English Foundation Program

Strengthen Your English Foundations for Your University Studies

The University of New York in Prague (UNYP) delivers all instruction in English and requires a strong level of English proficiency for academic success and active participation in degree programs. To support students who need additional language preparation, UNYP offers the Foundation Program, which develops academic English skills and prepares them for full-degree study. Credits earned in ESL Level 2 may count toward a UNYP bachelor’s degree, subject in program requirements.

Bachelor’s applicants who score between 49 and 69 out of 120 on UNYP’s institutional English language test—or an equivalent assessment approved by UNYP—and who meet all other admission criteria may receive conditional admission to the Foundation Program.

Based on results from TOEFL, UNYP’s institutional English test, or other approved assessments, UNYP places students into one of three Foundation Program levels to ensure appropriate instruction and academic progression.

Foundation Program Options

ESL Level 1

Program Duration: 1 semester

Weekly Class Time: 15 hours
Grammar: 6 hours
Reading & Writing: 6 hours
Listening: 3 hours

Independent Study: Approximately 45 hours per week

Access to University Courses: None

Grading: Pass/Fail (final exam)

ESL Level 2

Program Duration: 1 semester

Weekly Class Time: 9 hours
Grammar: 3 hours
Reading & Writing: 3 hours
Listening: 3 hours

Independent Study: Approximately 27 hours per week

Access to University Courses: Limited (3–4 semester credits from:)
Introduction to University Studies (1 credit / 2 ECTS)
Computers and Applications (2 credits / 4 ECTS)

Progression: Full admission with a score of 72 or higher on the final exam

Grading: Pass/Fail (final exam)

Progression Chart

English Placement and Testing

The listed scores provide an initial guideline; additional diagnostic testing may be needed to confirm proper placement.

The listed exams do not represent all acceptable options. With approval from the Director of Academic Writing, the Registrar, and the Rector, UNYP may accept other test results.

Foundation Program students must obtain approval from the Foundation Program Advisor or the Rector before retaking UNYP’s institutional English language test through Admissions. Depending on enrollment, UNYP may combine ESL 1 and ESL 2 courses.

Foundation instructors or Admissions will administer UNYP’s institutional English test and/or the official TOEFL during the final exam period. Using these results, the Registrar’s Office will pre-register students or adjust their course placements for the following semester.

Progression and Course Placement

If a student completes the Foundation Program but is not yet ready for Composition I, UNYP will place the student in English Composition Skills. Pre-composition students may enroll in UNYP degree programs; however, English Composition Skills courses do not count toward degree credit.

Students who do not progress after two semesters, or who do not qualify as full-time degree-seeking students after three semesters, will be dismissed from UNYP.

Attendance and Enrollment Status

The UNYP attendance policy applies to the Foundation Program. If a student exceeds the limit for unexcused absences in any course, UNYP will assign an “F” and remove the student from the program for that semester. The student may re-enroll at the same level in the following term.