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES OF UH IN THE CITY OF HONOLULU, HAWAII

Study English at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2025 or 2026. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure

Honolulu Hawaii is a great place to study English as a second language

STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII

Enroll on an English course at the Outreach College of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which has offer ESL instruction since 1975.

Group of students of the ESL programs of the University of Hawaii

A TOP QUALITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

The New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) of UH Manoa are perfect for international students and come in 5 different levels, from Beginner to Advanced, for a personalized English language teaching.

international students of the English programs walking on UH campus

IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH IN A FANTASTIC LOCATION SUCH AS HONOLULU, HAWAII

Enrolling on these English courses is an awesome opportunity to enjoy living and studying in the beautiful city of Honolulu, in Hawaii.

10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

This is one of the most popular destination for international students
1

A GREAT ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT UH OUTREACH COLLEGE

The Outreach College at UH Manoa offers the New Intensive Courses in English (NICE), with a great curriculum for international students.

2

EXCELLING TEACHERS IN UH MANOA

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has an excelling faculty, who have a long experience in teaching English as a foreign language.

3

HIGHLY PERSONALIZED ENGLISH TEACHING

Classes have 15 students maximum, so everyone gets personal attention from their teacher, which allows a highly personalized English teaching.

4

A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT IN HONOLULU

Students from all parts of the world visit Hawaii to learn English in a beautiful city, so the environment at UH Manoa is really rich and diverse.

5

ORIENTATION FOR ESL STUDENTS AT UH MANOA

New students participate in an orientation activity on their first day at UH-Manoa, and can also use the Counseling and Student Development Center.

6

AN EXCELLING ACCREDITED ENGLISH PROGRAM

The New Intensive Courses in English program at UH-Manoa is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

7

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

While studying in Hawaii you'll improve your English, but you'll also learn more about other cultures, network with fellow professionals and make new friends.

8

FANTASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

You can participate in social gatherings, join volunteering activities or get together and chat with UH-Manoa students to practice your English.

9

ACCESS TO UH MANOA FACILITIES

Students from the New Intensive Courses in English have access to the library system, computer labs, the student health center, and also the recreation facilities.

10

A MARVELOUS LOCATION IN HAWAII

Honolulu is a beautiful city, surrounded by exuberant nature, and also a place which you can explore and where you can discover tons of fascinating tourist attractions.

ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

NEW INTENSIVE COURSES IN ENGLISH

10-Week New Intensive Courses in English (NICE)

The 10-Week New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) at the English Language Institute of the University of Hawaii at Manoa are perfect for international students who want to improve their English skills, specially their oral communication skills. These include an innovative approach to teaching listening and speaking in English and a flexible curriculum that fits students’ goals. As part of this program, you will improve all skills in a practical way, focused on real-life learning, since you will be working both inside and outside the classroom, and studying in four different classes: grammar, listening, oral production and integrated skills.

Main Features

  • Intensive full-time Program
  • Classes are on campus
  • Approximately 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
  • Four different core courses.
  • 2-4 hours of homework every day
  • 5 levels from Beginner to Advanced
  • Placement test on arrival
  • Sessions of 10 weeks. Each session is one level.
  • You can take more than one session.
  • Offered four times a year (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)
  • Elective TOEFL iBT/TOEIC classes
  • 15 students max. per class, although average is lower
  • Access to university facilities such as libraries, sport facilities, health center, etc.
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Applies for F-1 student visa

Requirements

  • Students must be at least 18 years old. No maximum age.
  • Students must be high school graduates.

More information about the 10-week Intensive Program at UHM

Program Schedule

Classes take place from Monday to Friday, schedule may be between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Each course is taught for 50 minutes, once a day, every day. Approximately 20 hours per week.

PRICES & DATES

Complete the contact form to get a quote

PRICES AND DATES FOR ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT UH 2025 - 2026

How much does it cost to study English in University of Hawaii at Manoa?

Table with costs and dates of the English Program at University of Hawaii 2025 - 2026

SessionDatesDurationCosts
Fall 2024Oct. 4 - Dec. 13, 202410 weeks$3,426
Winter 2025Jan. 10 - Mar. 21, 202510 weeks$3,426
Spring 2025Apr. 11 - Jun. 20, 202510 weeks$3,426
Summer 2025Jul. 11 - Sept. 19, 202510 weeks$3,426
You can study one, two, or more consecutive sessions, and you can start the program at the beginning of any session.

For example if you want to study for approximately 7 months, you can take the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions consecutively.

Other Costs to consider

Apart from the tuition fee, all students should keep in mind the different items we list down below, including additional fees, the cost of the visa, housing, mandatory health insurance, and books.

  • Non-refundable application and registration fee: a one-time $125 payment paid to the school for registration purposes.
  • Visa costs: during the visa application process you must pay $160 for the F-1 student visa and $350 for the registration on the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System). These costs are set by the US government.
  • Acommodation: you should consider a certain amount of money for this item, as students from the English program are responsible for their own accommodation. The school can recommend certain housing outside campus.
  • Health insurance: all international students must have health insurance prior to their arrival. We will provide some options.
  • Books and supplies: students should consider around $250 for books and supplies. Books normally cost between $120 and $140, depending on the classes you'll be taking.
Dates and costs are subject to change. All prices are in American dollars. All school fees must be paid in advance, so that the application is completed, and payment methods include online credit card payment and checks from US Banks. Contact us for more information

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 HAWAII AT MANOA

The whole application process is done online. Follow the instructions below

Steps to apply for a program

  • 1. Application Process
  • 2. Acceptance Process
  • 3. Visa Processing
  • 4. Health Insurance
  • 5. Classes start!

1. Application Process

Documents must be sent to uhawaiivivecampus.com

Documents needed to apply


1. Formulario de inscripción

Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.

Download Form and Instructions

2. Health Certification Form

The health certification form provided by the university, which must be filled out and signed by a physician.


3. 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.


4. 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.

The bank document must show at least the following amount per program:

  • 10-Week Programs: USD$8,100 (for each 10-week session)

5. Application Fee and Payment of the Program

Application and registration fee and full payment of the program to the University of Hawaii is required to complete the application. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the fees online, following the instructions. Application and Registration fees are non-refundable. 100% of course will be refunded for cancellations requested by Thursday of first week of classes.


Send your application documents

A representative needs to check all your documents are correct.

Your application documents must be sent to uhawaiivivecampus.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 you send the application documents and make the full payment, you'll be contacted by UH-Manoa within 2 to 3 weeks, after which they'll send you the admission letter and the Form I-20, both of which are needed for the visa application process.

3. Visa Processing

International Students need to apply for a student visa F-1 in order to enroll on any full time program

After the school sends you the Form I-20, your next step is to apply for the F-1 student visa. In order to do so, you must make an appointment at the nearest US Embassy in your country of residence. Depending on which country it is, the embassy will take 2 to 4 weeks to give you an answer. We'll send you detailed information about how to apply for a student visa once you begin your application.

4. Health Insurance

One of the application requirements is for international students to have health insurance coverage while studying abroad in Hawaii. This is mandatory and students must acquire it while still living in their home countries. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information.

5. Arrival at School

You should arrive before the program start date, since an orientation and placement test takes place before the classes start. This information will be sent on the welcome package, usually this is on Thursday before the first week of classes. On your first day you'll be instructed regarding different program policies and procedures, and you'll be taken on a tour around the different facilities of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Important: We encourage you to apply with at least 2 months in advance.

ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

You will be able to participate in several activities during the program

SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN HONOLULU AND ACTIVITIES AT UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

Most of the activities are free!

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA.

International students can participate in activities such as:

  • Meetings with UH-Manoa Students
  • Sport activities (swimming, tenis, running tracks, etc.)
  • Community Day
  • Potlucks, pizza parties, and holiday celebrations

Students from the Intensive English program can participate in all sorts of on-campus activities, to have fun, meet new friends, and put their English skills into practice. There are on-class meetings to chat with students from the university; different social and cultural events (potlucks, pizza parties, Valentine's/Halloween/May Day events); a Community Day each session, on which they visit people who work with the local community; and awesome sport activities in UH-Manoa's outstanding facilities, that you can access for an additional fee.

Information about the city of Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, on Oahu Island, is the capital of Hawaii and one of the most beautiful regions of the United States and the world. Here you will find art galleries, museums, bike paths and the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Moreover, it has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the world and is located in the second safest state in the USA. Waikiki is the main neighborhood for eating, nightlife and shopping, famous for its beaches and the best place for swimming and surfing.

Additionally, there are many natural attractions to visit on Oahu Island. The natural diversity of Hawaii, its tropical warm weather and several public beaches, are all surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and active volcanoes, making this place one of the most popular for tourists, surfers, biologists and people who love nature. Due to its location in the Pacific, the Hawaiian culture is greatly influenced by the North American, Asian and Pacific cultures. In terms of population, Hawaii has more than a million permanent residents, plus the thousand visitors that regularly go to the island.

Some of the best activities you can try near Honolulu are:

  • Climbing Diamond Head
  • Visiting the north shore of Oahu
  • Spending a day at The Polynesian Culture Center
  • Exploring Waikiki
  • Go hiking to Waimea Falls
  • Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
  • Going on a trip to Pearl Harbor
  • Attending an evening luau
The city of Honolulu, Hawaii is the house of the University of Hawaii language school

Information about the University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) was founded in 1907 and it is the main campus of the University of Hawaii System. Students and teachers come from all around the United States and the world to take research opportunities offered by the university and to gain advantage from the community diversity, the first level sport programs and the beautiful landscapes of the island. UHM is constantly ranked as “best value” among other universities from the United States and students get high-quality education and a unique global and multicultural experience in a perfect learning place in Hawaii.

The Outreach College of the University of Hawaii is the division in charge of continuing education programs, which helps the university and the community of Hawaii with their high-quality education programs, including the international programs.

Some facts about UHM are:

  • Located just outside Honolulu, in Oahu
  • Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • A student body with people coming from 115 countries
  • Over 17,000 students
  • 17 colleges and schools
  • Ranked among the top 1.5% best schools
students of the language school of the University of Hawaii on campus

Photos of the English Programs at University of Hawaii at Manoa

english and surfing clasess in Hawaii
students from the english course at UH receiving their diploma
international students from the NICE programs of UH visiting Honolulu

Videos of the English Programs at University of Hawaii at Manoa

HOUSING IN HONOLULU

Most common housing options for international students in Honolulu

STUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UH HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS IN HONOLULU:

Choose the housing option that best fit you
  • Dormitories off Campus
  • Apartments
  • Homestay

Dormitories Off Campus

These are private student residences outside the university campus, and offer different amenities to make your life easier. It's a good option for those who want to network and meet fellow students coming from all over the planet.

Some of the options are:

Apartments

Another option you can try is looking for an apartment to rent on your own or share with other students. Down below you can check different options.

Some of the options to look for apartments are:

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 aren't allowed to live alone yet.

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 UH?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form below

What is the University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College?

The Outreach College of the University of Hawaii is the division in charge of UHM continuing education programs, which helps the University and the community of Hawaii with their high-quality education programs, including those aimed at international students.

Why should I study in Honolulu and at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College?

Honolulu is a fantastic city located in Hawaii, the second safest state in the US. It's a wonderful place in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where you can explore mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and fascinating neighborhoods. You can use your free time to visit these places and interact with native speakers in the real life, which is great for putting your English into practice.

On the other hand, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is an excelling institution, one of the best in the state of Hawaii, with a diverse student body of people coming from different origins, including both national and international students. Moreover, it's famous for its research in various areas, such as tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, evolutionary biology, among others. In addition, apart from this academic excellence, UHM has great modern facilities you can use and awesome activities you can be part of, for an enhanced experience studying abroad among other college students. Finally, the Outreach College has offered English language courses since 1975, which amounts to a long experience in teaching foreign languages for international students, which you'll note in its excellent faculty and curriculum.

I am not currently a student in my country. Can I still study English with an F-1 student visa?

Of course. It's not required to be a student in your country of residence before applying for a student visa, since they're open to all full-time English language students.

Can I apply for a scholarship for these English programs?

No scholarships or financial aid is offered for students of the English programs at UHM.

Which steps should I follow to apply for a Student Visa to study English at UHM?

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 English Language Programs at The University of Hawaii. 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/

Do the Intensive Courses in English have any comments or reviews?

Foreign students from all over the planet visit the UHM Outreach College every year to learn English in a great environment, in which they learn from excelling teachers, participate in awesome extracurricular activities, and interact with the community at both the university and Honolulu. Therefore, these courses have great reviews from its students.

The intensive English programs are offered at the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

Yes, all classes take place within the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Are students given a certificate after completing the English course?

All students who meet the program's performance and attendance requirements are given a certificate issued by the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

How are my English language skills assessed?

You take a placement test before classes start, so you can be put in a class with students who have a similar proficiency level.

How many levels does the English center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have?

There are five different proficiency levels: Basic, High Basic, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced.

How many students are in each class?

15 maximum, although the average number is lower.

Do I have access to UH at Manoa facilities and services?

Yes, you have open access to libraries, computer labs, the health center and the counseling services. Moreover, you can pay an additional fee to have access to sports facilities, such as pools, open tracks, gymnasiums, tennis courts, among others.

How old do students need to be to enroll on the Intensive English courses at University of Hawaii?

Students must be 18 years old or above at the beginning of the course.

Are test scores or transcripts required for the English program at UHM?

No, it's not required for students to submit school transcripts or English proficiency exam scores, since they'll take a placement test before the program starts. However, you must be a high school graduate to be part of the English program.

Can I study English at the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a tourist visa?

No. These are intensive full-time programs, for which a student visa is mandatory.

Is health insurance mandatory to enroll on the English courses at UHM?

Yes, all students must have health insurance prior to their arrival. This is not offered by the school and must be obtain in the students home country.

Are books included within the tuition fee?

No, these are not included. Students must consider at least US$250 for books and supplies, although the final cost will depend on the classes the student enrolls on.

Do I have to pay an application fee to enroll on the English programs?

Yes, there's a non-refundable application fee (US$75) and tuition deposit (US$50).

When is the program paid? Which payment methods can I use?

The program must be paid in full in advance to complete your application. The payment methods include online credit card payment and checks from an US banking institution.

Is working allowed while studying English at UHM?

You're allowed to work up to 20 hours per week inside the school campus if you're enrolled on a full-time program and you have an F-1 visa. However, these jobs are normally taken by undergraduate and graduate students from UHM, so positions are highly limited.

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