Learn English and get support securing direct admission to one of ELS’s many university partners throughout the USA.
EXPLORE
About Direct Admission
If you already meet the English language requirement for your university of choice, you can still take advantage of ELS’s long-standing college and university partnerships in the United States; and enjoy our most complete English learning experience, designed to develop your language proficiency to support success in English-speaking higher education.
With ELS Direct Admissions, we’ll help you secure your direct admission to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at one of 40+ ELS partner schools in the USA, if you enroll for one session of ELS in person.* You’ll start your journey in ELS’s Intensive English program for at least one session (4 weeks). After that, you’ll transfer to your chosen college or university program and will be prepared for success in the American higher education system.
*For students who plan to attend the University of St. Thomas – Minnesota or University of La Verne, ELS study is not required.
ELS Direct Admissionis for you if:
You already meet the English language entry requirement for your chosen college or university in the USA.
You would like support selecting the right university, applying for direct admission, and transitioning to an American university.
You want to experience the most comprehensive English study program (ELS’s Intensive English) to prepare you for success in a community college or university in the USA.
You want to ease your way into the American higher education experience by learning English at our university campus-based centers where you can take advantage of campus facilities while enjoying small classes and personalized attention.
What is Direct Admission?
If you already meet the English language requirement for your chosen university, ELS Direct Admission offers you a supported application process and a seamless, easy integration into the American higher education system.
How it Works:
STEP 1
Submit your ELS Application and your University Direct Admission Application
STEP 2
Receive your Direct Admission offer from the University and your ELS I-20
STEP 3
Study ELS Intensive English for at least one session (4 weeks)*
*For students who plan to attend the University of St. Thomas – Minnesota or University of La Verne, this step is optional.
STEP 4
Enter an Undergraduate or Graduate Program at your chosen university
Direct Admission & ELS Intensive English at a Glance
ELS Intensive English Study
Once you’ve obtained your direct admission, you’ll start your journey by taking ELS’s Intensive English Program. Learn more about the program here:
30 Lessons
Number of Lessons Per Week
(1 lesson = 50 minutes)
4+ Weeks
Program Length
15 students per class
Average Class Size
12 levels from Beginner (101) to Masters (112)
English Levels Available
All language skills
English Learning Focus includes listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Any Monday*
Start Dates
*Programs run in 4-week sessions and students can start on any Monday year-round (Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday). For the best experience we encourage students to start at the beginning of a session and not to start on week four of the session.
Intensive English Program Sample Schedule
Students enjoy four 50-minute lessons each Morning, Monday to Friday, and two and a half 50-minute lessons each afternoon, Monday to Thursday** for a total of 30 lessons per week. Schedule is a sample only and may vary depending on your level and location.
BEGINNER (101 - 103)
8:30 - 9:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
9:30 – 10:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
10:30 – 11:20 AM
Skills Enhancement Class*
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Language Technology Center
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM **
Reading and Writing
2:40 PM – 3:45 PM **
Reading and Writing
INTERMEDIATE (104 - 106)
8:30 - 9:20 AM
Language Technology Center
9:30 – 10:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
10:30 – 11:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Skills Enhancement Class*
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM **
Reading and Writing
2:40 PM – 3:45 PM **
Reading and Writing
ADVANCED (107 - 109)
8:30 - 9:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
9:30 – 10:20 AM
Structure and Speaking Practice
10:30 – 11:20 AM
Skills Enhancement Class*
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Language Technology Center
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM **
Reading and Writing
2:40 PM – 3:45 PM **
Reading and Writing
MASTERS (110 - 112)
8:30 - 9:20 AM
Language Studies
9:30 – 10:20 AM
Language Studies
10:30 – 11:20 AM
Language Technology Center
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Skills Enhancement Class*
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM **
Reading and Writing
2:40 PM – 3:45 PM **
Reading and Writing
*Skills Enhancement Classes may vary at each location. Examples of Skills Enhancement Classes include Communication Through Video, Conversation and Speaking Skills, Vocabulary Enrichment, Real World Listening, Idioms, and more. ** Afternoon classes take place 4 days per week.
Explore our English course descriptions to discover what you'll learn in the different ELS classes that make up your program.
University Admissions Assistance
Before you even leave home to learn English, you can take full advantage of securing your direct admission to one of ELS’s many partner colleges and universities in the USA. You can apply for direct admission for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Our Direct Admission service is for students who already meet the English language entry requirement for their chosen ELS partner college or university. If you don’t meet the requirement yet, consider ELS Conditional Admission.
Our Direct Admission support offers you:
Support with selecting a college or university and completing the application process.
A full study plan that includes both English language studies and university plans before leaving your home country.
A smooth transition upon graduating with your ELS Certificate of Completion.
A university program start date for which semester you will begin your studies.
A chance to brush up on your English at one of our university campus-based centers, providing a smooth and supported transition into American student life.
40+ ELS College and University Partners to Choose From
Direct admission is available for Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctoral degrees and post-graduate certificates at over 40 ELS college and university partners in the USA. To identify a school that best fits with your needs, goals, budget and profile, see our University Guide Online, or talk to a local agent, or one of our advisors.
Where Direct Admission is Offered
With Direct Admission, you can start your journey at any ELS destination where you’ll take the Intensive English Program. Choose your city to start your USA English and University Study experience:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
CLEVELAND, OHIO
HOUSTON, TEXAS
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
MELBOURNE, FLORIDA
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
SAN FRANCISCO NORTH BAY, CALIFORNIA
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
Start Your Direct Admission Journey!
ELS’s Direct Admission service is offers you a supported pathway into American higher education. We’re here to support your English learning journey at ELS and your transition into college or university in the USA.
