Academic English Program
About Academic English
The Academic English Program helps students develop the language and academic skills needed to succeed at U.S. universities. Students study reading, writing, listening, speaking, and academic communication while learning how to navigate university life at Washington State University.
- Small class sizes
- Personalized support
- English-only learning environment
- Students from around the world
- Campus integration and activities
Academic English mission
- Provide high-quality intensive English language instruction to the culturally and linguistically diverse communities in a supportive, respectful atmosphere to help students meet their academic, personal, and professional goals
- Prepare our students academically and culturally by using innovative techniques and instructional methods to build and support the foundation for successful navigation of student life
- Increase Washington State University’s international standing by laying the foundation for all WSU students to become global citizens by integrating our students into all of the different aspects of WSU, such as undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and co-curricular offerings
Program at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Session Length | 8 weeks |
| Weekly Instruction | 18 hours |
| Number of Levels | 7 |
| Class Size | 15 or fewer |
| Study Options | Full-time and Part-time |
| Location | WSU Pullman |
Fall, Spring and Summer Program Dates
| Term | Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 1, 2026 | January 12 – March 6 | January 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2, 2026 | March 9 – May 8* | March 3, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | May 11 – July 3 | May 1, 2026 |
| Fall 1, 2026 | August 24 – October 16 | August 17, 2026 |
| Fall 2, 2026 | October 19 – December 18** | December 11, 2026 |
| Spring 1, 2027 | January 11 – March 5 | January 4, 2027 |
| Spring 2, 2027 | March 8 – May 7*** | March 1, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | May 10 – July 2 | May 3, 2027 |
| Fall 1, 2027 | August 23 – October 15 | August 16, 2027 |
| Fall 2, 2027 | October 18 – December 17**** | December 11, 2026 |
Please note the following scheduled breaks: *2026 Spring Break March 16 – 20, 2026, **2026 Thanksgiving Break November 23 – 27, 2026, ***2027 Spring Break March 15 – 19, 2027, and **** 2027 Thanksgiving Break November 22 – 26, 2027
Instruction Levels
Academic English offers 7 levels of language instruction, from beginning to high advanced.
- Level 0: True Beginner
- Level 1: Beginner
- Level 2: Low Intermediate
- Level 3: Intermediate
- Level 4: High Intermediate – Completion of Level 4 allows students to meet the WSU language proficiency requirement for the Undergraduate Extended Support Program admission
- Level 5: Advanced
- Level 6: High Advanced – Completion of Level 6 allows students to meet the wSU language proficiency requirement for graduate study pending department approval
Curriculum
Instruction focuses on building the speaking, listening, and writing skills that are essential to academic success.
Academic English consists of 18 hours of instruction per week. This means each student will take 18 core hours at each level.
Levels 0-4
- Reading/Composition
- Grammar
- Listening/Speaking
Level 5
- Academic Reading
- Academic Composition
- Academic Listening and Discussion
Level 6
- Academic Reading & Research
- Academic Listening & Discussion
- Academic Composition
Classes typically run from Monday mornings through Friday afternoons. You are expected to attend class and participate. There are 15 students or fewer in each class. Students come from all over the world. Students are immersed in English during class, helping them build confidence and improve more quickly.
You will find your classes and teachers’ offices are all located in the same building. You will receive individual attention and instruction from our teachers. Residence halls, apartments, and restaurants are a 5-10 minute walk from our building. We regularly offer social and cultural activities to prepare you for life in the United States and at Washington State University. You are welcome here.
Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed academically, culturally, and personally while studying at WSU.
Academic English Placement
Accepted English Language Tests
Tests: Cambridge; CSAT: College Scholastic Ability Test; Duolingo; Eiken; Gaokao; IELA: International English Language Test Assessment; IELTS: International English Language Testing System; ITEP: International Test of English Proficiency; LCA: Language Cert Academic; MET: Michigan English Test; Oxford ELLT: English Language Level Test; Password; PTEA: Pearson Test of English Academic; TOEFL Essentials: Test of English as a Foreign Language; TOEFL iBT: Internet-based Test
| Language Exam | Traditional Admission | 1-Term Undergraduate Foundation | 2-Semester / 1-Year Undergraduate Foundation | 2 Eight-Week Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge ELA | C1 Advanced | B2 First | B2 First | B1 Preliminary |
| Duolingo | 105 | 95 | 85 | 60 |
| Eiken | Level 1 | Level Pre-1 | Level 2A | Not Applicable |
| IELA | 176 | 169 | 162 | 154 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
| iTEP | 4 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.4 |
| Language Cert Academic | 70 | 65 | 60 | 50 |
| MET | 64 | 63 | 52 | 43 |
| Oxford ELLT | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Oxford Test of English | 140 | 125 | 118 | 110 |
| Password | Level 6.5 | Level 6 | Level 5 | Level 4 |
| PTEA | 58 | 47 | 44 | 41-43 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Academic Exam | Traditional Admission | 1-Term Undergraduate Foundation | 2-Semester / 1-Year Undergraduate Foundation | 2 Eight-Week Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 17 English and 19 Reading | 17 English and 19 Reading | 16 English and 17 Reading | Not Applicable |
| CSAT | Level 1 | Level 2 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Gaokao | 125 | 105 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| IGCSE English First Language | C/5+ | C/5+ | C/5+ | D/4 |
| IGCSE English Second Language | Not Applicable | A or B/6+ | C/5 | D/4 |
| SAT | 500 Evidence-based Reading and Writing | 500 Evidence-based Reading and Writing | 440 Evidence-based Reading and Writing | Not Applicable |
Duolingo
For Duolingo tests, you will have to select Washington State University as your school of choice. Please read the rules and follow them CAREFULLY.
- Log in to englishtest.duolingo.com with the email address you used to take the test.
- Scroll down to your certified test results and click the “SEND RESULTS” button at the top next to “print results.”
- Select university for what you are applying to.
- Start typing Washington State University and select your choice using the checkbox. Be sure to select Undergraduate for your level.
- If you have an applicant ID, do not forget to add it!
- Press “Send.”
TOEFL
Your test fee includes up to 4 free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the institutions, agencies, or other recipients that you select before you take the test. You can add or delete recipients through your ETS account until 10 p.m. (local test center time) on the day before your test.
- Log in to your TOEFL iBT account
- On the home page, select “Order Score Reports.” (You will need to register for a test date before you can do this step.)
- For Product Type, click “TOEFL Services” then click “Continue.”
- Select the test date you want to send the scores of and click “Continue.”
- Search for Washington State University and select it. Use the school code 4705.
IELTS
If you took your IELTS exam in a test center, you could request to send IELTS results to up to 5 organizations. We would prefer that you send the results to us electronically. Make this request with your test center.
IELTS One Skill Re-Take Policy for WSU
If you’d taken the IELTS and you did not do well on one of the skills, you can take the IELTS One Skill Retake at any test centre where it is offered within 60 days of the original test date.
More information is here: ILETS | One Skill Retake
Online test takers can send their results to as many institutions as they need.
Here is the information you will need for the request:
Name of department: International Undergraduate Admissions
Name of Institution: Washington State University
Email: international@wsu.edu
Address:
Office of International Programs International Undergraduate
PO Box 645115
Pullman, WA 99164-5115
USA
Cost
Full-Time Tuition & Student Fees
Academic English is offered in 8-week sessions. There are 2 sessions each in spring and fall, and 1 session in summer.
| Program Length (1 session = 8 weeks) | 1 session | 2 sessions | 3 sessions | 4 sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & fees | $3,756 | $6,947 | $10,138 | $13,330 |
| Housing & meals | $3,167 | $6,333 | $9,500 | $12,668 |
| Books & supplies | $346 | $692 | $1,038 | $1,384 |
| Insurance* | $860 | $1,724 | $2,580 | $3,440 |
| Other** | $548 | $1,096 | $1,644 | $2,192 |
| Total expenses | $8,677 | $16,792 | $24,900 | $32,984 |
*Insurance rates vary from session to session.
**Other costs include personal and miscellaneous expenses (for example, laundry, toiletries, health care expenses not covered by insurance, clothing, and entertainment) and will vary depending on personal preference.
Part-time Tuition
Yes, you can take a course in Academic English part-time.
| Class Hours | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $173 | $346 | $520 | $1,040 | $1,560 | $2,080 |
Payment, Withdrawal, & Refund Policies
All tuition and fees will be posted to your myWSU account once your are registered (medical insurance may be posted after the session starts). Payment is due by the first day of classes. No refunds for Academic English classes are available after the 10th day of class.
Student Life
- Campus housing within walking distance
- Dining options nearby
- Social and cultural activities
- International student community
- Supportive learning environment
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step toward studying at WSU!
- Improve your academic English
- Prepare for university success
- Join a global community of students
Please email ialc@wsu.edu with your questions.