Graduate University Track Pathway

CESL's Graduate University Track Pathway Program at the University of Arizona provides graduate-bound students with advanced-level English courses, which are specifically designed to prepare them for the rigors of graduate-level course work. Improve your academic English in an in-person and immersive environment. Many graduate programs also accept CESL's Endorsement.

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Program Details

In addition to their Intensive English courses, students in the Graduate University Track Pathway (Grad U-Track) sit in on a UA graduate course in their intended field of study (with department approval) and receive support from a CESL instructor.

Full-time students in the Graduate U-Track Pathway are also eligible to apply for CESL's Graduate English Endorsement, which is accepted by most UA graduate departments and UA Graduate College as fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS exams. 

Questions?

Contact our admission team
cesl@arizona.edu


Important Dates (Fall II, 2025 session)

  • Application deadline: September 14, 2025
  • Confirmation form due: September 26, 2025

Full time programs reflects an application deadline that allows 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.

 

SessionApplication DeadlineReport DateSession Duration
Fall I, 2025July 19, 2025August 19, 2025August 25 - October 17, 2025
Fall II, 2025September 14, 2025October 14, 2025October 20 - December 12, 2025
Spring I, 2026December 6, 2025January 6, 2026January 12 - March 6, 2026
Spring II, 2026February 3, 2026March 3, 2026March 9 - May 1, 2026
Summer 2026May 2, 2026June 2, 2026Jun 8, 2026- July 31, 2026

Admission Requirements

In order to enroll in the Intensive English program, applications must meet the following requirements:

  • Documentation of completion of BA degree or equivalent
  • Be literate in their first language
  • Non U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents will require an F1 visa to attend this on-campus program

Program Costs

  • Initial application fee (non-refundable): $120
  • Tuition and fees for each 8 week session: $4,370

 

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Session Costs (8 week session) 
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

Notice Your financial guarantee also needs to include cost of living expenses

 

 

  • The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the linguistic and academic skills necessary for success in graduate school.
  • Each session is 8-weeks long. Students may spend 1-2 sessions in Graduate U-Track. Endorsement is only available in Spring 2, Summer, and Fall 2 sessions as lead-in to University enrollment.
  • Students sit in on (audit) a for-credit UA general education class (6 class hours per week/5 clock hours), a support class for the credit class (5 hours per week), two additional courses appropriate for academic English preparation (such as advanced speaking/listening course, an advanced writing course, a case studies course, or an advanced reading/vocabulary course) (5 hours each per week; 10 hours per week total), and an elective (1 hour per week)

What do I need to enter the Graduate University Track Pathway (Grad U-Track Pathway)?
You will need a level of English proficiency verified by one of the following tests:

• TOEFL score (59 on the IBT) (no lower than 13 on any individual band)
• IELTS score (5.5)
CEPT-FA score (90), most cost effective option
 

Will I take university classes?
As a Grad U-Track Pathway student, you will have the opportunity to observe a course in your intended major as part of CESL’s University Seminar class.  Though you will not receive university credit for classes attended, this is a good way to see what graduate courses in the US are like, as well as to establish relationships with professors. 

How long is each level?
8 weeks

How long will it take to finish my Graduate U-Track Pathway studies?
CESL recommends students study in the program for 2 sessions (1 semester).  

How do I enter UA from the Graduate U-Track Pathway?
Students who perform well in the Grad U-Track Pathway can receive CESL’s English Language Endorsement.  This replaces the TOEFL or IELTS and is accepted by most graduate programs at UA.

Can I use CESL’s endorsement at another university?
CESL’s English Language Endorsement is for UA admission only.  Contact CESL if you would like to find out more about graduate endorsement. 

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

Part-Time Options

For both current graduate students and students already in the U.S., we offer advanced coursework with support from a CESL instructor. The availability of the courses varies each semester and the cost is based on the number of course hours.

 

Program Costs

  • Tuition and Fees for each course: $700-1,100
    • Tuition: $650-1150
    • Technology Fee: $20
    • Initial Application Fee (non-refundable): $30

 

Apply Part Time

 

Still have questions? Reach out to us directly