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Academic and linguistic preparation for students who will pursue a graduate degree!
Our Graduate Conditional Admissions Program (Graduate CAP) is for international students who want to pursue a graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree–but who need to improve their English skills first.
Through Graduate CAP, future graduate students can develop their academic English communication skills and the advanced research, writing, and presentation skills needed to be successful at the graduate level.
No TOEFL or IELTS exam score is required for Graduate CAP!
For Graduate Students Online or on campus
Graduate CAP is available to graduate (i.e., master’s or doctoral) students. Courses can be taken online or on campus.
Students who want to be conditionally-admitted to an undergraduate program can enroll in Academic Transitions, our pathway program. | Learn more about AT >
Students who are offered conditional admission to certain participating UD graduate programs (i.e., master’s or doctoral) and who are close to the required language proficiency can enroll in our Graduate Pathways program. |Learn more about Graduate Pathways >
How does Graduate CAP work?
Graduate CAP is comprehensive and rigorous. Although Graduate CAP is a challenging program, its design helps students to develop important knowledge, academic skills, and the ability to communicate in English at a professional level.
The Graduate CAP experience was created not only to help students to complete its curriculum successfully, but also to become high achievers in their graduate program–and beyond!
Levels and Placement
There are 7 levels in Graduate CAP, from Basic* to high advanced. In most cases, students are expected to complete 1 level in 2 months.
When students arrive in Delaware, they take an English placement exam; this test will determine the student’s starting level at the ELI.
Graduate CAP students are expected to complete the highest level of English for Academic Purposes courses at the ELI before they can matriculate (i.e., begin full-time university study).
*Basic courses are not offered every session.
Program duration
How long does it take to complete Graduate CAP?
The duration of Graduate CAP is different for each student. It depends on the student’s English skills when they first arrive at the ELI and their willingness to work hard–practicing English all day, every day and participating wholeheartedly in Graduate CAP activities.
Matriculation requirements
What must Graduate CAP students do in order to begin full-time graduate studies?
Graduate CAP students are required to meet requirements related to the advancement of their English communication skills, the development of their interpersonal, social, and leadership skills, and their ability to engage in campus life.
There are different matriculation requirements for students (depending on their field of study):
- Students who will pursue graduate programs that are not related to business must meet the requirements of the General Track
- Students who will pursue graduate programs that are related to business (except Finance) must meet the requirements of the Business Track
Graduate CAP Programs at UD
Many graduate programs at UD are nationally, or even globally, ranked. Join this intellectually, culturally and socially diverse educational community.
Cohort
Comprehensive university preparation for graduate school
International students need more than just English courses to prepare for university. They must also develop the interpersonal, team-building, and leadership skills that are expected of students who participate in American courses.
To have a fulfilling university experience, it is important for international students to learn techniques to properly engage (i.e., become involved) in campus life and culture.
Cohort is an innovative curriculum that helps students to achieve these goals.
Upcoming Session Dates
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Aplication deadline | Orientation dates | Session dates |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1, 2024 | ||
| July 22, 2023 | August 21-23, 2024 | August 26 – October 18, 2024 |
| Session 2, 2024 | ||
| September 16, 2024 | October 17-18, 2024 | October 21 – December 13, 2024 |
| Session 3, 2025 | ||
| December 4, 2024 | January 3, 2025 | January 3 – February 21, 2025 |
| Session 4, 2025 | ||
| January 28, 2025 | February 27, 2025 | March 3 – April 25, 2025 |
| Session 5, 2025 | ||
| April 1, 2025 | May 1-2, 2025 | May 5 – June 20, 2025 |
| Session 6, 2025 | ||
| May 27, 2025 | June 26-27, 2025 | July 1 – August 15, 2025 |
| Session 1, 2025 | ||
| July 23, 2025 | August 20-22, 2025 | August 25 – October 17, 2025 |
| Session 2, 2025 | ||
| September 16, 2025 | October 17-18, 2025 | October 20 – December 12, 2025 |
Price for Academic Year 2024-2025
The following pricing is for each session (2 months) of study:
| Item | In Person Price | Online Price |
| Tuition | US$ 4,999 | US$ 4,999 |
| Room and food (estimate) | 2,400 | — |
| Health insurance | 325 | — |
| Books (estimate) | 250 | 250 |
| Student Wellness Fee | 176 | — |
| International Sevice Fee | 90 | — |
| Carpenter Sports Center Fee | 25 | — |
| Total estimated fees (2 months) | US$ 8,265 | US$ 5,249 |
- All prices are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notice.
- Academic year 2024-2025 prices are effective from August 21, 2024.
- The Student Wellness fee is lower for Session 5 ($132) and Session 6 ($88).
- The International Service Fee supports essential services such as immigration advising, processing of documents, regulatory reporting, and other acculturation programs and resources. Additionally, it covers the cost of maintaining institutional compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Department of Labor regulations.
- Important note about insurance: All students who are not sponsored by a governmental organization are now required to purchase the ELI’s health insurance plan. Students may not purchase their own insurance policy to replace the ELI’s plan. Health insurance fees are non-refundable.
Additional fees
Some additional fees may apply, including:
| Item | Description |
| Express Mail fee: $65 |
|
| Airport Transfer fee: $100 – $200 |
|
| Late Orientation/Arrival fee: $100 |
|
| Late Housing fee: $100 |
|
| Late Payment fee: $50 |
|
Start online now!
Graduate CAP courses can be taken online. Start your journey on your laptop and join us in Newark, Delaware when you are ready!
Note: Online programs include live, online classes via Zoom. You will need access to a laptop capable of running Zoom and a stable internet connection.
If you have any questions, please contact us at ud-eli@udel.edu.
