Program Overview

Introduction to the Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program is offered by the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University. This program is designed for individuals who wish to improve their English language skills.

Admission to the Intensive English Program

Persons applying for admission to the Intensive English Program must have graduated from secondary school. Admission to the Intensive English Program does not constitute admission to any other unit of Rice University. Students will not receive academic credit for courses in this program.

Application Process

All prospective students must submit a completed online application with their most recent academic transcript. Students must pay a non-refundable $100 testing and registration fee in order to submit their application. Students will be emailed instructions for paying the $400 application deposit once notified of admission to the program. New students must pay the balance of tuition by the placement test date for the session in which the student is enrolling.

Immigration Information

The Intensive English Program is authorized to issue the I-20 form required to obtain an F-1 student visa for full-time intensive English study. Students requesting an I-20 must present the following documentation:

• Application and a non-refundable $100 testing and registration fee
• Deposit of $400
• Confirmation of financial resources ($3,815 per month for tuition and living expenses)
• Most recent academic transcript
• Copy of passport identification page(s) Transfer students must also present:
  • Signed transfer form from the foreign student adviser at the school the student last attended verifying eligibility to transfer
  • Copy of the I-20 form from the school last attended
  • Copy of F-1 visa page
  • Copy of I-94 admission form
  • Transcript from current school

Requirements for F-1 Visa

The prospective F-1 student should present the following papers to a U.S. Consulate:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Confirmation of financial resources
• I-20 form
• Receipt for I-901 SEVIS fee

Vacation Policy

Students must complete a year of study or have completed the highest level of the program before being allowed to take time off from study.

Confirmation of Financial Resources

As part of the I-20 application process, the student must demonstrate proof of financial support for the duration of their planned length of study. This may be done by submitting one or more of the following:

1. Bank Statement(s) showing personal funds, family funds, or personal sponsor funds
2. Affidavit of Financial Support (I-134) from an individual sponsor
3. A scholarship letter from the sponsoring organization or government

SEVIS Fee Information

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security charges a non-refundable $350 SEVIS fee for those seeking an F-1 visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance at a school approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Fee payment is not required for F-2 dependents. This fee may be paid by submitting form I-901 online.