The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) has established an English as Second Language program (ESL). 
This is a pre-collegiate English program which provides English language instruction
and related support services to foreign students who are both qualified for and have
a desire to study undergraduate classes at UMC.

The ESL program prepares foreign students to successfully compete with their American peers in college classrooms.  The program provides language instruction in a multi-level, multi-skill language program and cooperates closely with the UMC academic and student support offices.  The ESL program increases campus diversity and cultural experiences for all students.

The ESL program offers a multi-level, non-credit program in English as a Second Language who wish to read, speak, hear, and write English for professional, personal or academic purposes. The program offers semester sessions with minimum of 20 or more hours of instruction each week. There are three levels of instruction: beginning, intermediate, and advanced.  Each level usually takes a semester (16 weeks) to complete.  Summer session includes 8 week courses.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston offers non-degree seeking admission to academically qualified candidates for the ESL program.  UMC’s English requirement for admission as a degree seeking student must be fulfilled by the TOEFEL exam (68 Internet, 190 Computer, or 520 Paper) or successful completion of UMC advanced ESL courses.

Application for Admission
Application to the ESL Center is open to all who are at least 17 years of age, have completed high school, have adequate funds to pay fees, and are motivated to attend all classes, do all homework, and follow the United States, University of Minnesota, and program policies and rules.  The application form is available by clicking here. Provide us with both your application and declaration and certificate of finances to begin the admission process.

1.        Application form for Undergraduate International Students (Paper or Online)
2.        Declaration of Finances (interactive PDF form, type information and print)

The application from must be signed and include two letters of reference, a completed Declaration of Finances with appropriate financial certification indicating financial resources of at least $19,050, and $30 application fee payable to the University of Minnesota, Crookston.  Completed form is to be sent to ESL, 240 Student Center, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716. phone 218-281-8350 or e-mail: International Programs.

English Proficiency
The University of Minnesota, Crookston requires all non-native English speaking students to demonstrate sufficient command of the English language necessary to succeed in college level classes taught in English.  This proficiency must be demonstrated by results of the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).

Test                                               Minimum Score
TOEFL computer based               190*
TOEFL paper based                     520*
TOEFL Internet based                  65*
IELTS                                        6.0
MELAB                                       75

An official report of The TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB should be sent to the Office of Admissions.

*English as Second Language
The University of Minnesota, Crookston offers degree and non-degree admission to academically qualified students.   Non-native English admissions are as follows:
TOEFL 520 (iBT 68) Admission as Degree student
TOEFL score 490 to 519 (iBT 58-67) Admission as Degree student with enrollment in one ESL advanced course.
TOEFL 450 to 489 (iBT 45-57) Admission as non-degree student and may enrollment in one course other than ESL courses.
TOEFL 400 to 449 (iBT 32-44) Admission as non-degree student and enrollment only in ESL courses.

Upon successful completion of ESL and recommendation of the ESL faculty, students may apply to Office of Admissions to change from non-degree to degree seeking program status.

New students are encouraged to arrive four days before the beginning of classes.  This allows for orientation to the campus, course placement testing, shopping, and adjustment to their new learning and living environment.

All new students take a course placement test.  After review of the test results, the faculty will conduct individual student interviews to assess student goals and abilities to aid in course placement.  Faculty will review student progress at the end of the second week to determine if students are enrolled in the course level appropriate for student success.

Students pictured here were invited to eat dinner with a Korean family living in the Crookston area. Twenty ESL and degree seeking Korean students were invited for dinner. It was a wonderful night of celebration for the start of “Chu-Seok,” which is a Korean celebration that lasts for one week.