The goal of the advanced University Prep (UP) courses is to help prepare students for success in challenging undergraduate academic study at the University of Arizona.
Tina & Carlos, two recent graduates of our Intensive English and University Track programs, share study tips that have benefitted them as Undergraduate students at the University of Arizona.
About the Program
Students take one course in a subject area (for example, history, literature, sociology, etc.) which is similar to a university course in its challenge and structure. Students also take three additional courses to build their skills: a support course for the content course which helps them with university academic expectations and connecting with the university campus, and two other language-focused courses such as University Writing, Advanced Listening & Speaking, or Analyzing Non-Fiction, among others.
Students in their first year of university take writing classes such as English 106/107, the university skills class UNIV 101, and other general education content courses. The CESL classes in UP help students succeed in their university studies. Students learn important skills they will use in the university and beyond, including completing projects, learning key information from lectures, navigating long readings, and incorporating research into their writing.
Upon successful completion of UP (2.0 GPA with C or higher in all classes after two sessions, or 3.0 with C or higher after one session, certain sessions only), students earn CESL’s English Language Endorsement. With this endorsement, students can fulfill U of A's minimum English language proficiency requirement without taking an additional language exam such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Please review U of A’s dates and deadlines to plan your studies and transition from CESL to U of A. The University of Arizona has limited windows of admissions. Students are strongly encouraged to review U of A application deadlines when applying to CESL and making their plans.
How Long Does the UP Program Take?
It is recommended that students study in the program for 2 sessions (1 semester). However, students who enter the program in Fall 2 (October start), Spring 2 (March start), or Summer (June start) can exit with endorsement in as little as 8 weeks if they perform exceptionally well. An exception may be granted for students whose second IEP-Advanced session is a Fall 1 or Spring 1 session. Please see the Director.
Important Dates (Spring 1, 2027 session)
- Application deadline: December 5, 2026
- Report date: January 5, 2027
Full-time programs reflect application deadlines that allow for immigration processing. Please review the application process for further details. US citizens or permanent residents can contact us directly to apply after the deadline.
Additional Details
- Application
- Copy of Passport
- Financial Guarantee
- Financial Guarantee Authorization (if applicable)
- Official English Test Score Report
English Language Proficiency for University Preparation
- Students completing our highest IEP level with a GPA of 2.0 with C or higher in all classes (after two sessions at our B1+/Academic English level), or a GPA of 3.0 with C or higher in all classes (after one session at our B1+/Academic English level) may progress directly into University Preparation.
- University Preparation applicants who have not taken our Intensive English Program must provide a recognized English language exam score from within 2 years of intended enrollment date (see below).
A score sheet from one of the following tests indicating that the prospective student has taken the test within the past two years and obtained at least the minimum score indicated. Students must have a minimum score of B1+/low B2 from a recognized exam to join the program. More information about CEFR scores.
- CEPT Full Academic
- Minimum Score: 90
- Website: CEPT Full Academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT)
- Minimum Score: 59
- Website: TOEFL iBT
- Please note that while MyBest scores are currently accepted, if any individual band score is lower than 13 (or lower than 3 in the new scoring system) or if any total score is lower than 56 (even if there is a MyBest score above 59), additional testing may be required to confirm eligibility. Fees may apply.
- International English language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Score: 5.5
- Website: IELTS
- Other Exams with equivalent scores may be accepted. Please contact our Admissions Office at cesl@arizona.edu to inquire.
- The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the linguistic and academic skills necessary for success at the university.
- Each session is 8-weeks long. Students may spend 1-2 sessions in IEP-Advanced (endorsement is only available in Spring 2, Summer, and Fall 2 sessions for students who are in their first session of IEP-Advanced)
- Students take one course in a subject area (for example, history, literature, sociology, etc.) which is similar to a university course in its challenge and structure. Students also take three additional courses to build their skills: a support course for the content course which helps them with university academic expectations and connecting with the university campus, and two other language-focused courses such as University Writing, Advanced Listening & Speaking, or Analyzing Non-Fiction, among others.
- Students in their first year of university take writing classes such as English 106/107, the university skills class UNIV 101, and other general education content courses. The CESL classes in UP help students succeed in their university studies. Students learn important skills they will use in the university and beyond, including completing projects, learning key information from lectures, navigating long readings, and incorporating research into their writing.
8 Week Session
Find the costs below for a single session lasting eight weeks as well as the financial guarantee requirement.
Initial Application Fee: $120.00 (non-refundable)
Total Program Costs
| Costs | 8 Week Session | 16 Week Session |
|---|---|---|
| CESL Tuition | $3460 | $6920 |
| Fees | $910 | $1820 |
| Living Expenses (estimated) | $4363 | $8726 |
| Total | $8.733 | $17,466 |
Breakdown of Program Costs (8-week session)
| CESL Tuition | $3460 |
| Student Services Fee | $300 |
| Technology Fee | $230 |
| Mandatory Campus Health Fee | $190 |
| Mandatory Student Health Insurance Fee | $190 |
| Total Payable to CESL | $4370 |
Materials
Students should budget $250 per 8-week session for purchasing course books if needed.
Dependents
If you bring dependents (legal spouse and/or children under 21 years of age) you will need to provide additional evidence of $800 per month for a spouse and $500 per month per child.
A financial guarantee is an official bank statement, or scholarship offer, which promises to sponsor or pay for a student's academic studies. The amount to be covered includes tuition, fees, books, and the cost of living. If you are submitting a personal bank statement it must have been issued within the last 6 months. Bank statements must be in English. If it is not your personal bank statement you must include the financial guarantee authorization from the account holder.
Financial Guarantee Requirements
- Must be recent, within 6 months of being issued
- Needs to be in English
- Needs to be on official bank letterhead
- Needs to show account balance (not average in the account)
- Date of issuance
- Name of account holder
- Needs to be checking or savings
| Total Payable to CESL | $4370 |
| Living Expenses (living, transportation, food, etc.) | $4363.00 |
| Total Needed for UP Financial Guarantee | $8.733.00 |
Will I take university classes?
While you will not enroll in an official university class, you will take a class in a university subject area that is very similar to university classes to help prepare you for this kind of study.
How long is each level?
8 weeks
How long will it take to finish my University Preparation studies?
CESL recommends students study in the program for 2 sessions (1 semester). The maximum duration possible is three sessions.
Does my University Preparation GPA affect me once I'm fully admitted to the U of A?
No, grades earned in UP do not appear in your U of A record.
If I complete one session of University Preparation, will I be automatically admitted to the U of A?
Not automatically. Here are three common ways to fulfill UA’s English language requirement for full admission:
- Complete two sessions of University Preparation and receive CESL Endorsement with a 2.0 GPA (students must pass all classes with a C or higher to receive endorsement).
- Earn the required English proficiency exam score (https://international-admissions.arizona.edu/english-proficiency)
- Complete one session of the University Preparation and receive CESL endorsement with a 3.0 GPA (students must pass all classes with a C or higher to receive endorsement-Fall 2, Spring 2, Summer only).
Can I participate in CESL clubs and activities while I'm enrolled in University Preparation?
Yes! You are highly encouraged to participate in CESL’s clubs and activities.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid to help with tuition?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any kind of scholarship or financial aid for our programs. Students may seek private sponsorship from their governments or other organizations.
What are the steps to apply for the F-1 Student Visa?
1. Apply to the CESL Program
2. When you are admitted to the CESL program, you will receive your I-20
3. Pay your SEVIS fee
4. Complete your visa application
5. Schedule and attend your visa interview