Intensive English Program

Whether your studies are for professional, academic, or personal purposes, our classes focus on improving your English fluency and achieving your goals.
Check out our program details below.
Once you're ready to apply, head over to our Admissions page to start an application.
Have questions? Contact us at ali@umkc.edu. 

The ALI's Intensive English Program (IEP) has small classes and dedicated instructors and staff. Classes are designed for success in English fluency and for your cultural enrichment. The IEP offers up to 16 weeks of intensive instruction during the fall and spring semesters. Students receive 20 hours of instruction per week (Sample Class Schedule). Courses are available for beginning level students, as well as intermediate and advanced students. 

IEP Levels and Classes

Starting Fall 2025, the ALI will have three levels and three classes: 

  • Levels 1, 2, and 3
  • Writing and Grammar, Reading and Vocabulary, and Speaking and Listening

Learn about our courses and levels here. 

A student's movement through the program is determined by their performance/grade in their classes. It typically takes students one semester to complete each level. 

Fall 2025 Dates and Deadlines

The IEP has three start dates each semester; one regular and two late start dates. Only new students are allowed to use the late start dates. Students who come late join the classes that started at the beginning of the semester.  

Application Deadlines for F-1 visa holders are set six weeks before the start of classes. If you need more time to get your visa, please submit your application before the deadline.

Spring and Fall 2025 Application Deadlines
Semester Start Date Deadline
Fall 2025 Aug 25, 2025 Jul 11, 2025
Sep 22, 2025 Aug 8, 2025
Oct 13, 2025 Aug 29, 2025
Spring 2025 Jan 21, 2025 Dec 6, 2024
Feb 18, 2025 Jan 3, 2024
Mar 10, 2025 Jan 24, 2025

Spring 2025 Costs

The majority of the ALI's IEP students are F-1 visa holders. These students receive an I-20 document from the UMKC to apply for their F-1 student visa. F-1 visa holders are charged the following items:
  1. Base tuition
  2. Undergraduate-Non Resident tuition
  3. Student Life fee
  4. ISAO fee
  5. International Student Health Insurance (required)
  6. Orientation fee (new students only)
All F-1 visa holders at the ALI receive a partial scholarship. The current scholarship rate is $630 per credit hour. 

The after scholarship costs for Spring 2025 are: 
  • January 21 - May 9 = $8,683.80
  • February 18 - May 9 = $7,118.85
  • March 10 - May 9 = $5,175.90

For a more detailed description of costs, check out our Program Costs page. 

Paseo Undergraduate Pathway Program

Many undergraduate programs at UMKC will accept completion of the ALI's Paseo Pathway Program in place of English proficieny scores. IEP students who complete Level 3 can transition to the Paseo Program to begin their undergraduate academic programs. New undergraduate students with qualifying test scores can enter directly into the Paseo Program.

Check out our Paseo Program page to learn more about this option. 
Graduate students should contact the ALI and ali@umkc.edu to discuss their academic options. 

Community Members and Other Students

Non F-1 (and J-1) visa holders can also study in the Intsensive English Program. These students can study full- or part-time. Their costs and deadlines are different than F-1 costs and deadlines. 

Check out our Community Student program page for more information. 

Intensive English - Community