StepUp Intensive English is a multi-level program offered in spring, summer or fall for both conditionally admitted and non-degree seeking students at three levels of English proficiency, Foundations I (part-time beginning level), Foundations II (part-time intermediate level), and Advanced intensive (part-time or full-time level).
How to Apply
Complete the StepUp application and pay the application fee.
You can complete the application online. The non-refundable application fee is $50.
Wait for ICAPE's response.
We will send you an acceptance letter and instructions on obtaining your I-20 and visa if you need one. You the must pay the $500 tuition deposit.
Submit any documents required for the I-20 for a visa (if you need one).
If you need an I-20 to get get a visa to study in the U.S., then you will need to submit documents to OISS at (610) 758-4859 or intnl@lehigh.edu.
Pay the final StepUp balance.
We will issue you a final invoice and you must pay the remaining balance (if any) by the first week of StepUp classes.
The StepUp program involves intensive non-credit coursework that provides comprehensive English language and cultural training for general, academic, and professional communication. Students at beginning and intermediate levels of proficiency are offered one Foundations class each semester and/or optional individualized tutoring sessions in the ELLA Lab, while advanced students are offer part-time or full-time classes, depending on their needs and their visa status. Our goal is to help multilingual students develop sufficient of English language proficiency so they can communicate effectively in real-word interactions and socialize into U.S. culture successfully.
Successful completion of Advanced StepUp courses fulfills the requirements for students awarded Conditional Admissions. Conditionally admitted students must successfully complete one full semester of the StepUp Program.
StepUp Program Dates and Application Deadlines
| Session | Dates | Deadline for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents | Deadline for foreign nationals requiring a student visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | One English Foundation Class: June 17 - Aug. 7 Full term: Jun. 16-Aug. 7 1st half: Jun. 16-Jul. 11 2nd half: Jul. 14-Aug. 7 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee and deposit for Visa documents due by April 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | Full term: Sept. 10 - Nov. 7 1st half: Sept. 10 - Oct. 10 2nd half: Oct. 14 - Nov. 7 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee and deposit for Visa documents due by July 11, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Full term: February 9 - April 17 1st half: February 9 - March 13 2nd half: March 23 - April 17 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee and deposit for Visa documents due by November 21, 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | Full term: June 15 - August 6 1st half: June 15 - July 10 2nd half: July 13 - August 6 | StepUp application, fee and deposit due before the first week of class | StepUp application, fee and deposit for Visa documents due by April 3, 2026 |
Weekly Schedule Program Pricing
The $50 application fee is non-refundable. Refunds for the $500 deposit are only granted in cases of visa denial/delay and other unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. In these cases, you must provide written notice to ICAPE (email is acceptable) at least 60 days before the program start date to receive a refund. If you have any questions, please contact the ICAPE office.