English Language Support for International Students (ELSIS)
Free, non-credit bearing courses available for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Edinburgh, whose first language is not English.
Before applying, make sure you:
- Have read the ELSIS course descriptions to ensure you choose the courses most appropriate to your needs
- Have checked your upcoming timetable to ensure your ELSIS courses won’t clash with your other commitments
Please be aware:
- You must submit a separate application for each course you apply for, and we strongly advise you to only apply to a maximum two courses per semester
- You can only choose one class option per course
- Courses will be taught at the Holyrood campus and King's Buildings
After submitting your application:
- Please be patient – we will contact you after the application deadline to confirm if you have been given a place and the classroom location. Check your email after the application deadline for further communications from us
ELSIS Information Event
If you have any questions about any of the ELSIS courses, please come along to the ELSIS Information Event during Welcome Week on Wednesday 11 September at 11:30am, 12pm and 12:30pm in G06 50 George Square. You will be able to speak to academic staff and find out which ELSIS course is right for you.
Course Dates, Criteria and Application Details
The below dates indicate the course options available, and deadlines for submitting your application:
| ELSIS Course 2019/20 | Course Dates |
Application Criteria |
Application Form | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing for International Students |
5-week course Mondays, 2pm-4pm, starting 7 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) or Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm, starting 8 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) or Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm, starting 9 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) or Thursdays, 2pm-4pm, starting 10 October 2019 (King’s Buildings) or Fridays, 2pm-4pm, starting 11 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) |
Places given on a first come first served basis | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 |
| Grammar for Academic Writing |
5-week course Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm, starting 16 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) or Fridays, 2pm-4pm, starting 18 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) |
Places given on a first come first served basis | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 |
| Seminar Discussion Skills |
6-week course Mondays, 2pm-4pm, starting 7 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) |
Places given on a first come first served basis | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 |
| Writing your PhD: Reviewing the Literature |
5-week course Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm, starting 6 November 2019 (Holyrood Campus) |
Only PhD students who have passed their First Year Board should apply. This course is also open to students doing MSc by research. Places given on a first come first served basis. | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 |
|
5-week course Mondays, 4pm-6pm, starting 7 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) or Tuesdays, 4pm-6pm, starting 8 October 2019 (King’s Buildings) |
Places given on a first come first served basis | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 | |
| Social Speaking Skills |
5-week course Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm, starting 9 October 2019 (Holyrood Campus) |
Places given on a first come first served basis | Applications open at 9am on Monday 23 September 2019 | Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 September 2019 |