Apply to the ELI now!
Questions about applying? Contact us! 🙂
Email: elimail@syr.edu
Phone number:+1(315) 443-8571
Eligibility
-You must be at least 17 years of age, a non-native speaker of English, and have completed your secondary education, AND
-You must have some knowledge of basic English grammar and the ability to understand verbal instructions.
How to apply
Please make sure you complete all of the fields on the application and check the email you have started the application. You will receive important updates that you NEED TO READ from us (sender: ELImail@syr.edu), including an email with a link to the APPLICATION PORTAL. From the application portal, make sure that you UPLOAD ANY AND ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLICABLE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FROM THE LIST BELOW.
Required Documents for I-20 Issuance
- Copy of passport
- Proof of financing: Either A or B
A. A bank statement or bank letter with proof of liquid assets. If the bank account is in a name other than the student’s, the account holder must sign the application form under FINANCIAL SOURCE. The bank statement can be no more than 6 months old and must show at least $18,900 for a full semester or $9,500 for one summer session.
B. A letter of sponsorship. A Financial Guarantee or Terms of Appointment from your sponsor (other than a family member). - Academic transcript(s) from your most recent institution.
- Statement written by you explaining your need to study English.
- Fees
- $100 application fee (nonrefundable)
- $500 tuition deposit (nonrefundable)
Application Deadlines
We ask that you submit all documents and fees no later than 60 days before the program starts if you are not currently in the US. If you are currently studying in the US and would like to transfer to Syracuse, please have all documents and fees submitted no later than 30 days before the program starts.
Summer 2026 Application deadline: March 15, 2026
(Prospective students are welcome to submit an application after that date; however, admission is not guaranteed.)
Processing Time
Only after all documents and fees have been received, your application will be processed within 5 business days (“business days” in the U.S are Monday through Friday).
Refund Policy
The remainder of tuition is due at least two weeks before the semester begins. For tuition refunds, students must cancel before the first day of class. Tuition deposits are non-refundable. Compelling medical or legal reasons may allow a partial tuition refund, up to 50 percent, within the first week of the program.
To make your term payment to the ELI:
Once you receive your invoice, visit FlyWire to make your payment. You will need to include your SUID (Syracuse University ID number) on the transaction. All fees paid with your application are non-refundable.