Program Overview
The Intensive English Program (IEP) at St. Mary’s University is designed to provide international participants and other interested participants the English language training necessary to learn English in order to prepare them to communicate in an academic and/or professional setting. Additionally, for family members of our international students, the IEP provides an opportunity to develop English language skills during their time in San Antonio.
The Intensive English Program complements the St. Mary’s University mission by creating opportunities for improved communications between peoples from different societies and cultures. Communication is the cornerstone of understanding, and understanding is essential for leadership. The Intensive English Program supports international students by sharpening their oral and literate communication skills so that they will be successful in future academic and professional endeavors.
Important Dates
| Session | Application Deadline | Placement Testing and Orientation | First Day of Class and Tuition Due | Last Day of Class | IEP Final / Exit Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | June 1 | M-F, Aug. 7-11 | Monday, Aug. 14 | Friday, Nov. 17 | Nov 15, 16 |
| Spring 2024 | Nov. 1 | Jan. 8-9 | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | Wednesday, May 1 | April 29-30 |
| *Dates are subject to change at any time. *Placement testing and orientation is required of all students.* Application deadlines are for students who need an F-1 visa. Students already in the U.S. who have an eligible visa to enroll in the program (e.g., F-1 transfer students, permanent residents, F-2, A-2, L-2) must apply no later than a week ahead of each session’s orientation date. | |||||
Helpful Information
International students are welcome and included on our campus and have access to all the on-campus services and amenities like student health services, the library, intramurals, on-campus clubs, and campus housing and campus dining.
| Tuition | Fall 2023 |
|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (4 classes) | $3,800 |
| Part-time tuition (3 classes) | $2,850 |
| Part-time tuition (2 classes) | $1,900 |
| Part-time tuition (1 class) | $950 |
| Insurance | Fall 2023 |
|---|---|
| All students (part-time or full-time) | $1,335 |
| ID Card Replacement | Cost |
|---|---|
| All students (new card or replacement) | $10 |
| Other fees | Fall 2023 |
|---|---|
| Student services fee | $496 |
| Textbook cost | $200 |
Notice:
- Total tuition and fees are due for each semester/term
- Costs for room and board can be found in “Housing and Meals Cost”
- Health insurance is mandatory
- Tuition and fees can change without notice
| Tuition and Fees (one semester) | $5,841 |
| Living Expenses (one semester) | $6,012 |
| Total | $11,853 |
| Tuition and Fees (academic year) | $11,692 |
| Living Expenses (academic year) | $12,024 |
| Total | $23,696 |
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
All costs are per semester.
| Housing | $3,553-$4,225 |
| Determined by which dormitory you are placed in. | |
| Meal Plan | Cost per semester (includes tax) |
|---|---|
| Rattler All-Access 5 | $2,118 (includes $300 Dining Dollars*) |
| Rattler All-Access 7 | $2,415 (includes $250 Dining Dollars*) |
*Dining dollars can be used at any of the on-campus restaurants (Subway, Chick-Fil-A, etc.)
The costs for housing, meals, tuition, student services feed, any mandatory fees (including lab fees), as well as insurance costs are subject to change every year as published and approved.
Housing and Meal Costs
Estimated Expenses for Intensive English Program – International Students
Fall 2023
| Tuition | $3,800 |
| Student fees | $496 |
| Health insurance | $1,335 |
| ID card | $10 |
| Books | $200 |
| Living expenses | $6,012 |
| Total | $11,853 |
| Tuition | $7,600 |
| Student fees | $992 |
| Health insurance | $2,670 |
| ID card | $10 |
| Books | $400 |
| Living expenses | $12,024 |
| Total | $23,696 |
| Spouse | $5,000 |
| Child | $3,000 |
The Estimated Cost of Attendance, also referred to as the student budget, is our best approximation of what each student at St. Mary’s will need each year. A standard student budget is assigned to every enrolled student. Note that these annual costs are estimates. St. Mary’s University charges tuition and fees on a semester basis, not annually.
Cost of Attendance
For information on withdrawal dates and refunds, please visit the St. Mary’s Registrar page.
Withdrawals and refunds
Each class is 2:15 in instructional length per day (with a 10-minute break, classes are 2:25 in length).
Fall session: 14 weeks
Orientation: August 7
Placement Testing: August 9
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-11:25 a.m. Writing | 9-11:25 a.m. Reading | 9-11:25 a.m. Writing | 9-11:25 a.m. Reading | No classes |
| 12:30-2:55 p.m. Listening and Speaking | 12:30-2:55 p.m. Grammar | 12:30-2:55 p.m. Listening and Speaking | 12:30-2:55 p.m. Grammar |
General Course Schedule – Fall 2023
On top of offering quality general English language instruction to master English language skills, students in our program learn other skills that they need to be successful university students, in and outside of the classroom.
Classes are small and personalized. Classes have 15 students or fewer for better instruction. Individual tutoring help is also available. For prospective students, our IEP is an option for those international students who do not have the required TOEFL/IELTS scores necessary for admission to St. Mary’s or other institutions of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction. We can help you!
How does it work?
- Before classes begin, the IEP staff will test students to determine which level best fits their needs.
- The Intensive English Program at St. Mary’s has four levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and University Preparation.
- Each level has 18 hours of coursework per week and students are expected to spend a minimum of 8-12 hours studying outside of class per week for homework.
- University Preparation courses may also offer the following: IELTS/TOEFL/GRE classes, academic presentation skills and advanced academic writing.
- Our program offers classes that are appropriate and engaging for each level.
Our grading system follows St. Mary’s policy:
- 90-100 A = passing
- 80-89 B = passing
- 70-79 C = passing
- 60-69 D = not passing
- Below 60 F = not passing