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English help for incoming CUNY students

CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) by City University of New York (CUNY)

Services Provided College enrollment, prep, and completion, English classes

Schedule Daytime, Evening, Full-time, Schedule varies

Last Updated Last updated on Jul 19, 2023

Next Steps

CLIP helps students entering CUNY to improve their academic English skills before they start college.

CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) is an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students starting at a CUNY college. Through CLIP, you can improve your academic English before starting college. You can also develop personal relationships to help you succeed throughout your studies at CUNY.

Who it's for Who it's for

You can take part in CLIP if you’ve been accepted to any CUNY college and:

  • Have been designated as an ESL student, or
  • Have been informed that you need to improve your English proficiency

Duration and Length Duration and Length

Classes meet for 25 hours per week, during the day or evening. Programs run for three months to a year.

Next Steps

If you’ve been accepted to CUNY and informed that you placed into an English as a Second Language (ESL) course, complete the CLIP Recruitment Form.

If you are already an enrolled student taking classes at CUNY, you must be referred to CLIP by an academic adviser or professor at your college.

If you have not yet applied to CUNY, see information about applying to CUNY.

CLIP is a low-cost program. Most students pay a fee for a 14 to 16-week semester (25 hours per week). Some students qualify for reduced fees. Students do not use their financial aid while in CLIP. Instead, they save their financial aid for college coursework.

See CLIP enrollment information, calendar, and fees.

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