Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

Learn English at a Top State University

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for international and domestic students who want to improve their English language skills.

The University at Albany — known for excellence, impact and affordability — is located in New York State's capital. Many students enter one of UAlbany’s degree programs after successful completion of IELP.

The IELP, established in 1978, has trained more than 10,000 ESL students. The IELP is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs and University and College Intensive English Programs.

Five students smile and pose for a selfie group photo on UAlbany's Uptown Campus.

The Intensive English Language Program Advantage

Conditional admission with language proficiency exam waiver
Small class sizes
All teachers have master’s degrees or higher
Classes on English for specific purposes
Eight- and four-week sessions
Social and cultural activities
Language clubs
Located in New York State, two hours away from New York City

Contact the IELP

Science Library G40

1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States

[email protected]

Phone

518-591-8172

Fax

518-591-8171

Office Hours

Academic Year: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday

Summer: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday

Email [email protected] to make an appointment.

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How does the IELP work?

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions and 4-week sessions — with five 8-week sessions and ten 4-week sessions offered each year.

Students take a placement test and enroll in the number of sessions necessary to achieve their desired English language level. Currently, we offer five levels of English instruction: Intermediate 1, 2 and 3, and Advanced 1 and 2.

Full-time students study 20 hours per week, which includes two core classes and one elective course. Part-time students can choose to study 4 to 16 hours per week.

Core English Courses (16 hours per week)

Listening & Speaking (8 hours per week)
Reading & Writing (8 hours per week)

Elective English Courses (4 hours per week)

Elective courses may include Business English, English for Sustainable Development, Academic Vocabulary, Conversational English, Grammar, American Film and more.

Sample Weekly Schedule

Here is a sample weekly schedule for a full-time student. Actual classes, times and dates may differ.

Monday	9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Reading & Writing 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch Break 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Listening & Speaking
Tuesday	9:15 to 11:00 a.m.: Reading & Writing 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Elective 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Listening & Speaking
Wednesday	9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Reading & Writing 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch Break 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Listening & Speaking
Thursday	10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Elective 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Listening & Speaking
Friday	9:15 to 11:30 a.m.: Reading & Writing 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.: Conversation Club Afternoon: Activities

Four students walk through a green patch of grass between gardens of flowering trees and shrubs.

Choose Your Pathway

No matter which option you choose, we invite you to apply now.

pathway

Fast-track Pathway with Conditional Admission

The fastest way for conditionally admitted IELP students to enter the University is to complete IELP through the Advanced 2 level. This is the most common pathway through the IELP and into UAlbany.

Students may receive pre-placement in the IELP at the Advanced 1 Level with submitted scores of 5.5 on the IELTS or 61 on the iBT.

Conditionally admitted students can finish the IELP in just one semester and then enter UAlbany for academic studies.

Review the Conditional Admission to UAlbany & Albany Law School section for more information.

Guided Pathway

Start a UAlbany academic program while an IELP student.

Advanced IELP students can take an academic credit-bearing course for one semester with assistance, support and guidance from IELP faculty.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Concurrent Enrollment

Another popular pathway is for IELP students to be concurrently enrolled.

Concurrent Enrollment allows non-degree students to take IELP classes and UAlbany academic courses at the same time to experience the American higher educational system.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Conditional Admission to UAlbany & Albany Law School

conditional-admission

Undergraduate Programs

Students who successfully complete the IELP are not required to provide a TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to all undergraduate programs.

To apply for conditional admission as an undergraduate student, you must complete both an undergraduate international admissions application and an IELP application.

Visit the International Admissions website for more information.

Graduate Programs

Some UAlbany graduate programs offer conditional admission to students who successfully complete the IELP, if all other admissions standards are met.

Please contact Director of Graduate Recruitment and Marketing Soha Acosta at [email protected] to see if your program participates in conditional admission with IELP. Visit the Graduate School website for more information.

Additionally, Albany Law School offers a conditional admission option for international lawyers who meet all admission requirements except the minimum English language requirement for regular admission to the law school.

IELP Levels & Language Proficiency Test Score Equivalencies

IELP Level	iBT TOEFL	IELTS	DuoLingo
Intermediate 1	32-42	4.5	70
Intermediate 2	44-52	5.0	75
Intermediate 3	53-60	None	80
Advanced 1	61-64	5.5	85
Advanced 2	None	None	None

Note: Students with a 61 iBT, 5.5 IELTS or 85 DuoLingo can place into the Advanced 1 Level of the IELP. Students with a 32 iBT, 4.5 IELTS or 70 DuoLingo can place into the Intermediate 1 Level of the IELP.

Visit these websites to access test score requirements for academic program admissions:

UAlbany undergraduate applicants: International Admissions
UAlbany Graduate applicants: Graduate School
Albany Law School applicants: Albany Law School

Session Dates & Cost

Session Dates

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions and 4-week sessions — with five 8-week sessions and ten 4-week sessions offered each year.

Fall 2026

Fall A 2026

Session	Dates
8-Week Session	August 19 to October 14, 2026
4-Week Session 1	August 19 to September 18, 2026
4-Week Session 2	September 14 to October 14, 2026

Fall B 2026

Session	Dates
8-Week Session	October 19 to December 11, 2026
4-Week Session 1	October 19 to November 18, 2026
4-Week Session 2	November 11 to December 11, 2026

Spring 2027

Spring A 2027

Session	Dates
8-Week Session	January 20 to March 12, 2027
4-Week Session 1	January 20 to February 20, 2027
4-Week Session 2	February 15 to March 12, 2027

Spring B 2027

Session	Dates
8-Week Session	March 22 to May 12, 2027
4-Week Session 1	March 22 to April 23, 2027
4-Week Session 2	April 12 to May 12, 2027

Summer 2027

Session	Dates
8-Week Session	May 24 to July 16, 2027
4-Week Session 1	May 24 to June 23, 2027
4-Week Session 2	June 21 to July 16, 2027

Session Costs

Session Type	8-week	4-week
IELP Program Fee (Tuition)	$2,390	$1,793
IELP Student Services Fee	$225	$169
University Comprehensive Service Fee	$377	$188.50

Note:

The above costs are for full-time study (20 class hours per week). For part-time costs, email [email protected].
The above costs are for the 2026-2027 Academic Year and are subject to change without notice.
The above costs do not include the international insurance fee, which is required for students on F and B visas.
The University's Comprehensive Service Fee covers most on-campus health and well-being services, as well as access to technology and local bus transportation.

Billing

4-Week Session 2

April 12 to May 12, 2027

Student Life & Activities

For more than 180 years, UAlbany has been fueled by a unique mix of academic excellence, internationally recognized research and world-class faculty.

Learn more about UAlbany, about student life at UAlbany and about the Capital Region.

A double on-campus bedroom, with two twin beds, two desks and two chairs. One student sits at a desk and another sits on the bed, smiling and laughing together.

Housing

You are responsible for making your own housing arrangements, which includes applying for housing well in advance of your arrival date.

The IELP does not make housing arrangements for students but we offer this information to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Generally, IELP students have three options for housing:

On-campus Housing: Live on campus in a residence hall or apartment with other UAlbany students. Visit the Residential Life website to explore housing options, room rates and sign-up information.
Off-campus Housing: Live off campus in an apartment by yourself or with roommates. Visit the Off-campus Student Resources webpage to access the Off-campus Housing Marketplace and advice for renting an apartment in Albany.
Homestay: Live off campus with a local family, experiencing American home life and culture. Visit the OvECS Ltd. homestay company website to learn more about homestays and how to sign up.

Campus meal plans are available for students who live on or off campus.

Temporary Housing (Hotels)

If you need temporary housing while you are arriving in or leaving the United States, you may need to book a hotel.

IELP is located on UAlbany's Uptown Campus, which is located at 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222. Review hotels and restaurants near campus.

There are several hotels and restaurants located within walking distance of campus on Washington Avenue and Western Avenue. There are also several hotels and restaurants located near Crossgates Mall in Guilderland and on Wolf Road in Colonie — both of which are a short drive or bus ride from the University.

Note: The IELP provides this information as a resource for students. IELP and UAlbany do not endorse any specific service provider and are not responsible for service providers' acts, errors or omissions.

Activities & Trips

At UAlbany, students have the chance to enjoy beauty, diversity, history, culture and world-famous places.

To facilitate this, the IELP hosts social and cultural activities and events for students. These activities help students learn and use the language, meet new friends, explore new and exciting places, experience American culture and become part of a community.

Every eight weeks, IELP students enjoy an all-day field trip to destinations such as New York City and Boston.

Weekly IELP activities include local field trips to museums, music festivals, nature preserves, and the New York State Capitol. Students enjoy cultural activities such as apple picking, hiking and pumpkin carving.

IELP students also join American students at UAlbany sporting events and club activities.

Language Clubs & Services

IELP students use English outside of class and are surrounded by opportunities to make new friends, practice English, and meet American students. Options include:

Conversation Club
Conversation Partners
Cultural Connections

Exploring the Capital Region & Beyond

Students get to experience all four seasons in Albany: The leaves change color in the autumn, snow falls in the winter, flowers bloom in the spring and the sun shines in the summer.

New York State is world-famous for culture, business, entertainment, international diplomacy and world-class universities. UAlbany is within reach of exceptional skiing, snowboarding and hiking in the Adirondacks, Catskills and Berkshires. New York City also hosts several of the world’s most-visited tourist attractions.

Many UAlbany graduates find jobs right here in the Capital Region, which has vast opportunities in government, technology, business, healthcare and education.

Students enjoy many popular destinations and activities in the area, such as:

Lake George
Adirondack Park
Catskill Mountains
National Basketball Hall of Fame
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Thacher State Park
Summer concerts in local parks

Pre-arrival Instructions

Confirm, Defer or Cancel your Enrollment

Confirm your enrollment

Please follow these steps to confirm your IELP enrollment:

Apply for an F-1 student visa.
Once your visa appointment is scheduled, email [email protected] to report the date and time of the appointment.
Once your visa is approved, email [email protected] to report the approval and confirm your enrollment.

Defer your enrollment

If you’re unable to complete the IELP during the session dates for which you were accepted, you may defer your acceptance to a later session. You may only defer twice.

You must request a deferral before your current I-20 cancels. Your I-20 may automatically cancel 30 days after the program start date listed on the form.

To defer, please follow these instructions:

Pay the processing fee for deferrals.
If the previous bank statement you sent IELP is now more than six months old, email an updated bank statement to [email protected].

You will receive an updated I-20 within five to 10 business days. Follow the instructions above to confirm your enrollment for the new session dates.

Cancel your enrollment

If you choose not to enroll, please email [email protected] to cancel your application, acceptance and/or enrollment.

Pre-arrival Tasks

Please complete the following tasks after you confirm your enrollment and before you arrive at UAlbany.

Activate your UAlbany account. Use the Student Guide to Technology at UAlbany to get started.
Meet all health and immunization requirements. If possible, please obtain required immunizations and/or testing in your home country before arriving in the U.S. to help you save on costs.
- If the required health services are not available in your home country, please contact [email protected] for help.
- If you need to bring medicine into the U.S., pack a written prescription from your doctor with the medication.
Arrange for housing. You have the option to live on campus, off campus or in a homestay. Visit the "Student Life & Activities " tab above for detailed information. You may also wish to sign up for a meal plan.
Request a UAlbany ID card. Submit your photo online at least two weeks before you arrive so your ID card is ready for you. You may also wish to download and use mobile ID.
Plan your travel to the UAlbany. Review travel tips and resources, including information about airports and ground transportation.
Start packing. Review a recommended list of what to pack. Be sure to bring written prescriptions from your doctor for any prescription medications you’re bringing into the U.S.
Check your personal and UAlbany email inboxes regularly. Be sure to read any emails you receive from IELP and reply to any questions, if applicable.
Review these related webpages:

Welcome Activities

Each IELP session begins with one to three days of orientation, testing and welcome activities. All new IELP students are required to attend.

You will receive an email with instructions on where and where to report on the first day. We’ll hand out schedules for the rest of the week upon arrival.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Custom Programs

Four students with backpacks walk through the Massry Center for Business, which is a glass modern building on UAlbany's Uptown Campus.

Custom English-language Programs

The University at Albany's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) works with universities, businesses, government agencies, teachers, researchers and students to offer custom programs.

Programs are designed to meet each group’s goals and objectives, with language, culture and academic services available for delivery online, in person in New York State or in person around the world.

If you're interested in a custom program, please contact IELP's Acting Director Cathleen McCarthy at [email protected].

Airline Hospitality Program

The IELP provides an intensive language and culture program with a focus on airline hospitality English through classroom learning, experiential learning, task-based projects, internships, poster presentations, hands-on training, real-life scenario exercises, and field-based learning trips, including excursions to local, regional and international airports. The classes, internships and activities can be customized for your group.

UAlbany's Uptown Campus is located in Albany, the capital of New York State. Local partners for this program could include JetBlue Airlines, Albany International Airport and Discover Albany.

Core classes and electives for the Airline Hospitality Program including Listening & Speaking, Airline Hospitality English, Airline Hospitality English Internship and Tourism English.

The Airline Hospitality English Program can also include training in safety and emergencies, including on topics such as:

Airport safety and passenger security, including tours of the control tower, airport perimeter and security operations
Emergency medical services, including hands-on instruction in CPR and first aid
Certified therapy dogs and how they assist passengers

Airport internships can be arranged, with participants volunteering as Airport Ambassadors for at least two hours per week. Airport Ambassadors play a key role in assisting passengers locate check-in desks, visitor and information desks, concourses, business centers, community rooms, interfaith prayer rooms and other important areas.

The Airline Hospitality program arranges visits to both regional and international airports, such as Albany International Airport, JFK International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport.

Business Executive Programs: Professional Certificates from the International Business School (IBS)

Earn a professional certificate from the IELP's Business Executive Programs, which is offered in partnership with the International Business School (IBS) Americas International College. Study business topics with UAlbany professors and improve your business English with our English as a Second Language (ESL) specialists.

This program is a good match for students with a major in business and young international managers and is located at UAlbany in Albany, New York. The three-week program is offered in summer and winter.

Participants gain practical insight into the American socioeconomic environment, deepen their knowledge of management through training sessions with UAlbany business professors and visits to local companies, and earn a certificate by actively taking part in 90% or more of the project activities.

The program has three components:

Business seminars and workshops
Business English study
Company visits (such as Plug Power, CDTA, Broadview Credit Union, Fastenal, Vicarious Vision and Wealth Advisory Group LLC)

Participants in the Executive Management Program can earn certificates in:

Marketing
Project Management
Financial Management
Strategic Thinking
Business Sustainability

Participants in the Business English Program can earn a certificate in Business English.

Learn more by visiting the IBS Americas website.

Online Programs for Groups & Cohorts

The IELP has conducted online ESL training for students, teachers and medical professionals. We offer online ESL for groups upon request.

Courses can be customized for different dates and times. Here are just a few of the courses we have offered:

English for UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Language, Culture, and Leadership
Presentation Skills
Academic Listening & Speaking
Academic Vocabulary
American Culture & Film
Business English
Conversational English

Programs for College & University Groups

College and university group programs can be customized to meet areas of interest, special features, time frames, budgets and groups of all sizes. Some of our unique options include:

English for specific purposes
Specific field trips
Community service projects
Company visits
Cultural exploration of the northeastern United States
Customized capstone projects and activities
Homestay or on-campus housing

All participants who successfully complete one of our special programs receive certificates of completion from IELP, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY).

Training Programs for Teachers: Intensive English Teacher Training

With experience in providing top-level teacher training to university professors and English language teachers from China, Indonesia, France, Iraq, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Rwanda, Togo and Vietnam, we serve real educators' needs and help them develop necessary skills. Here is a sample of group programs we can provide:

The Counterpart Program: Short training programs for professors of any discipline area with a focus on English for publications, presentations, and teaching subject matter, along with counterpart meetings with UAlbany professors and the opportunity to watch UAlbany professors teach.
Teacher Training for Teachers: Workshops and seminars include:
- Key Concepts of Language Teaching
- Teaching Approaches, Methods and Techniques
- Best Practices for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
- Teacher Training Development
- Communicative Language Teaching
- Classroom Management
- Cultural Patterns of Language Learning

Groups with a Purpose: English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

In addition to teaching general English, the IELP specializes in special group programs that focus on areas like English for UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), English for Business, English & Service Learning, and more.

Engaging ESP field trips can be arranged. Some of our unique ESP program features include:

English for your specific purpose
Specific ESP field trips
Research and service projects
Company and university visits
Cultural exploration of the northeastern United States
Customized capstone projects and activities
Homestay or on-campus housing

Group Programs for Government & Business

UAlbany has long-standing successful relationships with Ministries of Education and companies around the world. We work one-on-one with higher education ministers, administrators and executives to create custom programs for employees, educators and management teams.

Short Courses during Summer & Winter

The IELP offers short courses during the summer and winter sessions. Courses are subject to change depending on enrollment.