The University of New York in Prague delivers all degree programs in English. Students are expected to demonstrate the academic English skills needed to participate fully in lectures, discussions, and written coursework.
Applicants who meet UNYP’s academic admission requirements but need additional English-language preparation may be offered placement in the UNYP English Foundation Program. The program helps students strengthen the academic English skills required for university-level study, including reading, writing, listening, and communication in an academic environment.
The Foundation Program is a preparatory pathway for students entering UNYP degree programs. Students who successfully complete the required level may progress into their bachelor’s studies. Students placed in ESL Level 2 may also complete a limited number of university courses that can count toward a UNYP bachelor’s degree, subject to program requirements.

The English Foundation Program is designed for students who:
Applicants who score 49–69 on UNYP’s institutional English test, or who present an equivalent result from another approved English assessment, may receive conditional admission with placement into the Foundation Program.
Based on results from TOEFL, UNYP’s institutional English test, or other approved assessments, students are placed into the appropriate Foundation Program level to support their academic progression.
Students are placed into one of two Foundation Program levels depending on their English proficiency.
After admission, students take an English placement test or submit recognized English language scores. Based on the results, students are placed into ESL Level 1 or ESL Level 2. Students progress through the program and may move into degree studies once they meet the required English proficiency.
The Foundation Program includes two levels designed to build the academic English skills required for university-level study.
| Feature | ESL Level 1 | ESL Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 1 semester | 1 semester |
| Weekly Class Time | 15 hours | 9 hours |
| Grammar | 6 hours | 3 hours |
| Reading & Writing | 6 hours | 3 hours |
| Listening | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Independent Study | ~45 hours/week | ~27 hours/week |
Students placed in ESL Level 2 may take a limited number of introductory university courses while completing the Foundation Program.
| Feature | ESL Level 1 | ESL Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Access to University Courses | None | Limited (3–4 credits) |
| Eligible Courses | — | Introduction to University Studies Computers and Applications |
| Progression Requirement | — | Full admission with score ≥72 on the final exam |
| Grading | Pass/Fail (final exam) | Pass/Fail (final exam) |
Students are placed into the appropriate Foundation level based on English test results. These scores serve as general guidelines. Additional diagnostic assessment may be required to confirm the appropriate level.
| TOEFL iBT / UNYP English Test | IELTS | Other Accepted Tests | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69–71 | — | Czech Maturita English Leaving Exam 2 FCE Grade C + diagnostic essay | English Composition Skills |
| 57–68 | 5.0–5.5 | Czech Maturita English Leaving Exam 3 EIKEN Test Pre-2 or 2 (CEFR B1 / A2) | ESL Level 2 + English Composition Skills |
| 49–56 | 4.5 | Placement may also consider entrance interview and essay | ESL Level 1 |
| Below 49 | Below 4.5 | — | Admission not granted |
The listed scores provide general placement guidelines. Additional diagnostic testing may be required to confirm the appropriate course level.
The exams listed do not represent all acceptable options. With approval from the Director of Academic Writing, the Registrar, and the Rector, UNYP may accept results from other recognized English language assessments.
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 Level 1 and ESL Level 2 courses.
UNYP’s institutional English test and/or the official TOEFL may be administered by Foundation instructors or Admissions during the final exam period. Based on these results, the Registrar’s Office will pre-register students or adjust course placements for the following semester.
Students who complete the Foundation Program but are not yet ready for Composition I will be placed 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.
The UNYP attendance policy applies to the Foundation Program. Students who exceed the limit for unexcused absences in any course will receive an “F” and be removed from the program for that semester. They may re-enroll at the same level in the following term.
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University of New York in Prague
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Phone:
+420 224 221 261
Email: unyp@unyp.cz
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