Language Institute

The Language Institute provides non-credit English language instruction to students, professionals, and other individuals whose first language is not English; enhances ESL students’ abilities to participate and integrate successfully in the American culture; and academically prepares students to pursue a degree at an American university. 

An applicant is considered an international student if the applicant meets the following condition: 

• Not a citizen, permanent resident, or have an application on file to become a permanent resident of the United States.

Application Process

1. Submit Program Application via email at li@utrgv.edu
2. Register for Placement Test, $50.00 nonrefundable
3. Process Tuition Payment. 

$50.00 late processing fee will be charged after the registration deadline.

Application Requirements

• Students must be 18 years or older and have completed high school or equivalent
• US Citizens or Resident Aliens should bring their birth certificate, resident alien card or employment authorization letter.
• International Students must apply for F-1 visa.

Procedure after Admission for International Students

Issuance of I-20 Form 

UTRGV is an approved Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school to issue I-20 form.

Once the international student has been admitted to the Language Institute, the student must turn in the following documents to the Language Institute to process an I-20 form:

• Provide a copy of your valid passport.
• Submit a bank statement showing sufficient financial support for the length of study of tuition and living expenses.

To learn more about how to maintain your F-1 student status, please contact the Language Institute at (956)665-2133 or via e-mail at li@utrgv.edu. 

Medical Insurance Requirement for International Students

As required by Regents’ Rule 50402, students holding nonimmigrant visas are required to maintain approved comprehensive health insurance or coverage while enrolled. Medical insurance is required each session of attendance with required coverage by UT System. Students are required to purchase the Medical insurance via Academic Health Plan (AHP) and must be maintained throughout their time at our University unless a waiver has been submitted and approved by AHP. For more information regarding waiver of medical insurance deadlines, the student must contact the Language Institute. Mexican nationals are not required to obtain university medical insurance via AHP as long as they study at UTRGV on campus.

Meningitis Vaccine

All new students under the age of 22 must submit evidence of receiving the meningitis vaccine or booster shot (administered within the past five years) or evidence of exemption before they can enroll. Students must provide proof of vaccination 10 days before the first day of the program.

 Refund Policy

• If a student cannot be placed in an existing level or if a course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, a full refund will be given less a $100.00 processing fee for Intensive Program, and $50.00 for Semi-Intensive programs.
• Late fees and Placement Test fees are non-refundable.
• Will only be given two weeks before the starting date of the program.