Studying English at the WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) has many benefits that include: 

1. Students who complete CELCIS are admitted directly into the Western Michigan University and are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for admission.
2. The CELCIS curriculum teaches students valuable skills such as research, writing and presenting that will help students succeed in the university.
3. Full-time faculty have master's degrees in ESL, linguistics or a related field. 
4. Most CELCIS students go on to study in WMU undergraduate or graduate programs. 

Intensive English Language Programming

CELCIS is an intensive English program that prepares you to use English effectively in your university study or career. You will participate in activities that simulate future academic and professional environments. Instruction is provided in-person for all proficiency levels. CELCIS helps you meet WMU's English proficiency requirements.

Pathway Program

The Pathway Program is designed for students who have completed an English language proficiency test but did not meet the required scores for admission to Western Michigan University, whether for undergraduate or graduate studies. The included CELCIS support seminar provides you with assistance in cultural adjustment, an extended orientation to the university and general academic support. The program includes Pathway I and Pathway II portions. Students enter at a level consistent with their proficiency. Upon completion of Pathway II, you will be eligible for unrestricted admission to most undergraduate academic programs.

Estimated Costs for 2024-2025

CELCIS students must provide proof of financial resources—a minimum of $14,105 USD per semester (four months).

Tuition and fees depend on the ESL structure that students will pursue.

Additional Financial Considerations

• Inflation: Be prepared for potential cost increases due to inflation and other academic factors.
• Tuition discounts may be available for spouses/dependents of full-time students at Western Michigan University, students studying online, domestic students and students coming from one of WMU's partner universities. Discounts are subject to change in future semesters. Contact CELCIS to find out if you are eligible. 

For full admission to the University and for immigration purposes, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU.

To demonstrate sufficient funds, students may submit:

• A bank statement in the student's name showing adequate funds.
• If the bank statement is not in the student's name:
  • A letter signed by the financial sponsor indicating their relationship to the student and their commitment to cover the cost of attendance.
  • Financial statements in parents' names are acceptable without a sponsorship letter if their names are shown in the student's passport or government-issued ID.

Important Notes

• All documents must be in English.
• If original documents are not in English, certified English translations must be submitted.
• Proof of sufficient funds must be presented during the visa interview at the United States Consulate.

Application deadlines vary by semester.

For students needing visas, it is recommended to apply 180 days in advance of desired semester start date to allow additional time for application/consular processing as some consulates have long wait times. 

If your application deadline has passed, you may email @email. We cannot guarantee late-admission to the desired semester but we will do our best to process the application.

CELCIS offers courses 45 weeks of the calendar year in two semesters (Fall, Spring) and two sessions (Summer I, Summer II). In-person instruction is available for all skill areas and proficiency levels.