Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program offers five, 7-week terms of study per academic year (dates subject to change):

Fall A 2026

• In-Person Orientation (Mandatory): Aug. 20-21, 2026
• Start of Term: Aug. 24, 2026
• End of Term: Oct. 8, 2026

fall b 2026

• In-Person Orientation (Mandatory): Oct. 15-16, 2026
• Start of Term: Oct. 19, 2026
• End of Term: Dec. 7, 2026

spring A 2027

• In-Person Orientation (Mandatory): Jan. 7-8, 2027
• Start of Term: Jan. 11, 2027
• End of Term: March 1, 2027

spring b 2027

• Start of Term: March 15, 2027
• End of Term: May 3, 2027

Summer A 2027

• Start of Term: May 17, 2027
• End of Term: June 30, 2027

IEP offers five levels of classes throughout the program, to cater to all proficiencies:

• Pre-academic: Beginning level for students who understand simplified input and can be understood, but demonstrate a lack of fluency.
• Basic Academic: Low intermediate level for students who can understand and read adapted material with some ease, but may make frequent mistakes when writing and speaking.
• Intermediate Academic: Intermediate level for students who understand adapted reading material and some authentic material and are able to communicate most ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
• Advanced Academic: Advanced level for students who can read and understand authentic reading material and engage in authentic academic discourse with limited guidance.
• Graduate Academic: Advanced level for graduate students who can read and understand authentic reading material and engage in authentic discourse with limited guidance.

Achievement of proficiency needed to complete a level may require more than one 7-week term of study.

IEP students conditionally admitted for undergraduate studies or who were admitted to the IEP only, but wish to pursue undergraduate studies, will need to complete the IEP through the Advanced Academic level to meet the language proficiency requirement for full admission. IEP students conditionally admitted for graduate studies or who were admitted to the IEP only, but wish to pursue graduate studies will need to complete the IEP through the Graduate Academic level to meet the language proficiency requirement for full admission.

Availability of levels is subject to enrollment numbers. The IEP reserves the right to not offer a level should enrollment not be sufficient.

Classes are held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

New students in all levels will be enrolled in the 3-hour First-term Experience Course, in addition to the core courses listed below. This is a one-time course that assists students with acclimating to the IEP, UD, and the overall college experience. Each full-time schedule will include 18 or 21* hours per week of faculty-led in-class and out-of-class instruction of the core courses.

New students in all levels will be enrolled in the following themed course for acclimating new students to the University, the Intensive English Program, and the local community. The First-Term Experience course provides information incrementally. Students participate in online and in-person sessions designed to get you up to speed on what you need to know.

First-term Experience Course (3 hours)

Pre-Academic and Basic Academic Levels

*18 hours of instruction per week per level

• Reading/Vocabulary (6 hours)
• Writing/Grammar (6 hours)
• Oral Communication (6 hours)

Intermediate Academic, Advanced Academic and Graduate Academic Levels

*21 hours of instruction per week per level

• Reading/Vocabulary (6 hours)
• Writing/Grammar (6 hours)
• Oral Communication/Listening & Note-Taking (6 hours)
• Special Topics (3 hours)

Graduate Academic

• Reading/Vocabulary — 6 hours
• Writing/Grammar — 6 hours
• Oral Communication/Listening & Note-Taking — 6 hours

The IEP welcomes those who wish to study in the Program part-time. All aspects of the Program remain the same for full-time and part-time students. However, part-time students take less than a full load of courses and only study for 3-15 hours per week (taking only 1-3 courses per level). Part-time students must complete ALL courses within a level before progressing to the next level of courses.

Note: Availability to enroll as a part-time student is subject to enrollment. Due to low or no enrollment, some courses or levels may not be available or offered. Those who wish to enroll part-time should contact the IEP at least 2-3 months prior to the term in which they wish to enroll to confirm availability.

The following prices do not include additional living expenses, and prices are subject to change. 

2026-27 Academic Year (July 2026-july 2027)

• Tuition: $188 per credit hour*
• Full-time: 18-24 credit hours per seven-week term (based on initial proficiency placement) 
• Part-time: 3-15 credit hours

Please note that IEP courses do not count as credit toward your academic program. 

• General University fee: $25
• Health insurance: Cost varies by insurance company. All F-1 visa students must have health insurance coverage. If you do not already have health insurance from your home country, you must purchase it prior to your arrival to the U.S. View our health insurance information for more details.
• University housing: UD offers many types of on-campus housing to meet students' personal, cultural and religious needs. If you will be a first- or second-year undergraduate or conditionally admitted student under the age of 21, you are required to live on campus. All other students are encouraged to live on campus, when housing is available. For IEP students, living on campus can be a great idea for two reasons: 1) You can easily arrive to classes on time, and 2) Life on campus provides you with opportunities to practice English every day! Off-campus housing varies by apartment complex.
• Meal plan: Cost varies depending on the plan selected. Some University housing requires students to purchase a meal plan.
• Textbooks: Costs vary, but a good estimate is likely around $225 per seven-week IEP term.

Students and their sponsors can make payments for the program through the UD Flyer Student Services office. Once a University account has been created for you, you may pay online. Additional payment methods are available.

Payments MUST be made during the first week of classes. Students may pay their tuition and fees at the Flyer Student Services office (St. Mary's Hall) or online.

IEP faculty and staff assist with students’ development as they progress through the program, and help students make the transition from IEP study to full-time academic study.

IEP faculty and staff are also available to meet with students to discuss their academic progress, give advice, and help students navigate the cultural and academic challenges they might experience in the United States.

IEP faculty and staff also advise students who are struggling to make progress and advance through the program.

Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities connect domestic and IEP students to share an experience together. Through this special programming, IEP students practice their language skills and have fun!

With more than 240 student clubs and organizations on campus, students will find an activity to match their interests and opportunities to meet American and international students. Options include professional and academic clubs, service organizations, recreational sports, special interest groups, and international student groups.

Current and former IEP students can request documents from the Intensive English Program office, including progress reports for a student’s government/embassy, attendance letter, IEP graduation certificate, honor roll certificate, etc.

Students can pick up documents at the IEP Office (Rike Center, room 112), or have a PDF copy emailed to them.