UAB offers part-time and full-time English language study for students who wish to quickly improve their academic, professional, or general English skills. The program offers excellent preparation for students who are planning to enter a pathway or undergraduate or graduate study. Our Academic English program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

First-year students who meet the academic and English requirements for the undergraduate degree program can apply directly to the university program of their choice, receive comprehensive support and services designed for international students and receive a Direct Entry I-20.

Pathway programs allow students who don’t meet academic or English language requirements to begin earning degree credits while improving their English proficiency. Pathway programs combine intensive language study, academic skills development and degree course work and will not extend the overall length of an undergraduate degree.

If you’ve already completed some college or university-level courses and want to transfer to UAB, you may apply to UAB directly or choose the Undergraduate Transfer Program (UTP), which provides additional services to international students, including an estimate of transferable credits before starting the program.

To qualify for UAB graduate programs directly, eligible applicants must have a 4 year undergraduate degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, English proficiency scores of 80 TOEFL / 6.5 IELTS, and GRE/GMAT scores if requested by the desired department. 

Integrated Masters Programs (IMP) provide comprehensive support and services in the first term of select graduate programs. IMP students are full degree-seeking students who are issued a Direct Entry I-20. To qualify for IMP, applicants must meet the English language requirements for direct entry and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Graduate Pathway programs are the most supported and non-competitive route to a graduate program in the US. Completing a pathway successfully assures admission to the desired degree program and waives the GRE/GMAT requirement. At the mimimum, applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and 65 TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS.

If you’re unable to travel to UAB’s campus (due to visa issues or emergency situations) after you receive your admission offer, our Online Pathway Programs are designed for you!