International Students & EIL

The English as an International Language program, commonly known as “EIL,” is provided for non-native speakers of English to improve their English skills. EIL courses help students improve in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, writing, vocabulary, and grammar.

Students may be placed into the EIL program based on their English Language Admission Test (ELAT) scores. Students who test and demonstrate higher English skills may move directly into major and minor courses.

Upon completion of the EIL program, students are better prepared to be successful in their university studies as a result of improved English skills.

BYUH requires international students to be tested in English prior to being admitted to the university. Students are then given an EIL placement level according to their scores (Advanced English 1, Advanced English 2, or Out).

BYUH students who have already completed university-level courses prior to coming to BYUH, or who have high SAT, ACT, or TOEFL scores are not required to take the placement test. Specific questions about exemption criteria should be directed to an academic advisor.

The EIL Department evaluates the ELAT test results which are then scored, rated, and students are given EIL "placements." Students who are placed into Academic English levels of EIL their first semester are required to register and complete these EIL required courses:
Academic English 1: EIL 201 (2cr), EIL 313 (4cr), EIL 317 (4cr)
Academic English 2: EIL 201 (2cr), EIL 320

Because English proficiency is one of the desired outcomes of education at BYUH, the EIL placements are required to be completed before a student can take ENGL 101, a required GE course for all students.

Students who are placed into academic English level courses may choose from a selection of major or minor courses to take with their EIL courses. An academic advisor can help to determine which courses will work best with the student’s schedule and EIL courses.

Students who test out of EIL based on their ELAT score can take ENGL 101 along with other major and minor courses.

Most international students will be auto-registered for classes based on your ELAT scores and your declared major/minors. You will receive an email about this registration. If you have a medical vaccination hold, you might temporarily be registered into a placeholder class (EIL 750) for 12 credits to hold your spot until you are able to clear your holds. You can change your course enrollment as long a you remain in the required EIL courses for your determined level.

What if I test out of EIL? Please follow the directions for new freshmen or transfer students.

Typically, students will complete one level of EIL courses each semester. The final exams in these courses will determine if the student is ready to move to the next level or if additional time is needed to improve. Once students have progressed through the academic English levels of EIL courses, they are ready to register for ENGL 101 and other major and minor classes. Depending on a student’s initial placement, the time spent in the EIL program varies. Students' failure to progress in EIL may result in EIL probation and suspension.

Read More on EIL Academic Progression in the Enrollment policy