Frequently Asked Questions

The English Language Training Institute offers an intensive English program (University Preparation) as well as online English. We also offer customized short-term programming and ITA Testing and Training for enrolled UNC Charlotte students who have already been identified as Teaching Assistants.

Yes, all students in the ELTI must have insurance coverage. As of this writing, all F1 and J1 students are required to purchase the University’s preferred plan, Student Blue. This charge will be added to your account after you are registered in your classes. Please visit the UNC Charlotte Student Health Center’s insurance page for more information.

No. Also, all ELTI students pay the same tuition regardless of residency status.

No, you do not need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or other language proficiency exam in order to apply to an ELTI program. All new students will be tested in order to be placed in the appropriate level.

We will issue you an I-20 and steps to apply for your visa once you have submitted all required documents. Please visit the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Visas page for answers to any visa-related questions you have.

Yes, your husband or wife, or any eligible dependents can take classes at the ELTI as long as their immigration status permits them to do so.

You will be able to pay after we register you in your classes. For new students, this is during the first week of class.

We will let you know of the payment deadlines in advance. You must submit your payment by those deadlines. Most students pay online using the my.charlotte.edu website. However, you can also use Flywire, a wire transfer platform, to process your payment.

Kindly note that the ELTI staff are unable to assist you with processing your tuition payment on University-issued computers. You should bring your own laptop with you if you need assistance with processing your payment. ELTI staff also cannot accept cash payments or handle credit cards for any reason.

Yes. Because you are already a UNC Charlotte student, this is not a traditional transfer, but rather updating your I-20. Let ELTI staff know if you have submitted an application to a degree program at UNC Charlotte, and be sure to check your email regularly. Updating your I-20 for degree admission requires additional forms (and deadlines) unique from those of the ELTI.

Students are able to live on the UNC Charlotte campus, but on-campus housing fills up quickly. Please visit the Housing and Residence Life website for living options, costs, and application materials. There are also many off-campus housing options.

No, but there are a variety of transportation options available at the airport you can use. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are popular.

Yes. The ELTI considers a deferral to be related to a change in the original semester of enrollment. To request a deferral, you must follow these steps:

1. Pay your I-901 fee if you haven’t already done so. Anyone requesting a deferral who has not paid the fee will have the request denied until they pay it.
2. Fill out the Google form sent to you by the ELTI staff. This form is only available upon request. Anyone requesting a deferral who has not filled out the Google form will have the request denied until they complete the form.
3. There is a limit of three deferral requests per two-year period.
4. After one calendar year, you must fill out a new ELTI application and pay a new application fee even if you currently have an active I-20.