English Language Students (Non-Degree)

Study English at a research university with an active student community, in a region filled with scenic lakes and waterfalls.

Courses

Inside the classroom, we offer personalized attention from instructors, allowing for tailored feedback and support to individual student needs. Students are matched with an RIT conversation partner, allowing for scheduled time to practice speaking and conversation skills. Learn more

Outside the Classroom

Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom.

The English Language Center provides you with opportunities to practice your English in a variety of real-life situations and be immersed in American culture.

Conversation Partner Program
One-on-one or small group experiences for students of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Weekly Activities and Events
Co-hosted events with other RIT students and Rochester community groups. Bowling parties, soccer matches, tickets to RIT sporting events.

RIT-led Day Trips
Niagara Falls, state parks, museums, sports events, and other local attractions.

Seasonal Activities
Summer picnics, barbecues in beautiful local parks, winter sports such as skiing and ice-skating.

Sports and Exercise
Access to a fitness center, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor tracks, and swimming pools.

Dates and Costs

Non-degree English language students can join the program during any of our three semesters: Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May), or the short summer semester (July).

Students may study for one term, one year, or more! Students who are applying for an F-1 study visa must be able to show funding (in a bank statement or sponsorship letter) for their planned length of study. Review the dates and costs below to determine the overall cost of your planned length of stay.

Spring 2025 Dates:

Deadline to register for the RIT English Language Exam: November, 22, 2024. This exam is required as part of the ELC admission process. Please contact ELC if you have special circumstances regarding this deadline.
Orientation: January 10, 2025
Classes begin: January 13, 2025
Classes end: April 28, 2025

English language study expenses for one semester:

Full-time English language program tuition:	$8,736
Housing and meals:	$8,375 est.
Health Center fee:	$300 est
Health insurance:	$1,916 est.
Books and materials:	$350 est.
Total:	$19,677

English language study expenses for one academic year:

Full-time English language program tuition:	$17,472
Housing and meals:	$16,570 est.
Health Center fee:	$600 est.
Health insurance:	$3,094 est.
Books and materials:	$700 est.
Total:	$38,616

English language study expenses for in-person summer program:

View Summer Study dates and information

Full-time English language program tuition:	$6,552
Housing and meals:	$2,100 est.
Health Center fee:	$300 est.
Health insurance:	$750 est.
Books and materials:	$350
Total:	$10,052
Total estimated costs for a full year of study One academic year (fall and spring only): One full calendar year (fall, spring, and summer):	$38,616 - fall start only $47,981 - can start any term

Placement and Testing

New students are placed into the English Language Center based on their results on the Duolingo English Test (DET) or our RIT English Language Exam. TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE-A scores are also accepted.

Learn more about the RIT English Language Exam

Application

You can apply to the English Language Center without applying to RIT. Please note, non-degree seeking students must take the placement test online as part of the application process.

Start your journey. Apply today to receive your English language training at an American research university.

Apply