Although the program will now begin later than originally scheduled, you will still receive the same number of instructional hours. To accommodate this, the course schedule will be adjusted to fit within a 12-week framework instead of the usual 16 weeks. This means classes may meet more frequently or for longer sessions, but the academic content and learning outcomes will remain the same.
See below for further details:
BRIDGE TO ACADEMIC ENGLISH PROGRAM
Unlock your potential with the Bridge to Academic English program! This program is for international undergraduate students who have studied some English before, in school or on their own, and want to want to study at a U.S. university or improve their language skills for personal or professional reasons.
The program lasts one 12-week term and includes 24 hours of classes each week taught by expert language trainers.
If you complete the program successfully and meet the GPA requirements, you will be able to join Missouri State University's bachelor's degree programs and receive extra support during your first semester.
Full-time students will earn six undergraduate credit hours from Missouri State University.
Visa Support: We provide documentation to receive an F-1 or J visa to study in the U.S.
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Courses Included:
1. Introduction to Academic Speaking:
- Learn to speak English confidently in academic settings. This course includes practice in presentations, discussions, and social interactions.
- 3 credit hours / 4 contact hours per week for 12 weeks
2. Introduction to Academic Listening:
- Improve your listening skills with lectures, note-taking exercises, and comprehension activities. Learn to understand different types of spoken English in academic contexts.
- 3 credit hours / 4 contact hours per week for 12 weeks
3. Introduction to Academic Reading and Vocabulary:
- Strengthen your reading comprehension and vocabulary. This course includes reading assignments, vocabulary exercises, and critical analysis.
- 7 contact hours per week (non-credit) for 12 weeks
4. Introduction to Academic Writing and Grammar:
- Improve your writing skills with a focus on grammar and fluency. Learn to structure your writing, develop your ideas, and use grammar correctly.
- 7 contact hours per week (non-credit) for 12 weeks
5. Experiential Learning Lab:
- Go out into the world with our guides and interact with MSU students, faculty, staff, the Springfield community!
- 2 contact hours per week (non-credit) for 12 weeks
Weekly Schedule:
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- LCR 197 Listening Tues. & Thu. 0900-1050
- LCR 197 Speaking Tues. & Thu. 1400-1550
- GEN 199 Reading Mon. & Wed. 0900-1130 Fri. 0900-1050
- GEN 199 Writing Mon. & Wed. 1230-1500 Fri. 1100-1250
- Experiential Learning Lab Tues. & Thurs. 1600-1700
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- Must be born at least 17 years before the program start date
- Must be planning to pursue undergraduate studies at Missouri State University*
- Must demonstrate at least an A2** (CEFR) skill level in English on an Oral Placement Interview conducted by our language specialists.
- The Oral Placement Interview (OPI) will be scheduled online as part of the application process.
- To be eligible for undergraduate admission to Missouri State University after program completion, must have a GPA of
at least 2.5 / 4.0 from an accredited high school.
- Academic eligibility to MSU will be determined during the application process.
- Applicants that do not meet MSU admission standards can only enroll for one semester of English study in the program.
* The Bridge to Academic English program is NOT suitable for students planning to pursue a graduate degree (Master).
**The A2 proficency level corresponds to these score ranges on common proficency tests: TOEFL: 32-42, IELTS: 3.0 to 4.0, Linguaskill: 110-129, Duolingo English Test: 20-60. None of these tests is needed to apply.
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Guaranteed Admission:
Completing the program successfully ensures admission to Missouri State University's bachelor's degree programs, provided that students meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Credit Hours:
Earn six credit hours from Missouri State University.
Tuition Fee Waiver:
Receive a special fee waiver, reducing tuition by about 40%.
This program is your BRIDGE to academic success, providing the tools and support needed to achieve your educational goals.
Students who join MSU’s bachelor’s degree programs from Bridge to Academic English will take special courses called the I Succeed Course Package during their first semester. These courses count toward degree completion and will further develop their academic and language skills, setting them up for success.
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Tuition & fees for Visa applicants
F-1/J-1 Visa Applicants:
- You need to provide proof of financial funding for one semester of English study.
- You will need to pay a $150 non-refundable application fee when submitting the application form. This application fee is only valid for the term selected on application. (See deferral policy).
- Estimated expenses for one term (12 weeks) for a BAEP student without dependents are:
Estimated Costs in USD* One Term Full-time tuition $5,195 Health Insurance (Required) $849 Housing, Meals & personal expenses (Estimate) $7,353 Total funds needed to apply for F-1 visas: $13,397 *The above costs are subject to change without prior notice and are for English Language students enrolled full-time during one semester.
*** If you request adding dependents on a F-2 visa status, the statement of financial support must include an extra $4,250 for your spouse and $4,250 per child.
B-1 & F-2 Visa Holders:
You are not eligible for full-time study. You may take up to 3 courses and will be charged per class as follows:
- LCR 197 Listening $1,200 (4hrs/week)
- LCR 197 Speaking $1,200 (4hrs/week)
- GEN 199 Reading $1,500 (7hrs/week)
- GEN 199 Writing $1,500 (7hrs/week)
- Experential Learning Lab $500 (must enroll in this option if taking LCR 197 Listening or Speaking) (2hrs/week)
Tuition and fees are due the day before classes start each 16-week term. They can be paid by card (2.95% convenience fee), check, or cash. Tuition refunds are subject to a policy described in the BAEP Student Handbook > Administrative Policies > Refund Policies. Insurance fees are non-refundable.
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Tuition for US residents
- The cost information below is only for applicants who are already in the US and have a permanent US address such as US Citizens residing in the US, Permanent Residents, H-4 visa holders, L-2 visa holders, Refugee & Immigrant Populations.
- $75 non-refundable application fee (to be paid when submitting the application form)
- You have the choice of part-time or full-time study. You may take 1 to 4 courses and
will be charged per class as follows:
- LCR 197 Listening $1,200 (4hrs/week)
- LCR 197 Speaking $1,200 (4hrs/week)
- GEN 199 Reading $1,500 (7hrs/week)
- GEN 199 Writing $1,500 (7hrs/week)
- Experential Learning Lab $500 (must enroll in this option if taking LCR 197 Listening or Speaking) (2hrs/week)
NOTE: Individuals with the following status will receive a 30% tuition discount:
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Refugee
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Temporary Protected Status
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Low-income permanent residents (demonstrated by being enrolled in Medicaid)
- Tuition is due the day before classes start each 12-week term. They can be paid by card (2.95% convenience fee), check, or cash. Tuition refunds are subject to a policy described in the BAEP Student Handbook > Administrative Policies > Refund Policies.
- At the end of each term, students receive an official certificate with hours completed and English proficiency level reached per skill.
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FALL 2025
Event/Activity Date(s) Deadline to apply for undergraduate conditional admission or English training only. August 15, 2025 Placement Test/Orientation
(New students must attend all three days from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)Sep. 11-12, 2025 Total tuition and insurance payment due Sep. 12, 2025 Classes Begin Sep. 15, 2025 Final Exams December 6-11, 2025 First day to travel December 11, 2025 Final grades available. December 12, 2025 Student Grade Appeal (9 to 11 a.m.) (See Student Handbook for details) December 15, 2025 SPRING 2026
Event/Activity Date(s) Deadline to apply for undergraduate conditional admission or English training only. December 12, 2025 Placement Test/Orientation
(New students must attend all three days from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)January 8-9, 2026 Total tuition and insurance payment due January 9, 2026 Classes Begin January 12, 2026 Final Exams May 4-7, 2026 First day to travel May 7, 2026 Final grades available. May 8, 2026 Student Grade Appeal (9 to 11 a.m.) (See Student Handbook for details) May 11, 2026 -
Complete the application form and pay the non-refundable application fee using the link below:
Upload the documents below to your application
- A copy of your passport information page.
- A copy of your high school or undergraduate diploma in English.
- A copy of your current transcript (grades) translated in English.
- Statement of Financial Support - 2025-2026. (this document may be downloaded and completed by right clicking and choosing "save as")
- An official statement from your bank in English which specifies the amount of money available for one to three terms of language training.
Watch your email Inbox
- We may ask for extra documents. Please respond quickly!
- We require a virtual meeting during the application process.
- You will receive a BEAP ADMISSION packet containing:
- Your BAEP admission letter.
- Information about BAEP orientation & placement.
- An invitation to connect with our Student Services team that will help your plan your arrival to Springfield, Missouri.
- An invitation to connect to the International Student Portal to request your immigration
document:
- I-20 for F-1 applicants
- DS 2019 for J-1 applicants
- Then you will apply for an F-1/J-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate.
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to deny admission or readmission or to restrict enrollment of individuals who submit fraudulent application documents or are determined to represent a threat to students, faculty, staff, or property. This determination will be made by the BEAP Admission team in coordination with the Assistant Vice President for Global Education and Engagement and the Dean of Students when applicable. Appeals to such a decision may be directed to the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships.
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Welcome to your new home!
- City of Springfield, MO Homepage
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- EAP students are free to choose the housing option they prefer:
- On-Campus Housing resources:
- Off-Campus Housing resources:
- We provide housing information and guidance, but finding housing is each BAEP student's responsibility.
- Transportation options:
- Airport Pickup link (Link TBA)
- MSU Bear Line (Free Campus shuttle bus service)
- Springfield City Bus
- What to pack:
- If you arrive in January: winter coat, hats, thick socks, gloves & boots (Temperature -10c to 15c)
- If you arrive in May or August: light jacket, sweaters, t-shirts, comfortable shoes, cap & sun block (Temperature 20c to 40c)
- Weather Check it often. It is always changing!
- Our Location downtown Springfield, Missouri:
The English Language Institute is a member of:
