International Programs
Business English
Who will Benefit
Our Business English program is perfect for professionals and students eager to improve their English using business-focused content. Whether your goal is to enhance your communication in presentations, excel in managing meetings, or sharpen your negotiation skills for international exchanges, this program is tailor-made for you. Join us and take a significant step towards success in the business arena.
Program Details
Classes:
Required: American Business Studies (36 hours)
Students will read and discuss several American business case studies in different disciplines that may include entrepreneurship, technology, marketing, management, finance, international trade, and human resources. Students conduct role plays and negotiations on a wide range of topics, such as board meetings, salary increases, etc.
Students will also take two of the following classes:
- Communicative Grammar (24 hours)
Students will improve their applied communicative grammar skills through structured lessons and engaging activities directly related to the skills needed to perform well in practical situations.
20-hour per week students will choose from 1 of the following elective classes below:
- Professional Elective (20 hours)
Our professional electives are offered on a rotating basis, allowing students to sharpen specific workplace skills through dedicated courses in Professional Discussions and Professional Presentations. You can also choose to refine your communication precision by enrolling in our Professional Writing or Professional Pronunciation & Fluency courses.
- Elective Class (20 Hours)
Students can choose from a wide array of electives focused on mastering public speaking, professional writing, test prep, and the art of dynamic group discussion. These courses provide hands-on practice in everything from formal presentations to casual conversation, helping you build confidence in any setting.
Curriculum:
Improve presentation skills, negotiating, meeting skills, vocabulary, and writing while surveying topics such as:
- American business and entrepreneurship
- Management and leadership
- Marketing
- Finance
- International Trade
- Human Resources
This program includes guest speakers and visits to local businesses. Guest speaker dates and company visits vary according to availability and current campus guidelines.
Duration: 4 weeks
Levels: 4-8
Delivery method: In-person
Visa & Financial Verification Requirements:
2026 Programs:
- 20 hours per week: A minimum of $5,692 USD per session must be documented via a bank statement or equivalent proof of funds.
- Dependents: Add $200 USD per week for the first dependent and $100 USD per week for each additional dependent. (Only spouses and children qualify as dependents.)
For Tourist / ESTA Applicants:
- 15* hours per week: No financial verification is required.
Program Schedule:
- Monday - Friday
- 15* 20 hours per week
In the 15-hour* per week part-time Business English schedule, business writing and some projects will be omitted. Guest speakers and field trips will also vary according to availability during the schedule of this less intensive program.
Sample Schedule:
Schedules may vary by English language level.
*The 15-hour-per-week program does not qualify for the Form I-20.
Admission Requirements
Age: 18+
Language Proficiency: High-Intermediate to Advanced (levels 4-8)
Placement Test: For the best learning experience, every student must take the ELI placement test (delivered online before students arrive) to determine their ELI English level before starting the Business English program. This test helps us understand your current English level, ensuring you start the program at just the right spot for your study abroad journey.
Optional: You may want to check your English language level using one of these free online tests before applying to the Business English program. You will still need to take the ELI placement test as described above after you are admitted.
Pre-Arrival Orientation: All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before the beginning of the program. This orientation includes essential information for studying at UCSD ELI and is a crucial step in preparing for the Business English program.
Dates & Prices
2026 Dates
- January 5 - 30
February 2 - 27(Closed)- July 6 - July 31
- August 3 - 28
2026 Prices
- Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
- Part-time Tuition: $2,590 (15 hours per week / 60 hours total), OR
- Full-time Tuition: $2,890 (20 hours per week / 80 hours total)
- International Student Service Fee: $250
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $240
*The 15-hour-per-week program does not qualify for the Form I-20.
Additional Information
Advisory About Language Proficiency Level
If our online pre-arrival placement tests indicate that your English proficiency level does not permit placement in the original 4-week program class, we will place you in 4 weeks of study in a corresponding 4-week program or provide a combination of classes and individual tutoring to ensure a program of 15 or 20 hours per week for 4 weeks. Alternatively, we may decide to place all 4-week program students in level-appropriate classes in a corresponding 4-week program in order to provide a program of 15 or 20 hours per week for 4 weeks. When this happens, the students’ 4-week program will have the features described for the new 4- program, not the features described for the original program. The tuition and fees for the students’ 4-week program enrollment will remain the same.
Advisory About Variable Enrollments
Enrollment numbers in our 4-week English language programs vary from month-to-month. Therefore, if we have low enrollments in the original 4-week program, we will notify you within 30-days of your program start date, so that you may cancel your enrollment or enroll into another 4-week program.
Programs You May Also Like
For a complete list of all programs, please visit our Courses and Programs page.
Apply Now!
- English Language Programs
- University Credit Programs
- Business Certificates & Programs
Contact Us
+858-534-6784
ipadmission@ucsd.edu
Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA
Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA