International Programs
Academic English
Who Will Benefit
Join UC San Diego's Academic English Program to boost your language skills for success in American university classes. Perfect for students and professionals, our program helps you master English fluency and precision. Gain confidence in communication and thrive in academic settings. Start your journey towards language excellence with us.
4-Week Program Details
- Academic Skills (36 hours)
The discipline areas that will be covered in the academic skills homeroom class are reading, writing, grammar, discussion, and vocabulary development. Students will take part in different activities, including lectures, group work, pair work, and individual study.
- 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.
- Elective Class(es) (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:
Reading, writing, grammar, discussion, and vocabulary development will be covered in the required Academic Skills homeroom class. Students will also take part in different activities, including lectures, group work, pair work and individual study. Homework is substantial.
Duration: 4 weeks
Levels: 1-8
Delivery Method: In-person
Visa & Financial Verification Requirements:
For F-1 Student Visa / J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Holders:
2026 Programs:
- 20 hours per week: A minimum of $4,897 USD per session must be documented via a bank statement or equivalent proof of funds.
- 25 hours per week: A minimum of $5,147 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, or 25 hours per week
Sample Schedule:
Schedules may vary by English language level.
*This part-time program does not qualify for the form I-20.
Admission Requirements
Age: 18+
Language Proficiency:
4-week Academic English - Beginner to Advanced (levels 1-8)
Placement Test: For the best learning experience, every student must take an online placement test to determine their English level before starting the Academic 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. Additionally, all enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before the beginning of the program. This orientation, which includes the online placement test, is a crucial step in preparing for the Academic English program.
Dates & Prices
4-Week Academic English
2026 Dates:
- January 5 - 30
- February 2 - 27
- March 2 - 26
- April 6 - May 1
- May 4 - 29
- June 1 - 26
- July 6 - July 31
- August 3 - 28
- August 31 - September 25
- October 12 - November 6
- November 9 - December 4
4-week Academic English
2026 Prices:
- Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
- 4-week Part-time Tuition: $1,795 (15 hours per week / 60 hours total)*, OR
- 4-week Full-time Tuition (20 Hours): $2,095 (20 hours per week / 80 hours total)
- 4-week Full-time Tuition (25 Hours): $2,345 (25 hours per week / 100 hours total)
- 4-week International Student Service Fee: $250
- 4-week UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $240
- 4-week Books/Materials: Approximately $100 (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)
*The 15-hour-per-week programs don't qualify for the Form I-20.
Additional Information
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.
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.
Apply Now!
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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