University of Alabama

The English Language Institute at The University of Alabama offers a number of English language programs. These help international students prepare or qualify for their chosen academic programs, advance their careers or generally improve their English language skills.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

This includes 20-26 hours of English classes each week, in 3-8-week sessions. Six different starting levels are available from beginner to advanced.

Pathway to UA

Undergraduate students study English before commencing their degree program and simultaneously earn a maximum of 17 academic credits. Start dates are in January, May and August.

Semester Abroad at UA

International undergraduates spend a semester as a student in America to study English and university courses with transferable credits to home institutions. Graduate students can also attend as visiting students.

English + Business Program

Led by business professors, students study English and business simultaneously. This includes 45 hours of English classes and 2-3 corporate visits.

Other programs include customized group programs, English Lite, the Academic Support Program and the International Teaching Assistant Program.

As well as being leaders in their fields, the faculty and staff at The University of Alabama are all exceptionally invested in the success of their students. The student to faculty ratio is 23:1, allowing for more individualized attention.

The quality of learning at UA is demonstrated by the success of its graduates. The University has graduated 56 Goldwater Scholars, 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars and 33 Hollings Scholars, and is among the top Fulbright producing universities in the U.S. In addition, UA has a long history of distinguished alumni, including Culverhouse College of Business graduate Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin, recognized as the 2018 CEO of the Year, 2018 Most Powerful Woman in Business, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2019).

Students can become transformative leaders by forging their path at The University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama has a large offering of excellent academic programs:

Undergraduate majors

More than 70 undergraduate degree programs taught in 10 colleges and schools

Graduate programs

More than 120 masters, doctoral and educational specialist programs in leading-edge fields such as engineering, sciences, business analytics, computer science, communications, and the humanities and arts

School of Law

Providing a forward-thinking curriculum that produces local, national and global leaders with a 6:1 student to faculty ratio

Distance Education

The opportunity to earn a university education that fits around other commitments

Nearly three billion dollars has been invested in new and renovated facilities where students learn and are led by distinguished professors renowned within their subject areas. Students can benefit from internships, research opportunities, study abroad placements and more.

Colleges and schools include:

• Arts and Sciences
• Communication & Information Sciences
• Community Health Sciences
• Culverhouse College of Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Human Environmental Sciences
• Nursing
• Social Work

As well as academic requirements specific to each program, students will need to meet the English language requirements for admission to The University of Alabama. Prospective international students will need to submit official qualifying English language proficiency test results. The following are accepted:

Undergraduate

• TOEFL iBT score of at least 79
• IELTS score of at least 6.0
• PTE score of at least 54

Some students may be exempt from having to supply proof of English language proficiency. This includes native English speakers or graduates from U.S. high schools. Students with high SAT reading/writing scores can petition to waive the English test requirement. SAT/ACT scores are optional for admission but are required for Merit Scholarship eligibility.

Graduate

• TOEFL iBT score of at least 79
• IELTS score of at least 6.5
• PTE score of at least 59

The GRE is also required for many UA programs with total score of at least 300. All tests must have been taken in the two years prior to the student enrolling at UA.

International students may have to enroll in an English language support class from the English Language Institute.

The University of Alabama offers facilities that are second to none. With nearly USD 3 billion in investment and new properties since 2003, UA has cutting-edge facilities in such areas as rocket engines and design, large-structure simulation laboratories, earthquake simulation labs, racecar technologies, sensor technology, 3-D printing labs and many others that create opportunities for students to make breakthrough discoveries.

There are also many campus libraries with quiet study spaces and access to a plethora of physical and digital resources.

Accommodation

There are 34 residence halls on campus for both undergraduate and graduate students. Run by a large team of resident advisors and graduate community directors, students are well supported when living on campus. International students will benefit from the living-learning communities that help students be their best academically and socially.

International freshmen students applying to The University of Alabama for the first time may be eligible to receive one of the following tuition scholarships:

• Capstone – annual value of USD 8,000
• Collegiate – annual value of USD 10,000
• Foundation in Excellence – annual value of USD 15,000
• UA Scholar – annual value of USD 20,000
• Presidential – annual value of USD 26,000

These are based on academic excellence, GPA and test scores. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must meet the scholarship priority deadline as well as other requirements. The above amounts are from 2019-2020 data and are subject to change.

International students may also qualify for an Academic Elite Scholarship. To be eligible, students must be a member of the University Fellows Experience. Additionally, there are limited scholarships on offer to transfer students.