Intensive English Program

A student holding a flag

Nebraska's Intensive English Program (IEP) is designed to help students gain a broad understanding of the English language and cultural knowledge while improving communication skills for personal and academic development through in-person and online courses. The program is led by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Programs in English as a Second Language academic unit.

IEP also provides cultural and experiential learning opportunities for students to immerse in American culture and share their values with their American peers.

Students admitted to IEP are conditionally admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where the opportunity to advance to full admission is evaluated at the end of each semester.

IEP students can apply through Nebraska's application.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must be 18 or older by the first day of the term to be admitted to the Intensive English Program.
  • Required bank statement.

Recommended Proficiency Level

Since the IEP program starts at the Intermediate level, it is recommended that students will have at least the intermediate level of proficiency when they apply. The minimum recommended composite scores are as follows:

  • TOEFL: 35 or higher
  • IELTS: 5.0 or higher
  • DET: 70 or higher

For more detailed information, please visit the Program in English as a Second Language website.

Bank Statement Requirements

Students applying for in-person IEP courses must submit a bank statement showing sufficient support for the first year of study to be issued an I-20 and F-1 student visa.

Your bank statement must show a balance of at least $17,090 for one semester of IEP ($34,180 for an academic year).

You must submit a bank statement showing the amount greater than or equal to the requirement for the semester, and the status should be submitted to your MyRED account. The amount may be in local currency. Be sure to include the name of the account holder in English, which is printed on official bank letterhead. Write your NUID on the top of the bank statement.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met. Statements must include your official full name and NUID number.

Students taking online IEP courses are not required to submit a bank statement.

Detailed information about tuition, fees, health insurance, housing options and how to apply is available on Nebraska’s Program in English as a Second Language cost page.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer/Fall: May 1
  • Spring: December 1

Any application received after the published deadline may be placed on a waitlist. The admissions committee will prioritize the waitlist based upon candidates that meet Nebraska's assured admission requirements.

Note: There is no guarantee of admission for waitlist applicants.

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Completion of IEP

Fully-admitted students who successfully completed IEP may be evaluated for renewable scholarships up to $15,000 as well as a one-time $1,000 IEP completion scholarship. Cost and aid information for full admits is available here.