Applying to the Intensive English Program
Thank you for your interest in the Language and Culture Institute. On this page, you will find everything you need to know in order to apply to the LCI in Blacksburg or the National Capital Region, including:
- Application instructions
- Proof of financial support
- Application processing time
- Accommodations for disabilities
- How to ask questions
Other programs
Note that applying to Virginia Tech for undergraduate or graduate studies is a separate process from applying to study English at the Language and Culture Institute. To apply to Virginia Tech, go to the following sites:
You may also apply to the Language and Culture Institute at Radford University, offered through a partnership with Virginia Tech.
- Apply to the Language and Culture Institute at Radford University
Application instructions
- Step 1: Complete an online application.
- Step 2: Pay the application fee.
- Step 3: Supply proof of financial support (required for overseas applications and F-1 transfers). More information can be found in the Proof of Financial Support section below.
- Step 4 (Transfers only): Students already at a school in the United States should supply a completed transfer form.
- Recommended: Supply a copy of the identification (photo) page from your passport.
Your application will be considered once payment and all required documents have been received.
Supporting documents may be scanned and emailed to lci-info@vt.edu or faxed to 1-540-231-9490. You may also mail supporting documents to:
Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute
Intensive English Program
840 University City Blvd., Suite 2
Blacksburg, VA 24061
USA
Proof of financial support
New students applying from overseas and seeking a student (F-1) visa or F-1 students transferring to the LCI from other schools must provide documents proving sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance for the period of study. This requirement may be satisfied as follows:
- A bank or brokerage statement in your name or in the name(s) of your parents. This statement must show sufficient funds to support all expenses relating to your studies. If a parent's bank statement is used, the parent must provide a signed statement that these funds on deposit will be used to support your studies.
- A letter from a bank certified by a bank official stating that you or your parents have a bank balance sufficient to support your studies. This letter must show a minimum amount on deposit to support all expenses relating to your studies.
- A scholarship letter from an educational institution, or a government agency showing sufficient funding to support all expenses relating to your studies.
- An affidavit of support from a relative or sponsor in the United States. This affidavit must show sufficient income and resources to support all expenses relating to your studies. A form I-134 Affidavit of Support is available from the Department of Homeland Security.
A combination the above methods is also acceptable.
Application processing time
Within three business days of submitting of your application, you should receive an email confirming that your application has been received. Your application will be reviewed when the LCI has received your application fee and all required supporting documents.
All students meeting eligibility requirements are accepted. Within two weeks of acceptance, you should receive your acceptance package — including arrival information, information on how to obtain your visa, and a Form I-20, which is used to obtain a student visa. Initial shipment of the I-20 by express mail is included in the application fee.
Accommodations for disabilities
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Discrimination or harassment on any of these bases is prohibited by Policy 1025, "Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy." Individuals with questions or concerns about Policy 1025, any of these regulations, or related issues should contact the Office of Equity and Access.
If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations, please discuss your needs at your earliest convenience with the LCI director at 1-540-231-6963.