English Language Center
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

When does it start?

What are the application deadlines?

The application deadline means all the application materials must be received by the English Language Center by the deadline date. The deadline dates are April 1 for the Fall semester, August 1 for the Winter semester, and December 1 for the Summer semester. Applications received after the semester deadline will only be considered if the enrollment limit has not been been reached for that semester.

How do I apply?

On the ELC Application under the title REQUIRED ITEMS there is a list of materials we will need in order to accept you as a student. They include:

1. Application. Make sure the application is complete and signed. Incomplete application will not be processed.
2. Full tuition payment ($2,800) and non-refundable application fee ($150). Total due: $2,950 (Optional express mail fee is $50.) Payment should in the form of an International Postal Order or a check drawn upon an American bank. If we are unable to accept you or your visa is denied, the tuition is refundable up to 30 days before the beginning of the semester.
3. Bank statement. The bank statement must show a minimum of US $8,650 for 2 semesters or US $4,325 for 1 semester. If a sponsor is supporting you, the sponsor must sign the Statement of Support by Sponsor and send a bank statement showing a minimum of US $8,650 for 2 semesters or US $4,325 for 1 semester.
4. Student's Commitment and Confidential Report.
5. Two current passport-size, color photos.
6. Copy of passport page showing your name, birth date, and citizenship.
   Applicants must be at least 17 years old to enter the program.
7. Copy of your high school transcript and/or college transcript.
8. If presently in the United States, copy of I-94 card and I-20 form.

Please send all application materials to:

How much does it cost?.

*If you would like the I-20 form sent to you by express mail, we ask that you send $50 to cover the cost.

How do I send the money?

Ways to Send Tuition:

1. Checks payable in U.S. funds and drawn on a bank with U.S. affiliates
2. Travelers checks in U.S. funds. Sign and cosign the checks and make the checks payable to -- Dr Winzer Estinfort- ELC
3. Postal money orders in U.S. funds
4. Western Union (Name: Dr Winzer Estinfor) Please include the Transaction Number in your Application.

If the embassy rejects your application for the student visa, we will need the I-20 form sent back to us with a letter telling us if you would like to transfer to the next semester or receive a refund of your tuition.

Where do I send all additional information?

How old do you have to be to attend classes?

Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age before the first day of class.

Is the tuition price the same for members and nonmembers?

Yes. The tuition price is $2,800 for all students regardless of their religious affiliation.

Do I have to be interviewed by a Mormon (LDS) bishop if I am not a member?

All applicants should be interviewed by either a bishop or branch president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, if you are not a member, you may also be interviewed by a stake president or mission president of the LDS church. If one of the above LDS church officials (bishop, branch president, stake president or mission president) is not available, you may be interviewed by a church leader of your own religious faith (such as a priest or minister).

Can I smoke or drink alcohol, tea or coffee in my apartment?

No. The Code of Honor of Brigham Young University requires that a student abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, harmful drugs, tea and coffee. The student signs a Student's Commitment and Confidential Report stating that he or she will abide by these standards at all times and in all places while enrolled as a student.

What do I do with the I-20 form?

When you receive the I-20 form, take it to the nearest American Embassy to apply for your student visa.

What if my visa is rejected?

If you are unable to receive a student visa from the embassy, please return the I-20 form we sent to you with a letter stating whether you would like your application to be transferred to the next semester or your tuition money refunded to you.

If you would like your tuition money refunded please include the address where you would like the check to be sent.

Where can I live?

All English Language Center students are offered an opportunity to use BYU approved off-campus and on-campus housing. BYU does not have a Home Stay program.

For housing information please contact:

If you would like more information about BYU On-Campus Housing click here.

NOTE: On-campus housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be in heavy demand. Do not expect to obtain on-campus housing if you have not made arrangements well in advance of the entrance date into the program.

How many levels of study are there?

There are five levels of study at the English Language Center. On the first day of every semester there is a placement exam to place students in the level that corresponds to their ability to speak and understand English. The first level is for very beginning level students. The second level is for beginning students that have more command over the language. The third level is for lower intermediate students and the fourth level is for higher intermediate students. The fifth level is for advanced students.

Can I study for the TOEFL in your program?

Yes. There is a TOEFL preparation lab at 3:00 for students who qualify for levels 4 and 5.

Can I go to BYU after I am finished with the program?

Acceptance into the English Language Center does not qualify a student automatically as a regularly matriculated student of Brigham Young University. The ELC is a non-credit intensive English language program. BYU has a separate application with additional requirements to fulfill. To receive an application for BYU, please contact the International Admissions Office:

Can I apply for any scholarships?

The English Language Center is a noncredit intensive English course. For this reason it does not qualify for financial aid of any kind.

Can I work while attending the English Language Center?

No. As a policy of the English Language Center, no work permits are allowed. There are opportunities to work on campus if the student wishes to continue to study as a matriculated degree-seeking student of BYU. In order to enter BYU as a degree-seeking student it is necessary to complete a separate BYU application.

What time are the classes?

The classes are from 8:15 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. on Mondays - Thursdays. There is an optional religion class which starts at 10:45 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Last updated: May 19, 2005