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The University of Tennessee

Independent Study


 


Application & Admissions

 
Application and Admission to English Language Institute, UT

For the full-time curriculum, the English Language Institute accepts students who are at least sixteen years of age, seriously interested in learning English, and eligible for F-1 non-immigrant student status. Applicants should return the completed Application Form (pdf) of this brochure with a check or money order in the amount of U.S. $50.00, a non-refundable application fee, and a financial guarantee. The ELI will then send applicants notification of their acceptance and the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility.

 
Application and Admission to Academic Degree Programs, UT

StudentAdmission to the ELI is not equivalent to admission to a UT academic degree program. Students who wish to study for a degree at UT must apply to the University separately. Those students without the required TOEFL minimum score may submit transcripts, through the English Language Institute, to request a letter from the UT Admissions Office stating whether or not they are academically admissible. The transcripts must be certified copies and have the official stamp of the institution.

All other inquiries concerning admission to academic degree programs of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville should be directed: Admissions Office, UT, 320 Student Services Building, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996.

 
Entering The United States: Student Visa Status

Students should apply to the ELI early in order to receive the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. The I-20 is required for students to obtain F-1 non-immigrant student visas before leaving their countries. Students should not enter the United States with B-2 visitor visas unless “prospective student” is indicated on the visas.

Students with evidence of admissibility to an academic degree program may find their applications for student visas to be facilitated at U.S. consulates.

The I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, by U.S. law, is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does, however, stipulate a specific arrival date. Students who cannot enter the U.S. before the specified date should request an extension by contacting the English Language Institute. There is no extra charge if the original I-20 is still valid.

It is required by U.S. Immigration law that a student enroll at the institution which issues the I-20 used by the student to enter the United States.

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