Apply to ELI

Applying to the English Language Institute

Thank you for your interest in the English Language Institute. On this page, you will find everything you need to know about the ELI application including:

Application Deadlines

A completed application and all required supporting documents must be received by the following dates:

Fall Semester Session 1 Deadline: June 15

Fall Semester Session 2 Deadline: August 15

Spring Semester Session 1 Deadline: November 15

Spring Semester Session 2 Deadline: December 30

Summer Session Deadline: March 30

Application Instructions

  • Step 1: Complete an online application
  • Step 2: Pay the application fee
  • Step 3: Submit required documents (required for overseas application and F-1 transfers) to ELI. More information can be found in the Required Documents section below. 
  • Step 4: Transfer students only: Students already at a school in the United States should supply a complete transfer form

Your application will be considered once payment and all required documents have been received. 

Required supporting documents may be scanned and emailed to global.engagement@mso.umt.edu . You may also mail supporting documents to:

English Language Institute
University of Montana, International Center
Missoula, MT 59812, USA

*If you wish to apply to University of Montana directly but do not meet the minimum requirement for Full Admission or UP Admissions or do not have an English language test score, UM offers intensive academic English training for conditionally admitted students at our English Language Institute (ELI). Once the student receives the required English language proficiency score they can begin their undergraduate degree studies in the next term. Learn More about Conditional Admission. 

Required Supporting Documents:

English Proficiency Test Requirement:

All ELI applicants must submit an official English proficiency test score. The following exams are accepted:

  • TOEFL iBT
  • TOEFL PBT
  • IELTS Academic
  • iTEP

In order to be accepted into the English Language Institute, there is no minimum score requirement. However, each level of instruction is based on adequate student enrollment. Therefore, it is possible that the ELI may not offer your English level of instruction.

IMPORTANT: Only official test scores will be accepted, issued directly from the testing agency. Failure to submit an official test score will result in a rejected application. (See Document Upload section below).

Proof of Financial Support

New students applying from overseas and seeking a student (F-1) visa or F-1 students transferring to ELI from other schools must provide documents proving sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance for one year.  The total amount to show sufficient funds is currently $49,562 USD for a full academic year.  All amounts must be in United States currency or show applicable conversion rates. 

Examples sources of Funding and Required Documentation: 

Sources of Funding and required documents

Source of Funding

Required Documentation

Self Support

Certificate of Financial Responsibility and a bank or brokerage statement in your name or in the name(s) of your parent(s). These statements must show sufficient funds to support all expenses relating to your studies. If your parent's bank statement is used, the parent must provide a signed statement that these funds on deposit will be used to support your studies.

Parents/ Sponsor

Certificate of Financial Responsibility and a bank or brokerage statement in your name or in the name(s) of your parent(s). These statements must show sufficient funds to support all expenses relating to your studies. If your parent's bank statement is used, the parent must provide a signed statement that these funds on deposit will be used to support your studies. If you are a sponsored student, a financial statement in the name of the sponsor indicated on the certificate of financial responsibility that covers one year of your costs at UM. The statement must be dated within the last six (6) months. 

Government Agency

Letter of award or Letter of Financial Support or Financial Guarantee from an education institution, or a government agency showing sufficient funding to support all expenses related to your studies.

If your sponsor is an American Citizen

An Affidavit of Support and bank statement from a relative or sponsor in the United States. This affidavit must show sufficient income and resources to support all expenses related to your studies. Form I-134, Affidavit of Support is available from the Department of Homeland Security and is for non-immigrants who will receive financial support from an American citizen. 

Required Supporting Documents Continued

  • Passport Copy
    • Submit a copy of your current passport photo page. 
  • Diploma Copy
    • Submit a copy of your official high school or secondary school diploma. 

After you have submitted your application you will receive emails asking for additional required supporting documents. Those documents are:

  • Proof of adequate alternative Health Insurance Coverage
    • You have the option of purchasing University of Montana Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy. The current cost is approximately $2350 for one semester. If you choose to bring your own health insurance coverage from your home country please submit proof of coverage after your application has been submitted. If students do not provide proof of coverage, they will automatically be charged for the UM student insurance plan.
  • University of Montana Medical Requirement Form and Immunization Requirements 
    • Please fill out the Medical Requirement Form on the Curry Health Center Health Portal (access by clicking on the red "Health Portal" button at the top right corner of the page). 
  • Immunization Requirements

If you have any questions about the immunization requirements of the Medical Requirement Form, contact Curry Health Center by email at medreception@mso.umt.edu

Application Processing Time

All students meeting eligibility requirements are accepted. Within two weeks of acceptance, you should receive your acceptance package including arrival information, information on how to obtain your visa, and your I-20, which is used to obtain a student visa. Acceptance packages are sent electronically via the Submittable Application website.

Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Montana supports a diverse community accepting of all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

The Office for Disability Equity at the University of Montana ensures that programs are as accessible to and usable by students with disabilities as they are for any student. We determine the student's eligibility to request reasonable modifications and coordinate modifications for those who are registered with our office.

If you a person with a disability and require any additional accommodations, please contact the ELI Program Coordinator at global.engagement@mso.umt.edu or the Office for Disability Equity at ode@umontana.edu.

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Questions?

Please contact the global.engagement@mso.umt.edu if you have any questions!