Intensive English Program

students standing around a table and talking with one another

For 50 years, the Intensive English Program (formerly known as ILUNO) has been a leader in English language education. Our revised, project-based curriculum allows students to strengthen academic English through work connected to their intended field of study, creating a seamless onramp to degree programs and real-world academic success.

Program Overview

Course Offerings

IEP offers semester-long academic English courses that align with the UNO Academic Calendar.

Summer Semester, 2026: May 11 - July 31, 2026

IEP Level 2 (Advanced)

Fall Semester, 2026: August 24 - December 11, 2026

IEP Level 1 (High Intermediate)
IEP Level 2 (Advanced)

Spring Semester, 2027: January 11 - April 30, 2027

IEP Level 1 (High Intermediate)
IEP Level 2 (Advanced)

IEP Level 1 Explained: IEP Level 1 is designed for high intermediate students to build a strong foundation in academic English through student-centered, project-based coursework. Students develop core skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while preparing for the expectations of university study.

*Admission Minimum Requirement: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, or Duolingo 80.

IEP Level 2 Explained: IEP Level 2 supports upper-intermediate to advanced students as they refine academic English and apply language skills within discipline-related projects. The program emphasizes readiness for degree coursework and effective communication in academic and professional contexts.

*AdmissionMinimum Requirement: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 50, or Duolingo 90.

*Applicants will need to provide a current English proficiency test score from IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo on the application for admission to the UNO Intensive English Program.

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at UNO supports students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in developing the academic English skills needed for university study and professional success. Through a project-based learning approach, core coursework emphasizes grammar, writing, reading, and speaking/listening in meaningful academic and real-world contexts.

IEP courses meet Monday through Friday during daytime hours and are complemented by structured co-curricular activities that promote language use beyond the classroom. The program offers full-semester sessions in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Communicate more effectively using academic English in spoken and written contexts
Read, understand, and respond to appropriately leveled academic content
Produce clear, organized content that demonstrates critical thinking and appropriate use of sources
Participate actively in discussions, presentations, and collaborative learning activities
Apply project-based learning strategies to complete authentic academic and real-world tasks

Coming soon!

Application Requirements

How to Apply

Please apply to the IEP by completing the Intensive English Program (IEP) Application. Once the application is complete, applicants will receive an email to join MavLink (student portal). Log in to upload admission documents including:

Copy of their current passport
Unofficial or official high school or secondary school transcript
Proof of English Proficiency for class placement (details below)
IEP Financial Affidavit Form

If you encounter issues with MavLink, you may contact the Program Coordinator, Anais Andazola, by email at aandazola@unomaha.edu. An in-person meeting or call can be arranged upon request if you have any questions or concerns about the application process.

Application Deadlines

Summer semester IEP course: April 1
Fall semester IEP courses: July 1
Spring semester IEP course: December 1

Placement

The Intensive English Program begins at the intermediate level, therefore applicants are expected to have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency. Applicants must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score taken within the last five years. The recommended minimum composite scores are listed below.

TOEFL: 40 or higher
IELTS: 5.0 or higher
DET: 80 or higher