What is the Summer Language Institute (SLI)?
The Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers rapid language acquisition programs with eight or four-week courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a student-centered environment.
Whether you are preparing to study abroad, conduct graduate research, pursue an international career, or explore a new language and culture, the SLI welcomes you this summer!
- Who is eligible to apply to the SLI?
The SLI fosters a vibrant and diverse community of learners, each with unique academic, professional, and personal aspirations.
It welcomes:
- Rising junior and senior high school students
- Undergraduate and graduate college students
- Non-traditional students - Check the Senior Citizen Waiver Program if you are a Virginia resident and 60 years of age and older.
- Language learners who are motivated and over the age of 18
- How to register or apply?
Application Timeline
Applications are reviewed on rolling basis, so it is to your advantage to apply as early as possible.
December 1st: Application opens
March 28: Application deadline
Please select the language you are interested to study and click on "Click Here to Apply" to begin your application.
Required Materials
Online Application Form: Complete all questions
Letter of Recommendation: One letter is required. Enter the referee's details in the application for an automated request.
Transcript: One unofficial transcript is required from your current or most recent institution. Additional transcripts from previous institutions are optional.
Additional Requirements for High School Students Applicants
Medical Consent Form for Minors: Completed by a parent/guardian and uploaded.
Terms of Understanding: Signed by both student and parent/guardian and uploaded.
Secondary School Report: To be completed by the school counselor/principal and emailed to the sliadmission@virginia.edu.
Transcript: To be emailed to sliadmission@virginia.edu. by the school counselor/principal alongside the Secondary School Report.
Notification Process
All applicants will receive an email notification regarding admission decisions.
Admitted students will receive instructions for account creation in the Student Information System.
If questions arise as you navigate the online application system, please contact the admissions office at sliadmission@virginia.edu.
Course Registration and Payment
The SLI office manages course registration.
An automated request for tuition payment will be sent upon enrollment completion.
Support
For questions, contact the admissions office at sliadmission@virginia.edu.
We look forward to receiving your application.
- 2025 Costs
The SLI fees are based on the number of credits each language offers (12 or 8 credits). All participants must pay the Institute Fee of $60 and the Comprehensive Fee. The table below shows the costs of one credit hour. To find out the total costs check the web page of the language of your interest.
Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Required Fees
Institute Fee
Comprehensive Fee
$60
$475
$60
$535
Undergraduate Student Tuition
$470 x credit hour
$1,736 x credit hour
Graduate Student Tuition
$551 x credit hour
$1,117 x credit hour
Learning without earning credits
1.Flat Rate for 12 or 8 credits (full program)
2. Flat Rate for 6 or 4 credits (half program)
1. $5,640 (full program)
2. $2,820 (half program)
1. $5,640 (full program)
2. $2,820 (half program)
- Financial Aid & Fellowships
UVA does not offer any scholarship support for summer language study. Need-based financial aid is only available for currently enrolled, degree-seeking students at UVA. See Summer Session Financial Aid. It may be possible for visiting students to apply for a FLAS through your home institution. UVA graduate students should consult their department's Director of Graduate Studies to inquire about the availability of GSAS funds for summer language study.
Note to students applying for financial aid through UVA: please request an early enrollment from the SLI office.
- 2025 SLI Calendar
Saturday, June 14 Online Program Orientation/ The SLI director will share the Zoom link. Monday, June 16 CLASSES BEGIN Thursday, June 19 Juneteenth Observed - No Classes Saturday, June 21 Class meets on Saturday, June 21 Friday, July 4 Independence Day Holiday (Observed) - No Classes Monday, July 14 4:30 - 6:00 pm SLI Snackfest (mid-program event) Friday, August 8 LAST DAY OF SLI
- FAQs
Q: Is the admission to the Summer Language Institute competitive?
A: Admission is generally accessible. If you’re in good academic standing and apply early with clear motivations for studying the language, you have a strong chance of being admitted. Common reasons for denial include being overqualified or lack of space.Q: Do I need to submit both my undergraduate and graduate transcripts?
A: You only need to submit a transcript from the last institution you attended.Q: What are the Virginia residency requirements for the SLI?
A: If you believe you qualify for in-state tuition, check the appropriate box on the application. The Office of Virginia Status will make the final decision regarding eligibility.Q: When can I expect a decision after submitting my application?
A: Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. You’ll typically receive your decision within 2-4 weeks after submitting your application. You can check your application status online at any time.Q: What does it mean if I’m considered “overqualified”?
A: The SLI is designed for beginning-level students, with exceptions for certain advanced levels. If you have significant experience in the language, you may be considered "overqualified." Contact the program director to discuss your eligibility.Q: How do I register for SLI classes after being admitted?
A: Please check the Information for Admitted Students 2025.Q: Should I wait to apply for on-Grounds housing until after I’m admitted?
A: Please check the Information for Admitted Students 2025.Q: Does the tuition include housing and meals?
A: No, tuition does not cover housing or meals.Q: Can I switch from the non-credit option to the credit option?
A: Please check the Information for Admitted Students 2025.
- Information for SLI Admitted Students
Please visit the following page https://summer.virginia.edu/information-admitted-students-2025.
Proficiency Test
Students will take a proficiency test at the end of the Summer Language Institute program without additional charges.
Students enrolled in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish SLI took the ACTFL OPIc (Oral Proficiency-Computer Interview) test, while Latin SLI students took the Avant (1 skill—reading) test.
In the years 2023 and 2024, over 80% received ratings between Intermediate Low and Intermediate High.
Registration Dates
December 1st: Application opens
Application deadline: We are still accepting applications until our programs reach capacity. Visit the language program webpage for more details.
Comments from Past Participants
"It's a great program, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to take part."
"Great course! I felt that it was very strong both in grammar and in culture. Thank you."
"Great professors, great focus, content taught was important and very relevant to both further study and/or career application."
Contact the SLI
Vera Abbate, PhD - Summer Language Institute Director
E-mail: vera.abbate@virginia.edu
E-mail: uvasli@virginia.edu
Appointment: Schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.
Phone: +1 (434) 924-3371