ESL Application Information

To get started on your application you must first create an account by using the English as a Second Language Online Application. Once your account is created, simply log in using your username and password to create and submit your application.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from [email protected] within 48 hours to let you know if your application has been approved or are required to take a proficiency exam. Please DO NOT send tuition payment before receiving this email. Once you have been notified to proceed with payment, log back into your account to complete the Tuition Payment Form and forward it to [email protected]. Tuition must be paid in full to reserve your spot in a class.

Important Dates

  • Fall 2023 – August 28 – December 8 (registration begins July 1)
  • Spring 2024 – January 22 – April 26 (registration begins November 15)

Tuition and Fees

Fall and Spring courses: $900 per course

Payment Methods

U.S. check, cash (in person), wire transfer, JHU departmental charge and tuition remission (if applicable; see below for more details). Please keep in mind that bank wire transfers sent from students overseas may be processed by several intermediary banks while on their way to the U.S. In some cases these banks may charge a processing fee of $20 or more (in addition to the wire transfer fee charged by your bank), which is then deducted from your wire transfer amount. We must receive payment in full: these processing fees are your responsibility.

International Applicants

Our ESL program is a non-credit, part-time program. F-1 visa applications are not issued for part-time study, therefore you must have proper visa status to be eligible to enroll in part-time study in the U.S.

Tuition Remission

Employees of JHU are eligible for tuition remission once you have completed 120 days of full-time employment as long as you are JHU faculty, staff, or retiree. Spouse and dependents are also eligible. Visiting faculty and staff, residents, interns and postdoctoral fellows are NOT eligible for tuition remission. Please complete the required tuition remission form at the Human Resources website. Completed Tuition Remission forms should be sent directly to [email protected] along with the ESL Online Application.

Enrolling Via SIS

Current JHU full-time International Graduate Students, TAs, Postdoctoral Fellows (AS/EN/SOM), Visiting Scholars (AS/EN) may enroll via SIS for courses offered in the spring/fall semester. It is not necessary to complete the ESL online application.

Other JHU affiliates are responsible for the tuition for these non-credit courses or for locating other sources of payment, such as department billing (see below).

JHU Department Billing

In some cases, departments may pay for the cost of tuition if they feel that the course is needed for your employment and/or professional development if you are not able to enroll visa SIS or eligible for tuition remission. Submit the ESL online application and complete the ESL payment form by selecting Department Billing under Method of Payment and include a budget number as well as the contact information of your department’s budget administrator.

Refund Policy

Please see refund policy.