English Language Institute
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“It is our mission to provide English language instruction of the highest quality, in which people can learn to their full potential, develop a deeper understanding of the United States, and always receive courteous and knowledgeable service.”
Our English Language programs are developed for students who have high-beginning to advanced English proficiency. We offer general English programs with structured skill-building and high-interest conversation, as well as English for specific purposes with a focus on academic, business, legal, and medical English. Our 4-week and long-term English programs are CEA-accredited.*
The UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers courses throughout the year to students who are 18 years of age and older. Testing at the beginning of the program determines your class placement. UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers 8 levels of instruction. You will progress to the next level when you meet specific language skills requirements.
Students must demonstrate a minimum high-beginner level of proficiency in order to participate in group classes. Students who do not qualify for full participation in English language programs will be scheduled for private or semi-private lessons with ELI instructors for an additional fee.
In Winter 2021, all programs that normally run in-person, except the Paralegal and Digital Marketing certificates, will run on a hybrid model, offering a combination of in-person and online classes. This format meets the SEVP requirements for international students, while maintaining strict public health protocols.
ESL Youth Programs
2 weeks
ESL Programs for Adults
2-week Program
15 or 20 hours per week
4-week Programs
10 hours per week
15 or 20 hours per week
15 or 25 hours per week
20 hours per week
8-week Programs
15 hour per week
20 hours per week
25 hours per week
Online Courses
Note: Each UC San Diego class hour is 50 minutes.
*The English Language Institute adheres to CEA Standards, which can be found at CEA Accreditation Standards. Feedback about ELI’s adherence to these standards can be sent to CEA. Comments, complaints, or suggestions about our programs, classes, or your experience with ELI should be sent to the ELI directly at ipinfo@ucsd.edu.