Options for UIC Graduate Applicants
The Tutorium Can Help
The Tutorium supports graduate programs that want options for recruiting highly qualified international students who do not meet the University’s English language requirements.
We offer two options for admitting qualified applicants who submit English language proficiency scores lower than those required for full admissions to graduate programs:
1. Grad+English
(Graduate Studies plus English Language Courses )
Admitted students take our English support courses (ELSI) in addition to the minimum number (9 credit hours or more) of graduate academic courses to supplement their English language skills. View detailed chart of ELSI courses and conditions.
2. Intensive English pre-Grad
(Intensive English Prior to Graduate Coursework)
Prospective students attend our Intensive English Program (IEP) and transition to a graduate program upon IEP completion.
Recommended score ranges for admission to each program
Recommended score ranges for admission to each program
| Full Admission* (Total Score) | Grad+English (Total Score) | Subscores Requiring Grad+English Course(s) | Intensive English pre-Grad (Total Score) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 70 to 79 | Listening<17 Writing<21 Reading<19 Speaking<20 | <70 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 5.5 to 6.0 | Listening<6.0 Writing<6.0 Reading<6.0 Speaking<6.0 | <5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 54 | 47 to 53 | Listening<47 Writing<56 Reading<51 Speaking<53 | <47 |
| TOEFL rPT | 60^ | 52 to 59 | Listening<17 Writing<21 Reading<19 Speaking<NA | <52 |
Table caveats
*https://admissions.uic.edu/undergraduate/requirements-deadlines/international-requirements
^Each section of the revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test has a score range of 0–30. No total score is reported.
Program Details
-
Grad+English
This option allows graduate programs to fully admit applicants to the graduate program with a requirement to take supplemental English language courses (ELSI). These would be in addition to full-time graduate enrollment (9 credit hours or more), which is required to maintain the student’s immigration status. View detailed chart of ELSI courses and requirements.
- The Tutorium has designed English language courses specifically for graduate students who need refinement of necessary skills to be successful in U.S. higher education.
- The advanced professional skills series (ELSI 081-089) are 8-week skill-based courses that focus on common academic needs and address issues with English comprehension (aural or written) and English production (oral or written).
- ELSI 08X courses available can be found under the ELSI rubric in the catalog.
-
Intensive English pre-Grad
Academically qualified applicants who have submitted language scores (or ELPA results) indicating a clear need for significant English language support, would study in the University’s Intensive English Program full-time before starting their graduate studies. Upon successful completion of the Intensive English Program, the student will be fully admitted to the graduate program and their level will be changed from Intensive English Program to graduate student..
Time to Complete IEP
If a student submits an English language proficiency exam score, below is a schedule of the time needed prior to beginning the graduate degree. If a student does not submit a score, the student may take the Tutorium English Language Placement Assessment (ELPA) prior to arrival to determine the estimated timeline.
- The Tutorium administers a department placement exam upon arrival to verify language levels. The estimated timeline may be adjusted according to the placement exam given upon arrival.
- This timeline presumes a student will successfully complete the set of leveled courses each semester.
- Students must complete all of the necessary language training (Placement through IEP level 4) to be considered for the academic program.
Estimated Timeline In IEP for Intensive English Pre-Grad
| 1 Semester before Grad (estimated based on placement in IEP level 4) | 2 Semesters before Grad (estimated based on placement in IEP level 3) | 3 Semesters before Grad (estimated based on placement in IEP Level 1 or 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Total Score: 60-69 | Total Score: 50-59 | Total Score: <50 |
| IELTS Academic | Total Score: 5.0 | Total Score: 4.5 | Total Score: <4.5 |
| PTE Academic | Total Score: 44 to 46 | Total Score: 40 to 43 | Total Score: <40 |
| TOEFL rPT | Total Score^: 45 to 51 | Total Score^: 37 to 44 | Total Score^: <37 |
Timeline explanation
^Each section of the revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test has a score range of 0–30. No total score is reported.
Students will be assessed when they finish the Intensive English Program to determine if any courses from the Grad+English program are required or recommended.
English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA)
No scores, no worries!
Applicants can take Tutorium’s English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA)
For students unable to submit a test score, Tutorium administers the ELPA, an in-house English language proficiency assessment. We can administer it remotely or in-person.
- The in-house assessment serves as an alternative to expensive exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- The Tutorium can also use ELPA as a way to inform departments on students’ specific needs or progress.
- The ELPA results also assist in determining:
- full admission,
- Grad+English option,
- or Intensive English pre-Grad.
Important Note: The ELPA is not a test for UIC International Teaching Assistants (ITA). Click here for information on the UIC ITA Oral Certification Interview.