You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the ESL Transition Program and entry to Pacific Lutheran University on this page.
About the ESL Transition Program
How many hours of study are there per week?
This will vary depending on how many credit classes you can take and your level of English, but you will be on a full timetable with approximately 18-26 academic hours of class time per week.
Can I use all the facilities on campus?
Yes! You will be a fully enrolled Pacific Lutheran University student, and have full access to all campus facilities including borrowing rights at the library, entry to student clubs and organizations and the ability to apply for a job on campus. Note that Phase I students may be restricted from certain activities due to English language and safety requirements.
How long is the English Transition Program?
This depends on how quickly you make progress, and your level of English on entry. Most students reach the appropriate level of English proficiency in one or two semesters.
How will I know when I'm ready to transition to a degree?
You will have a weekly tutorial with your supervisor who pays close attention to your progress. Together you will decide when you have reached the language level and are confident enough to begin full time academic study without language support.
Who runs the PLU English Transition Program?
The Pacific Lutheran University English Transition Program is run and operated by Study Group, global experts in university preparation and international education.
International student entry requirements
How do I qualify for the English Transition Program?
Transition students must meet all the entry requirements for their course of study except the English Language requirement.
What are the academic entry requirements for PLU?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation with the equivalent of at least a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.5. Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
Can international students apply?
Yes, the ESL Transition Program at PLU is designed for international students (i.e. non-US citizens) who need to improve their English before a degree. US citizens are not accepted on the program.
How old do I have to be to start the program?
Students must be at least 17 years-of-age on commencement of the Transition Program.
English Language level
What level of English language do I need for a PLU degree?
For direct entry to a PLU degree, you need to show you have the equivalent English level of TOEFL 79 iBT (213 cbt/550 pbt).
What level of English language do I need to enter the English Transition Program?
You need to have an minimum English level equivalent to a TOEFL score of 32 iBT (97 cbt/425 pbt).
What if my English Language level does not meet the Transition Program entry requirement?
Students who have an equivalent English level below TOEFL iBT 32 will be placed in regular ESL classes until they are ready for transition.
Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the program?
No. An official TOEFL or IELTS score is not required. You may take the Study Group English test upon arrival . We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test.
Fees
What is included in the ESL Transition Program fees?
- English Tuition
- Up to three University Credit Classes
- Room and full board accommodation on campus
- Accident/Health Insurance
- Airport transfer from Seattle/Tacoma Airport
More pricing information is is shown on the fees page.
When are the fees payable?
To accept your place at PLU, we require a deposit of $500 for release of your I-20 immigration document. The remaining fees can either be paid in two installments, one month prior to the start of each semester, or in full in advance if preferred.
How can fees be paid?
We accept payment by Bank transfer, check or Bank Draft drawn in US dollars, or by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Payments made by credit card after the due date will be subject to a fee of 2% of the total program value unless you have paid for an optional payment plan.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.
Applying
How do I apply to Pacific Lutheran University?
You can apply for the Transition Program, or for direct entry to a PLU degree, through Study Group. You can submit your application in two ways:
- Contact our Student Enrollment Advisors using the online form to begin the application process. You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications later in the process.
- Download the application form, print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
Read about the steps in the admissions process.
When will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
If your application is successful, we will offer you a place at the University. To accept your place, you must sent us a $500 deposit. Once we have received your deposit payment we will send you an I-20 document. You will need to submit this with your visa application.
How long does it take to apply to the University?
The ESL Transition Program application process is much faster than applying directly to a University. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within 3 to 4 weeks once we have all your relevant documentation.
Next steps
- If your question is not answered in our FAQs, contact our Student Enrollment Advisors with your question
- Apply today
- Download the prospectus for international students (pdf file, 4.3MB)
