English Language Institute
Your path to English fluency starts here.
Your Path to English Fluency Starts Here
Academic English. Professional growth. Global opportunity. A university-backed English program at Columbus State—for international students preparing for a U.S. degree, and for community learners ready to grow their English. The ELI is approved by the Georgia Board of Regents and SEVP-certified, with F-1 student visas available—and international and domestic learners alike are welcome.
Getting Started
Two Ways to Join the ELI
Register and start—no visa steps
- Most of our students don't need a student visa—citizens, permanent residents, and spouse or dependent visa holders enroll directly
- Choose any ELI program—Intensive English, General & Community English, or fully online
- A placement assessment matches you to the right level
- No visa paperwork needed
Three steps to campus
- Apply online (PDF)—submit the ELI application with your passport copy and proof of financial support. No English test required.
- Receive your I-20—once admitted, we issue the Form I-20 for your F-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Arrive & get placed—take the placement test during orientation, meet your instructors, and start at the level that fits you.
Degree-seeking? See International Admissions
Your Path to a U.S. University Degree
The 16-week Intensive English Program develops academic language proficiency for university study—full-time (20 hrs/week) or part-time—with structured placement and ongoing assessment. Successful completion satisfies English proficiency requirements at 25 University System of Georgia institutions, with no additional testing. And through the Bridge Pathway Program—the only one of its kind in the University System of Georgia—admitted students earn university credit from day one while completing their English coursework.
English for Every Goal, Every Stage of Life
General & Community English is a multi-level program for adult learners focused on practical communication, with day and evening options and a Saturday Conversation Club. Professional & Workforce English delivers targeted language for your field—healthcare, customer service, corporate communication, military & government. Plus TOEFL preparation, pre-college English, and fully online ESL programs with synchronous classes and asynchronous coursework.
Teach Multilingual Learners with Confidence
Whether you're a seasoned teacher earning continuing education hours, a new educator building your toolkit, or an ESL teacher anywhere in the world—take a single course or combine them into a structured professional development pathway. Courses include TESOL for Young Learners, Grammar Refresher for ESL Teachers, AI for Educators, K-12 ESL Classroom Leader, and Instructional Design for Educators—on campus, online, or on-site at your school or district.
Learning that Works
The ELI at a Glance
Small classes led by expert teachers—with real-life projects and AI-powered tools that build confident speaking, critical thinking, and readiness for university or career.
16
weeks in the Intensive English Program
25
USG institutions accept IEP completion for proof of English Proficiency
3
ways to learn—on campus, online or on-site
F-1
SEVP-certified—student visa sponsorship available
20
hours per week of full-time study
Only
Bridge Pathway Program of its kind in the University System of Georgia
Good to Know
Do I need an English test to apply?
No—we use structured placement and ongoing assessment. You take a placement test when you arrive and start at the level that fits you.
I live in Columbus. Can I take classes without a student visa?
Yes—many of our students are citizens, permanent residents, or spouse/dependent visa holders. You register directly in any ELI program, from Intensive English to evening, Saturday, and online options. No visa paperwork needed.
What is the Bridge Pathway Program?
The only program of its kind in the University System of Georgia: students who meet all admission requirements except English proficiency earn university credit from day one while completing Intensive English coursework.
Will other universities accept my ELI completion?
The only program of its kind in the University System of Georgia: students who meet all admission requirements except English proficiency earn university credit from day one while completing Intensive English coursework.
What does it cost?
Tuition varies by program and load. Current tuition and fees are listed with each program on the registration site, and our staff can walk you through it.