Page 98 - Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

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What is special about the ELI?

The ELI program helps students improve both their communication skills and their academic English skills. As a result,
students will not only be able to communicate more effectively in the real world, but they will also be able to participate
more actively in any academic study they undertake.

Which TOEFL or IELTS scores do I need to join Abu Dhabi University?
All students applying for admission to the university will need to meet one of the following English proficiency requirements:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 61 for the iBT (internet based TOEFL).
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an average score of 5.0 in the academic version of the
test.
Students who do not have the above mentioned scores will have the opportunity to sit for the Institutional TOEFL (IT
TOEFL) test to determine their language proficiency. Only IT TOEFL tests taken on the Abu Dhabi University campus will
be accepted. A score of 500+ on the IT TOEFL will grant students direct admission into the University College at Abu Dhabi
University.

Who joins the ELI?

Applicants who fail to obtain the above mentioned TOEFL/IELTS scores are placed in the ELI’s intensive English language
program.
Students who do not meet the UAE Ministry of Higher Education English language requirements for direct entry into the
university, will enter the ELI to gain the necessary language skills through intensive English language courses.

• Students can exit ELI levels by scoring: IELTS 5 average, or IBT TOEFL 61, or IT TOEFL 500 and TWE® test 5 as per the
UAE Ministry of Higher Education Requirements.
• The required English standard test scores are subject to change based on the UAE Ministry of Higher Education
requirements or Abu Dhabi University recommendations.
Students studying in the levels have the option to take the IELTS test at the Abu Dhabi University IELTS Testing Center.

While studying in the ELI, students can concurrently take selected ADU University College (UC) courses.

How do I study at the ELI? How can I improve my English?
Since students are studying English in a non-emergent situation, they need to practice their English whenever possible.
Therefore, when communicating with Abu Dhabi University faculty and staff members they should use English at all times.
ELI students will attend extra and co-curricular activities or events scheduled through the Student Services Department
at Abu Dhabi University since the language used in these activities and events is English. This will provide opportunities
for students to improve their listening and speaking skills. Furthermore, students are expected to be active learners. This
involves attending classes regularly, participating in both class activities and Abu Dhabi University events, studying on a
daily basis and submitting assignments on time.
The ELI encourages self-directed learning. Lessons and activities are designed to cater for students’ individual needs
and foster the skills required for independent learning. Therefore, students are expected to work on developing the four
language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) outside instructional time through:

• Utilizing the Learning Management System (LMS) online workbooks.
• Utilizing the library which is equipped with different EFL/ESL books.

Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate Catalog 2024 - 2025