The Bridge to Academic English program is a one-semester opportunity designed to help international students transition
smoothly into undergraduate study at Missouri State University. Upon successful completion,
and assuming you meet all other admission requirements, you’ll be fully admitted to
your degree program—and you’ll already have 6 credit hours earned toward your degree.
This program is ideal for students who are close to meeting English proficiency requirements
and want to strengthen their academic language skills while experiencing university
life. You’ll receive expert instruction, personalized support, and a welcoming campus
environment that sets you up for long-term success.
Program Highlights:
Perfect for high beginner proficiency students
Over 280 hours of instruction, all in English, to fast-track your progress
Successful program completion serves as proof of English proficiency for admission
for an MSU undergraduate degree.
6 university credits that count toward your undergraduate degree (electives)
Lifetime tuition reduction for all MSU courses (equal to approximately 40% discount
on your tuition)
Full access to campus resources and student life
Take the first step toward your future—Missouri State is ready to support your goals.
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
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
3. Introduction to Academic Reading and Vocabulary:
Strengthen your reading comprehension and vocabulary. This course includes reading
assignments, vocabulary exercises, and critical analysis.
6 contact hours per week
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.
6 contact hours per week
5. Experiential Learning Lab:
Go out into the world with our guides and interact with MSU students, faculty, staff,
the Springfield community!
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 proficiency level corresponds to these score ranges on common proficiency 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.
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 (16 weeks) for a BAEP student without dependents are:
Estimated Costs in USD*
One Term
Full-time tuition
$5,837
Health Insurance (Required)
$846
Housing, Meals & personal expenses (Estimate)
$7,525
Total funds needed to apply for F-1 visas:
$14,208
*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 (3hrs/week)
LCR 197 Speaking $1,200 (3hrs/week)
GEN 199 Reading $1,500 (6hrs/week)
GEN 199 Writing $1,500 (6hrs/week)
Experiential Learning Lab $500 (must enroll in this option if taking LCR 197 Listening or Speaking) (2hrs/week)
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 $981 (3hrs/week)
LCR 197 Speaking $981 (3hrs/week)
GEN 199 Reading $1,812 (6hrs/week)
GEN 199 Writing $1,812 (6hrs/week)
NOTE: Individuals with the following status will receive a 30% tuition discount on GEN 199 Courses.
Refugee
Temporary Protected Status
Low-income permanent residents (demonstrated by being enrolled in Medicaid)
Tuition is 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.
At the end of each term, students receive an official certificate with hours completed and English proficiency level reached per skill.
SPRING 2026
Event/Activity
Date(s)
Deadline to apply for undergraduate conditional admission or English trainingonly.
December 12, 2025
Placement Test/Orientation (New students must attend all three days from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
For F-1/J-1 applicants only: An official statement from your bankin English which specifies the amount of money available for one term 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.
