Applied English Center

The Applied English Center (AEC) at the University of Kansas has 35 years of experience in providing intensive English instruction, preparing students for study in American universities, and helping students participate in American society. The AEC offers five levels of instruction, from beginning to advanced, with all courses taught by experienced professionals.

As an exchange student through Study Abroad & Global Engagement, you will be required to check-in with the AEC during your first week at KU. If you plan to attend International Orientation, you will be given a specific time to go to the AEC during orientation.

Native English Speakers

If you are a native speaker of English, you must still go to the AEC for an interview in order to obtain a waiver from taking English language classes. You will not be allowed to enroll in any classes without this waiver.

Non-Native English Speakers

When you check in at the AEC, the staff will verify your official scores of your TOEFL or IELTS test, if applicable (it is not required by KU). Your TOEFL or IELTS scores must be reported directly from the testing agencies to the University of Kansas. KU must receive official scores prior to your arrival on campus. If you have a copy of your TOEFL or IELTS scores, please also include it in your application packet to Study Abroad & Global Engagement.



If you have taken the TOEFL (within the past two years), and your scores meet the requirements below, you can apply to be waived from the on-campus English Language Proficiency Exam. If your TOEFL scores do not meet the requirements listed below, you will be required to take the English Language Proficiency Exam.

The minimum scores required are as follows:

Computer-Based TOEFL Exam

  • Minimum of 23 on each section
  • Score of 4.5 or higher on the essay



Internet-Based TOEFL Exam

  • Minimum of 23 on each section



Paper-Based TOEFL Exam

  • Minimum score of 57 on each section
  • Score of 4.5 or higher on the essay

The AEC Proficiency Exam is divided into three parts as follows:

Part I: Reading and Writing

Worth 200 points

  1. Three reading passages, with 30 multiple-choice questions testing comprehension and vocabulary
  2. One reading passage, with five questions; students take notes over the reading passage and using the notes, write answers in paragraph form



Part II: Listening

Worth 200 points

  1. Three to four dialogues and two short lectures with 61 questions: students read/listen to dialogues and then answer questions



Part III: Grammar for Communication

Worth 200 points

  1. Guided paraphrase, 40 items
  2. Thirty minute timed essay on a composition topic given to you, minimum of 200 words required



If you pass the AEC English Language Proficiency Exam, you will not be required to take courses in English as a Second Language.



If you do not pass the exam, you will be required to enroll in one or more courses in English as a Second Language. The number of courses required depends on how many sections of the AEC test that you pass.



If you test into Level 1,2 or 3 at the AEC, you will receive grades of A,B,C, D, or F. If you test into Level 4, 5 or Special Studies, you will receive credit for your AEC classes if you receive a grade of A, B or C, and pass the AEC proficiency exam at the end of the semester. You will not receive credit if you receive a grade of D or F.

Adapted from: Applied English Center brochure