Applying to the ELI

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You may apply to the ELI if you are international; deaf or hard of hearing; at least 18 years of age; and have completed a secondary school program. Applicants who are under 18 years old will be considered if they have completed a secondary school program.

We will send you an application packet if you fax us at 202-448-6954, telephone us at 202-651-5721, or email us at: Ali.Sanjabi@gallaudet.edu.

Scores on the TOEFL or any other examination are NOT required for admission to the ELI. During New Student Orientation, students take placement exams that are used to gauge proficiency levels and place students into appropriate class levels.

Please note that admission to the ELI does not constitute admission to the undergraduate or graduate programs at Gallaudet University.

Obtaining a Visa

You must have a valid J-1 or F-1 student visa before you may begin study at the ELI. Students with B-1 visitor visas may not enter the ELI or register for courses. In order to obtain a visa, you must first submit all required admission documents from the Admissions Packet. After the ELI receives and approves the required documents, Gallaudet University will send you an I-20, Certificate of Eligibility form. Then you will take the I-20 and copies of your admission documents to an American Embassy or Consulate to request an F-1 visa.

Application Deadlines

If you plan to enter the ELI in the Fall semester, we must receive all required application documents by May 1. To enter in a Spring semester, we must receive your application documents by November 1. Deadlines can be extended with permission from the ELI Director.