

Academic English Program
What to Expect
After taking a placement test during orientation week, you will be placed in one of five levels based on your results: beginner, high beginner, intermediate, high intermediate, or advanced. Classes are held at UTSA’s Main Campus and are average-sized giving you personalized attention. Learn more about what to expect after being accepted.
The Academic English Program (AEP) offers a unique educational experience, including:
- world-class, expert faculty, who have master’s degrees in teaching English as a second language.
- a rigorous academic program, with clear learning objectives at each level.
- a unique dedication from faculty and staff to help you succeed academically.
- access to all services available at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
The Academic English Program is for anyone who wants to:
- fulfill a personal dream of pursuing a degree from a U.S. college or university.
- achieve professional success in the U.S. or abroad.
- gain a significant improvement in English language proficiency while enjoying a stay in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.
Additional Resources Offered to AEP Students
- Global Connections: Pairs AEP students with other members of the UTSA community to meet and chat. Click here to learn more about the Global Connections Program.
- Coffee & Conversation: A relaxed setting to discuss a variety of topics in English, allowing students to practice English speaking and listening. Click here to learn more about Coffee & Conversation.
- ESL Workshops: Tailored to the current student population to boost language skills.
- Access to all UTSA Services including social activities.
- Over 300 student organizations.
- Cultural Excursions in San Antonio, TX.
- Tutoring Services.
- Access to Transparent Language Online.
- Customized social events that meets the needs of our students.
Calendar
FALL 2023
Orientation week: August 14 – 18, 2023
First day of class: August 21, 2023
Final day to register: September 6, 2023
SPRING 2024
Orientation week: January 8 – 12, 2024
First day of class: January 16, 2024
Final day to register: January 31, 2024
Why Students Prefer Us!






Instruction Focuses on these Areas
- Reading / Vocabulary
You will learn to read fluently and understand a variety of academic texts. You will also learn the definitions and contextual uses of many different words.
- Writing / Grammar
You will be able to perform academic writing tasks, demonstrating organizational skills suitable for undergraduate and graduate-level writing assignments. You will be able to incorporate complex grammar structures into your writing.
- Oral Communication
You will learn to speak English fluently with ease and develop pronunciation skills that can transfer over time to professional settings. You will be able to understand a wide variety of styles, register, and speech that you will find in academic and professional contexts.
- TOEFL Preparation
You will build the testing skills necessary to complete the tasks in the TOEFL PBT and TOEFL IBT using the skills you have obtained over the course of the ESL program.
- Advanced English Pronunciation Skills for Clear Communication
You will learn English rhythm, melody, and clear speech through knowledge of the rules about the way English pronunciation works and various in-class exercises ranging from mechanical to open and communicative.
- American Culture
You will learn to listen, speak, read, and write critically in English while learning about the American Culture.
- Academic Skills
You will build your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English as you learn how to navigate and thrive within the American Higher Education System. You will learn the skills necessary to succeed in any U.S. college or university.
Upon Arrival to the Program
A student may be placed in any of the 5 levels of English study currently offered based on results of a placement test: beginner, high beginner, intermediate, high intermediate, or advanced.
Requirements for the AEP


Must submit a photocopy of current passport and visa (if applicable).

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.

International applicants seeking to apply to the program as F1 students must submit a bank statement showing at least $16,509.43
to pay for educational expenses during the fall semester.
Approximate Cost Per Semester (subject to change)
Tuition and Fees | |
---|---|
Tuition | $5,500 |
Application Fee | $60 |
Testing | $100 |
University Fees | $671 |
Total | $6,331 |
Other Mandatory Expenses | |
---|---|
Health Insurance - Summer 2023 | $835 |
Health Insurance -Fall 2023 | $1,389 |
Health Insurance -Spring and Summer 2024 | $2,206 |
Books | $300 |
Living Expenses | |
---|---|
One year (Summer, Fall, Spring) | $11,200 |
One semester (Fall or Spring) | $4,500 |
Summer | $2,200 |
Meal Plan | |
---|---|
One semester (Fall or Spring) | $2,087 |
Summer | $1,300 |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
Financial Assistance
We offer a discount for students with connections to UTSA. Click here to learn more about our Refer-a-Friend Discount.
More Information

The University of Texas at San Antonio Academic English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period April 2022 through April 2032 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.
Additional information can be found below:
CEA Standard
Complaints Against an Accredited Program