Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay the application fee?

You can pay the $100 application fee by credit card, or you can send a money order by mail if you live in the U.S. The credit card can be from another country. The payment goes is processed by PayPal, but you don't need to have a PayPal account.

How do I get an I-20?

Self-paying students must show financial resources of $5,846.00 for each session. You do not actually have to pay this much. You just have to show the U.S. government that you have plenty of money to pay your tuition and all your possible expenses while you are studying at the PIE.

Saudi students sponsored by their government (SACM) should provide the letter "For Admission Purposes Only". With that letter we can admit you and make your I-20. After you start studying, we will give you a proof of enrollment letter to get your official financial guarantee.

How long will it take to get my I-20?

It takes a short time to get your I-20 (less than 10 days). After you submit your application, we will request your I-20. Your I-20 will be ready in a few days. We will send your I-20 by FedEx and give you the tracking number.

How can I show my financial resources?

You must ask your bank for a letter. The letter should state the name of the account holder and the total amount in the account. The letter should be recent (from the last few months.) The letter can be in your native language. Please DO NOT send a monthly or quarterly bank statement. The bank account can belong to you, a family member, or even a friend.

Can I change from B-2 visitor visa to F-1 student visa?

You can change from a B-2 visa to an F-1 visa IF you go out of the U.S. and go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You do not have to go back to your home country. You can go to Canada or another close country, for example. You have to show the PIE your financial resources to get a form I-20 for the visa interview.

The U.S. government states that it is possible to change from a B-2 visa to an F-1 visa while you stay in the U.S. However, it is very expensive and takes a long time (6 months or more.) You will have to hire a lawyer to help. The university does not support students to change visa status UNLESS they go out of the country.

Does PIE offer conditional admission to IUPUI?

PIE offers English classes to achieve English proficiency for IUPUI. You can get conditional admission to IUPUI by applying to IUPUI. 

How can I know my level at the PIE?

New students take a placement test on the first day of orientation. With the results of the placement test, we will place you in the best level for improving your English skills. You will find out your level and your schedule on the second day of orientation.

When do PIE classes meet?

PIE classes meet Monday through Friday during the day. There are no PIE classes in the evening or on weekends. Full-time students have classes every day. The exact time varies depending on the session and your level. Part-time students could have classes 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week, depending on the schedule for their level and what class(es) they take.

How much does the PIE cost?

Full-time tuition is $2,650 per session. Part-time tuition depends on which classes you take (see the next questions). All students with an F-1 visa pay an international services fee ($48 per session).  F-1 students without a government sponsorship also are required to pay for Indiana University health insurance (approximately $43 per week). 


Can I study part-time?

Anyone except F-1 students can study part-time. If you have an F-2 or B-2 visa, you can only study part-time. 

What does it cost to study part-time?

Here is the tuition for part-time students for one session:

   Grammar Class only = $575.00

   Listening/Speaking only = $1075.00

   Reading/Writing only = $1075.00

   Listening/Speaking + Grammar = $1650.00

   Reading/Writing + Grammar = $1650.00

   Listening/Speaking + Reading/Writing = $2150.00

When do I have to pay?

The deadline to pay is the 3rd day of classes. In some cases, your tuition bill is not ready yet at that time. Then you must pay within 3 days after it becomes ready. 

Does the PIE offer scholarships?

PIE offers one full-tuition scholarship each session. Preference is for U.S. permanent residents, citizens, asylees, or refugees. Generally students must study one session to prove their skill and motivation before they can be considered for the scholarship.

I’m a permanent resident. Can I apply for financial aid?

Unfortunately, no. Because PIE classes are non-credit and PIE students are non-degree students, no university or US government aid is available. 

Is parking free?

No, unfortunately parking is not free for students or teachers! A student parking permit costs about $35 per month.