UWF Intensive English Program

The mission of the Intensive English Program at the University of West Florida is to prepare students for success in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in the United States.

The experienced faculty focus on improving students’ ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English at a high academic level.

• Five levels of instruction to meet the individual needs of every student
• Small class sizes (typically 6-15 students)
• Personal instruction and challenging courses to make rapid progress in English learning
• Extra social activities to have fun, make friends, and practice English outside of the classroom
• Free access to the UWF campus gym, pool, sauna, sports clubs, library, and music and theater performances
• On-campus job opportunities

Important highlights

• Cost and Value: The Intensive English Program at the University of West Florida is one of the lowest-cost intensive English programs in the state of Florida, yet also provides a high-quality, personal experience with small class sizes (typically 6-14 students) in order for students to make rapid English progress.
• Location: Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, UWF is just minutes away from Downtown Pensacola and the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches.
• Learn English with New Friends: Outside the classroom, our students enjoy tutoring, coffee hours, sports, games, and meetups with US and other students through the Global Quarter student club.

About UWF

UWF welcomes students from all over the globe, as we are home to more than 400 international students from over 90 different countries. With more than 60 undergraduate degree programs, master’s degrees in 25 different programs, two specialist degrees and a doctorate in education, the University of West Florida has a degree to meet your educational goals. Because UWF has a student population of more than 13,000 students and the average class size of undergraduate courses are less than 40 students per class, students benefit from an education that focuses its energy in providing the best learning environment available.

Beyond the natural beauty of UWF’s 1,600-acre main campus (which doubles as a stunning nature preserve), students are able to enjoy state-of-the art facilities such as the Health, Leisure and Sports Facility which boasts a 10,000 square-foot fitness center, racquetball courts, a 38-foot climbing wall, and an indoor running track.

About Pensacola

Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, Pensacola was named one of the “Top 125” cities to live in the U.S.! A vibrant and energetic beach town is only minutes from campus, as well as pristine state and national parks that capture our coastal beauty. We are also convenient to some of the most popular cities in the Southeastern U.S.

Pensacola is home to numerous tourist attractions, sports teams, and other cultural highlights, including:

• Blue Wahoos minor league baseball team
• Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team
• USS Oriskany (a 130-foot-deep artificial reef for sport divers)
• National Museum of Naval Aviation
• Historic Pensacola Village
• Pensacola Comic-Con

The downtown area offers 450 years of history, nightlife, fresh local cuisine, art and culture, unique shopping, and festivals throughout the year celebrating the arts, culture, music, food, and Mardi Gras.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application
2. Submit the application fee
3. Submit a copy of your passport
4. Submit evidence of financial support
5. Receive Form I-20
6. Obtain an F-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country

Conditional Admission

The University of West Florida may offer conditional admission to undergraduate and graduate applicants who meet all the academic requirements for admission but do not have the English skills necessary to study at the University. To apply for conditional admission, students must submit an application to UWF. A conditional admission letter can be used by the student to help increase the likelihood that the visa will be granted to enter the United States. Students who have been conditionally admitted must enroll full-time in the Intensive English Program until they have completed the English requirement. Students have one year to complete the English requirement to receive full admission to the University.

Pathway to UWF

UWF offers a pathway program for undergraduate students who do not meet the English language requirements for undergraduate admission. To be eligible for this special program, students must enroll in a minimum of one semester of the Intensive English Program in addition to undergraduate coursework. After successful completion of the Intensive English Program, students may progress directly to UWF as a degree-seeking student.

If you plan to attend UWF on an F-1 student visa, you need a Form I-20. International Student and Scholar Services issues the I-20 for admitted students.

Getting a Form I-20

The next step is to get an I-20 so that you can apply for a student visa. There are 3 easy steps to get an I-20 and visa appointment.

You can contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions about the steps.

1. Upon admission, complete the Proof of Identity and Financial Support form.
2. When your I-20 is issued, International Student and Scholar Services contacts you regarding shipping your I-20.
3. Schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a student visa. Check your email for details on how to schedule a visa appointment.

Transfer Students

If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, you can request that your I-20 be transferred to UWF.

After you complete the Proof of Identity and Financial Support form, International Student and Scholar Services will send you the International Student Transfer Form. You need to contact your current international student advisor to submit the transfer form and set a transfer release date that works with your travel schedule.

UWF Rankings

• UWF has been ranked a “Best Regional College - Southeastern” by the Princeton Review each year since 2003.
• Listed in Forbes “America’s Top Colleges” (2011, 2012, 2014-2018).
• UWF ranks in the top three top-performing public universities in the State of Florida and will secure more than $20 million in new funding for the academic year.

Why Study English?

• English is one of the top business languages in the world.
• Learning English can give you a competitive advantage in the job market and increase your chances of getting a good job in a multinational company.
• English is a challenging language. Learn from faculty who work individually with students to facilitate learning mastery.
• Learning English increases your admission chances and academic success in the American university system.
• English is the official language in over 50 countries.

Top 10 reasons why you should come to the University of West Florida

1. Nationally-Recognized Majors and Programs: UWF offers a wide variety of nationally recognized majors and programs with an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities.
2. Location: Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, UWF is just minutes away from Downtown Pensacola and the world’s best beaches.
3. Small Class Sizes: At UWF, small class sizes provide endless opportunities for hands-on learning within a collaborative environment.
4. Committed to High-Impact Practices: Our dedicated faculty members take every opportunity to interact with students both inside and outside of the classroom.
5. Professors Who Know Your Name: UWF’s small class sizes provide unparalleled opportunities for professors and students to work together within a close-knit environment.
6. Beautiful Campus: Situated on a beautiful 1,600-acre campus, UWF offers a learning environment like no other.
7. Modern Facilities: One of the perks of being part of a vibrant and growing institution like UWF is making use of its new, state-of-the-art facilities.
8. Student Life: With more than 200 student organizations to choose from, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
9. Affordable: UWF offers one of the most affordable tuition plans in Florida and in the U.S.
10. Career Connections: UWF students have numerous opportunities to network with working professionals and alumni, building connections that will serve them well beyond college.

Design the college experience of your dreams.

At the University of West Florida, you will discover infinite ways to make your college years unforgettable. Find your place in one of our 130+ registered student organizations. Watch your talented peers take the stage in a theatre production. Hike the nature trail or kayak down the Escambia River. Grow your leadership skills in student government.

Student Organizations

Student organizations play a vital role in campus life at the University of West Florida, engaging thousands of students in a variety of valuable experiences and relationships. This site provides resources for all organizations and students.

Explore Student Orgs

Argo Pulse makes it easier to search for student organizations, stay connected with upcoming events and opportunities, and manage your student organizations.

Recreation and Wellness

Mission Statement
Recreation's role is to advance UWF’s mission, vision, and priorities by providing diverse learning and developmental opportunities through experiences emphasizing lifelong wellness.

Vision Statement
Recreation will be a comprehensive model for wellness and experiential education.

Engage Globally at UWF

UWF Global Quarter is a community of globally-minded UWF students who promote cultural understanding and interests that move students, domestic and abroad, to engage the world. Some of our Global Quarter events include:

• Weekly coffee hours and meetups
• International Education Week activities
• International music nights
• Volunteer and leadership opportunities