English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

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Learn English at SCF

Study Academic and Professional English at SCF in Bradenton and Venice, Florida

State College of Florida’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program helps permanent U.S. residents improve their English for academic or professional goals. It is not a program for visitors.

We offer small classes (7–15 students), experienced instructors, and flexible schedules at both the Bradenton and Venice campuses. Most classes meet in the morning. Students come from all over the world—and many continue on to earn college degrees at SCF.

Apply Early! Our next semester begins in August (apply by June 1) or January (apply by October 15).

Ready to get started? Apply Today!

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What is EAP?

The EAP program is not ESOL or ESL—it’s a college-level program for students who already speak some English (intermediate or advanced). You’ll improve your grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening through interactive college courses. Every student has the opportunity to speak, ask questions, and develop all their communication skills in every class.

EAP is for permanent U.S. residents only. It is not a visa program and does not issue I-20 forms.

Do I Need to Be Degree-Seeking to take EAP classes? 

No. You can take EAP classes for personal enrichment—just to improve your English. But you still need to apply to SCF. Many students begin as personal enrichment students and switch to degree-seeking status later, once their transcripts are ready.

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Who can apply to the EAP program?  

Anyone with a high school diploma from any country (or a GED) can apply to State College of Florida and the EAP program. To qualify for this program, you should be or plan to be a permanent resident of the U.S., not a visitor or tourist.

List of visas and statuses accepted by State College of Florida:  

1. Naturalized U.S. Citizen (U.S. Citizen Certificate, U.S. Passport, or Voter Registration Card)
2. Resident Alien / Permanent Resident (green card)
3. Visas with letters A, E, G, or L stamped separately on it (government officials)
4. H-1B (work permit)
5. H-4 (spouse or child of an H-1B)
6. Passport with the letter I (media), K (fiance/child of U.S. Citizen) or N (Parent/Child accorded special immigration status)
7. NATO passport stamped with 0-3 (family member of NATO officials) or R (religious worker)
8. Political Asylum, Refugee, Parolee
9. Some specific letters or documents from USCCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) may be accepted. Bring your letter or document to the Bradenton or Venice Campus to see if it qualifies.

Does this program issue F-1 / I-20 visas for international students? 

No, this program does not issue student visas. This is a program for students who live permanently in the United States. If you already have a student visa and have attended school in the U.S., it may be possible to study in the EAP program.

This program does not issue F-1 visas. If you have or need one, contact International Student Services.

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When do EAP classes begin?

SCF operates on a 16-week semester system and you can begin in either semester.

• Fall classes begin in early August (apply by June 1)
• Spring classes begin in early January (apply by October 15)

You should apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance to allow time to gather documents, including your high school transcript for degree seeking students, a visa or status letter, and Florida residency documents.

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How does the EAP program work?

After applying, you’ll take the EAP Placement Test to assess your reading and writing. You’ll be placed in Level 3, 4, or 5.

• A level 3 or 4 student will take two courses and attend class 10 hours a week. 
• A level 5 student will also take two courses and attend class 6 hours a week. 
• Students in level 5 and some students in Ievel 4 may take other college courses at the same time they are taking EAP courses. An advisor will help you choose which courses will be best for  your goals and your English language level.  

Level	Courses	Total Hours	Total Weeks	Class Format
Level 3	Grammar/Writing 0385 Speaking/Listening/Reading 0386	10	16	4 days/week
Level 4	Grammar/Writing 0485 Speaking/Listening/Reading 0486	10	16	4 days/week
Level 5	Grammar/Writing 1540 Reading 1520 (includes speaking)	6	16	2 days/week

All classes include tests, homework, and required attendance. Most are in the morning, with some evening and online options. Students are advised to take both courses in their level at the same time. 

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How do I apply to the EAP program?

For assistance, visit the Admissions Office in Bradenton, building 1, or in Venice, building 100. Below is a step-by-step process on how to apply.

Step-by-Step:

1. Apply to State College of Florida. The first step in enrolling in the EAP program begins with the online application.
2. Select “General Admission.”
3. You will create an account that allows you to leave the application and return to it at a later time. Don’t lose your login information!
4. Choose your semester– Fall (August) or Spring (January).
5. Decide if you are Degree-Seeking or Personal Enrichment
   • Degree-Seeking: You want to continue at the college after you finish EAP classes and work toward a degree or certificate.  You will need to give the college translated and evaluated copies of your high school transcript.  You may be eligible for financial aid.
   • Personal Enrichment: You want to take only EAP classes.   You do not have to submit your high school transcript. You will not be eligible for financial aid.
   • Important! Many students start their first semester as Personal Enrichment because they do not have access to their high school transcript or did not have time to get it translated and evaluated. It is possible to start as Personal Enrichment and then change your status to degree-seeking the next semester once the high school transcript has been submitted.
6. Complete the online form and pay the $20 fee.
7. Florida Residency
   • Submit proof of Florida Residency if you have lived in the state of Florida for 12 months or longer.
   • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will be asked to show your visa or letter regarding your status in the United States. These can be shown in person to the admissions office on your campus, or you can photograph and email them.
8. Trascripts
   • If you are degree-seeking: Submit an evaluated, translated high school transcript.
   • International Transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES member; most of our students prefer to use the services of: 
     • AES,  ECE, IEE,  or Josef Silny & Associates.
   • Submit Transcripts to the Office of the Registrar
     • Electronic transcripts sent directly to: Transcripts@SCF.edu
     • Mailed official transcripts addressed to: P.O. Box 1849 Bradenton, Florida 34206
     • Faxed transcripts from the issuing institution directly to: 941-727-6380
     • Official transcripts in a sealed envelope, dropped off to the Office of the Registrar
9. Make an appointment to take the EAP Placement Test on your campus.  You will be told your placement level and the EAP courses you will register for.
10. You will need to make an appointment for an orientation.  We recommend you attend a face-to-face orientation so you can get help with registering for your classes.  Online orientations are available, however.

Important: Check your email frequently. You will be getting many emails from SCF regarding your application. Read them carefully. You may be missing some important documents or a due date! You will receive your Student Identification Number (G00….) and your student portal user name and password in an email. Write them down and do not lose them.

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How much does the EAP program cost?

Tuition is based on credit hours.

Example: A Level 4 student taking 10 credit hours would pay: $102.48 × 10 = $1,024.80 (in-state for a Florida Resident)

View Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Financial aid may be available for qualified, degree-seeking students.

Learn More about Financial Aid

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Our Students Are Successful! 

Most students who complete the EAP program continue at SCF and earn a degree or transfer to a university. Students have access to:

• Supportive, experienced instructors
• Success Coaches
• Free tutoring (English, math, science, conversation)
• The SCF Library
• Student clubs and events