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English Proficiency (For Non-Native English Speakers)

Required English Level at UoPeople

UoPeople’s online degree programs are American accredited and are taught in English. Therefore, non-native English speakers must demonstrate that they have a strong level of proficiency in English before beginning their studies toward a degree program at UoPeople. This will enable students to successfully complete their studies in the English language.

 

Note: Proof of English Proficiency is not a requirement for those wishing to study in Arabic. For more information about UoPeople degrees in Arabic, click here.

 

Native English speakers automatically meet this requirement and do not need to prove their English level. Additionally, students who graduated from an accredited English-speaking institution will automatically fulfill this requirement and do not need to demonstrate their English proficiency level.

 

Native English speakers and students who earned a diploma from an accredited English institution automatically fulfill this requirement and do not need to demonstrate English proficiency.

English learning level

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program aims to help non-native English speakers improve their English language abilities and to equip them with English proficiency at an academic level, allowing them to be successful in their studies.

 

The English as a Second Language program is comprised of 8 different levels of proficiency. Applicants who wish to study in English must provide test results from an approved English language test. Then, we will determine their English proficiency level and place each student at the relevant level according to their test score. This allows each student to receive a personalized recommendation and sets them up for success based on their specific English level. As such, students may not need to go through all levels of the program.

english dictionary definition

Demonstrating English Proficiency

If English is not your native language or your previous education was not in English, we will need to understand your English level. During the application process, you will have three options:

  1. Upload a diploma/transcript from an institution where English was the language of instruction.
  2. Upload test results from an approved English language test.
  3. Begin at the highest level of our ESL program, “English Foundations."
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Timeline and Procedure

How it works during the application process:

  1. After you have submitted your short online application, confirm your email and log in to the UoPeople Portal. There you will confirm your personal details, including your native language.
  2. If your native language is not English, you’ll have the option to determine your English level.
  3. If you have studied at an institution where English was the language of instruction or your test scores are high enough, you will be exempt from the English requirement.
  4. At this point in the application process, you will be asked to upload a document proving your English proficiency. This can either be test results from an approved English language test or a diploma/transcript from an institution where English was the language of instruction. If you choose not to set your level, you will be placed in the highest level of our ESL program, “English Foundations.”

Document Upload Instructions:

  1. Before uploading your test results, you will need to enter them in the English Level Simulator. This will show you your estimated English level before proceeding. Complete all fields on the form and click “Check My Level.”
  2. Please note, approved English tests are limited to:
    – Accuplacer
    – CEFR
    – Duolingo
    – Skill Michigan English Test (MET)
    – Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE)
    – EIKEN
    – IELTS
    – PTE
    – TOEFL IBT
    – TOEFL PBT
  3. After the estimated English level is displayed, click “Continue” to move on and upload your official test results.
  4. For documents that are not test results, please select “other,” and then choose the type of document. Please note: the simulator will not provide an estimated level for these types of documents.
  5. Choose the file you wish to upload, and then click “Confirm.” If the upload is successful, you will be taken to a screen that shows your request status is “Processing.” Remember, final placement will be provided only once we have received and reviewed the official document.
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