ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT UW IN THE CITY OF SEATTLE
Study English at the University of Washington in 2025 or 2026. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure
STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Study English in the University of Washington (UW), one of the most prestigious schools in Washington, and a great place to improve your fluency.
YOU CAN FIND SOME OF THE BEST ENGLISH COURSES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
UW has a diverse selection of English programs in different areas, such as academic, business, culture, and science/tech/engineering programs.
STUDY ENGLISH IN AN OUSTANDING LOCATION SUCH AS SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
While you study English, you can marvel with all the attractions and activities you will find in Seattle, a fascinating location for international students.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
This is one of the most popular destination for international studentsA DIVERSE SELECTION OF COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
UW offers a wide array of programs, such as English & Culture, Academic English, and English for business or Science/Tech/Engineering.
LEARN ENGLISH IN AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The Short English programs at UW are accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, which certifies its quality and prestige.
STUDY IN A HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITY
The University of Washington is one of the best public schools in the USA and it is ranked at #16 according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH IN A DIVERSE SCHOOL
Studying English at UW gives you the opportunity to learn in a diverse environment, surrounded by students coming from different countries.
ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER CLASS
The classes of the International & English Language Programs at UW have only a few students per class, which allows a more personalized learning experience.
ALL CLASSES ARE ON CAMPUS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
All your classes will be taught inside the campus of the University of Washington, so you will have the complete experience of studying in an American college campus.
LEARN WITH SOME OF THE BEST FACULTY AT UW
The teachers at the IELP are experienced professionals ready to help students improve their English at a fast rate and with a comprehensive and fun approach.
HAVE A GREAT TIME WHILE LEARNING ENGLISH
The University of Washington offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students, including clubs, organizations, sports, volunteering, among others.
OPEN-ACCESS TO ON-CAMPUS FACILITIES AT UW
As a student at the University of Washington you have access to different on-campus facilities and services, for an even better experience studying abroad.
STUDY IN A GREAT PLACE, SUCH AS SEATTLE IN WASHINGTON
Seattle is a great place for international students who want to study in a city full of tourist attractions and fun activities you can do in your free time.
ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
INTERNATIONAL & ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMSENGLISH PROGRAMS
Short Term English Program (STEP)
Improve your English in just three weeks and explore one of the most exciting cities in the United States with the Short Term English Programs (STEP) at the University of Washington.
A 15-hour Short-Term English Program for international students who want to improve their English and learn about American culture, with a focus on improving speaking and listening.
Program Features
- Part-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 15 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Available from Beginning to Advanced
- Sessions of 2 and 3 weeks
- Several dates in the Summer and Winter terms
- Few students per class
- Extra-curricular activities
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- Applicants must have a basic level of vocabulary
- Must also be able to introduce themselves and understand classroom language
- Must apply with an ESTA or Tourist Visa
A short English program for international business students or professionals looking to enhance their English language skills and learn more about the different American business industries.
Program Features
- Part-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 15 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Available from Intermediate to Advanced
- Sessions of 3 weeks
- Several dates in the Summer and Winter terms
- Few students per class
- Extra-curricular activities
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- Applicants must meet one of the following minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, TOEIC 650, EIKEN 2A, or CET-4 475
- Must apply with an ESTA or Tourist Visa
A program suited for both students and professionals from the science, technology, and engineering industries. As part of this program, you will improve your conversation, presentation and listening skills, and also enjoy a STEM-related visit to interesting places around Seattle.
Program Features
- Part-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 15 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Available from Intermediate to Advanced
- Sessions of 3 weeks
- Several dates in the Summer and Winter terms
- Few students per class
- Extra-curricular activities
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- Applicants must meet one of the following minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, TOEIC 650, EIKEN 2A, or CET-4 475
- Must apply with an ESTA or Tourist Visa
A program designed for those international students who wish to enroll on undergraduate or graduate studies in the USA, as they will improve their speaking, listening and academic skills in just three weeks.
Program Features
- Part-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 15 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Available from Intermediate to Advanced
- Sessions of 3 weeks
- Several dates in the Summer and Winter terms
- Few students per class
- Extra-curricular activities
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- Applicants must meet one of the following minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, TOEIC 650, EIKEN 2A, or CET-4 475
- Must apply with an ESTA or Tourist Visa
A part-time online short-term English program for students who can not travel, but wish to improve their skills with a course offered by a prestigious school such as the University of Washington.
Program Features
- Part-Time Program
- 15 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Available from Beginning to Advanced
- Sessions of 2 weeks.
- Several dates each year
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- They must also have completed one or two years of university-level English language
Other English Programs
A short-term English program designed for university faculty who wish to teach engaging lessons in this language. It features learning how to develop student-centered courses, create your own remarkable learning materials and observing UW courses to learn more about university-level teaching in English.
Program Features
- Full-time program
- Classes are on campus
- 20 hours for two weeks, then 9 hours plus class observation
- Available from intermediate to advanced levels
- Sessions of 3 weeks
- Different start dates a year
- Applies for F-1 Student Visa
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes, or 17 and have graduated from high school.
- They must have experience as a university or college teacher
- Applicants must meet one of the following minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 75, IELTS 6.0, TOEIC 750, CET 6, PETS 5, or TEM 4.
A summer English program for people looking to improve their skills for graduate studies in the USA, and it's designed for students of a wide variety of fields.
Program Features
- Full-time program
- Classes are on campus
- 17.5 hours per week
- Available for advanced students only
- 5-week session during the summer
- Networking opportunities with fellow UW graduate students
- Attend lectures taught by prestigious UW instructors
- Social activities available
- Applies for F-1 Student Visa
Requirements
- Students must be 18 years old or older
- Applicants must meet one of the following English test requirements: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo English Test 105
- 200-word personal statement
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 Washington?Table with costs and dates of the Online STEP of the University of Washington 2025 - 2026
| Session | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language & Culture STEP Winter I, 2024 | Feb. 5 - Feb. 23, 2024 | 3 weeks | $1,785 |
| Language & Culture STEP Winter II, 2024 | Feb. 26 - Mar. 15, 2024 | 3 weeks | $1,785 |
| Language & Culture STEP Summer I, 2024 | Jul. 8 - Jul. 26, 2024 | 3 weeks | $1,785 |
| Language & Culture STEP Summer II, 2024 | Jul. 29 - Aug. 16, 2024 | 3 weeks | $1,785 |
| Language & Culture STEP Summer III, 2024 | Aug. 19 - Sep. 6, 2024 | 3 weeks | $1,785 |
Other Costs to consider
Apart from the program fee, which includes the tuition costs, you should also consider some of the following additional costs, which mostly apply for face-to-face programs only.
- Application fee: a USD$55 non-refundable fee paid upon your application, which applies to all programs from the IELP.
- Graduate School Preparation Program Application fee: a USD$90 non-refundable fee paid upon your application for the Graduate School Preparation Program, which covers the delivery to your home country of the Form I-20 via certified post mail, that is needed to apply for the F-1 Student Visa.
- 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 Seattle: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options UW recommends for foreign students.
- Health insurance: all those who are on an F-1 student visa in the US must have a mandatory health insurance, which is offered by UW, and costs approximately USD$115.
- Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and you should consider around US$200 per session.
- Flight Tickets from your country to Seattle, USA
- Food: you should consider food costs when thinking about your expenses, 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 WASHINGTON
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 uwashingtonvivecampus.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. This financial verification is necessary only for full-time programs that will required an I-20 document.
Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:
- Graduate School Preparation Program: USD$9,276
Contact us if you wish to apply for the Intensive Faculty Development Program
4. Application Fee
Non-refundable application fee of $55 dollars paid to the International & English Language Programs. In the case of the Graduate School Preparation Program the application fee is US$105, plus a US$40 express mail fee. 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 need to review all your documents are correct.
Your application documents must be sent to uwashingtonvivecampus.com
*If you are a US resident or 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 UW.
- 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
Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due at registration and can be done by credit card (Visa/Master Card), certified check, bank check, traveler's check, personal check from an U.S. bank, cash, or Flywire. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.
5. Arrival at School
You should arrive a week before the program start date to attend the orientation at the end of registration week. 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, and F-1 student visa, I-20 and a bank statement in case you applied for a full-time program.
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 SEATTLE AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
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 WASHINGTON.
International students can participate in activities such as:
- Field trips around Seattle
- Being part of the International Student Organization
- 100+ clubs they can join
- On-campus sport activities
- Volunteer activities
- Language exchange activities
As an English student at the University of Washington, you can participate in all kinds of fun and engaging activities, such as trips to different tourist attractions around Seattle; joining the International Student Organization; participating in one of the 100+ clubs available; the volunteer activities you can be part of, to help the community and practice your English; as well as the language exchange activities, to interact with native speakers and learn each other’s languages. On top of that, full-time students can participate in a wide variety of on-campus sport activities, which are great to meet people and make new friends.
Information about the city of Seattle, Washington State
Seattle is a coastal seaport city, the seat of King County, and is located in the state of Washington. It is also an amazing city to live and an excellent place to study English.
With an estimated 753,675 residents as of 2019, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and the fastest-growing major city in the United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of around 3.98 million inhabitants is the 14th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
The city has developed as a technology center with companies like Amazon, Microsoft and T-Mobile US based in the area. The stream of new software, biotechnology, and Internet companies led to an economic revival. Moreover, Seattle has become a hub for the green industry and a model for sustainable development.
On top of being a massive economic center, Seattle has also a noteworthy musical history. From 1918 to 1951, there were nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street from the current Chinatown/International District to the Central District. The jazz scene developed the early careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson and others. Seattle is also the birthplace of rock musician Jimi Hendrix and grunge music.
Some tourist attractions that you should visit in Seattle are:
- Pike Place Market
- The Space Needle
- The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
- Seattle Aquarium
- Seattle Art Museum
- Seattle Museum of Pop Culture
Information about University of Washington
The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington, United States, and it is one the best Universities in that country and in the World. The University of Washington, commonly referred to as Washington or UW, was founded in 1861, so it is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast and has one of the best medical schools. This School is also home to more than 50,000 students each year.
In addition, the campus of UW is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world and features world-class sports facilities, libraries, great art and music, and medical care facilities. The campus is located 6 kilometers north of downtown Seattle and it features amazing landscapes and stunning views of snow-capped Mount Rainier and the amazing Lake Washington.
Photos of the English Programs at the University of Washington
Videos of the English Programs at the University of Washington
HOUSING IN SEATTLE
Most common housing options for international students in SeattleSTUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UW HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS IN SEATTLE:
Check housing options for international students at UW in Seattle- Dormitories on Campus
- Apartments
- Homestay
On Campus Housing
On-campus housing is available at the University of Washington in one of its residences or on-campus apartments. This type of housing allows you to interact with fellow students, network with them, and to live close to all the different facilities you can find on campus, including your classrooms, which enhances your overall experience of living and studying abroad. If you wish to live on campus, please apply with enough time in advance, since availability is usually limited, especially during the fall term.
More information can be found here:
Apartments
This off-campus option is available for students who wish to live more independently and to choose where they want to live. It also allows you to choose your roommates, if you'll be sharing an apartment, and to move in or move out with more flexibility than with on-campus housing.
For more information, check here:
Homestay (Living with a family)
Homestays are a type of housing in which students live with a local family inside the same house, share common areas, and follow the household rules, just like any other family member. This can be a good option for younger students who don't feel prepare to live alone yet.
You can find more information here:
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 UW?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form belowWhy should I study English at UW?
The University of Washington has a long tradition of English language teaching for foreign students, which on top of an experienced faculty, guarantees the high quality of its programs. Moreover, this school is positioned among some of the best institutions in the USA and in the world, so you will be able to study inside a real college campus in a highly prestigious higher education institution.
Why should I choose to study in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle is a lovely city, with lots of tourist attractions and fun activities to do, so you will always have something to do and a new way to put your English into practice.
I am not a student in my country. Can enroll on these English programs with a Student Visa?
Sure! These English programs are available for everyone, including those who are not currently studying. You only need to meet the English requirement, if necessary, and be at least 18 years old, or 17 and have graduate from high school.
Does the University of Washington offer scholarships?
No, UW does not offer any type of scholarships.
What kind of comments and reviews do the English programs at UW have?
The University of Washington is ranked among some of the best schools in the world and the USA, and therefore, the quality of its English programs are more than guaranteed. That is way international students give great reviews and comments about UW.
Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study English at UW?
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 International & English Language Programs at the University of Washington. 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 inside the UW campus?
Yes, all classes are taught inside the UW campus.
How is my English level assessed by UW?
You take a placement test before registering for the English program.
How many English language levels are available at UW?
There are 5 levels in total, from Beginning to Advanced.
Can I use the different on-campus facilities at the University of Washington?
All full-time intensive English students can use the on-campus facilities at UW.
Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams to apply for the English programs at UW?
Yes. For intermediate programs, you must submit the results of a TOEFL or IELTS test that meet the minimum requirement (TOEFL iBT 61/IELTS 5.5). Other programs might have a higher requirement. Contact us for more information.
Will I need a high school diploma to enroll on the English programs at UW?
Yes, you can enroll on part-time programs with a tourist visa or an ESTA. However, you will need an F-1 Student Visa for full-time programs.
Will I need health insurance to study English at the University of Washington?
Health insurance is mandatory for those studying with an F-1 Student Visa. Students enrolled on part-time programs are not required to have health insurance, although it is still recommended to have one.
Will I need to buy books to study English at UW?
Yes, you should consider around US$200 for books per session.
Is there an application fee to study at UW?
Yes, all programs, whether online or face-to-face have an application fee. Check the program costs section to learn more about this.
When do I need to pay for the program? What are the payment methods?
The full payment is due at registration and can be done by credit card (Visa/Master Card), certified check, bank check, traveler's check, personal check from an U.S. bank, cash, or Flywire.
Can I work while studying in Seattle?
Only those with a F-1 Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week inside the campus. Nonetheless, in most cases these positions are really limited, so it is very unlikely that you can find an on-campus job.
Is immunization required to study English at UW?
Yes, all students at UW must provide proof of immunization, which will vary according to the applicant’s age. Those under 22 years of age by the program start date must be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and meningococcal meningitis A, C, W and Y. Those who are 22 years old or older must provide proof of immunization against measles and mumps.
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