How to Apply
Learn how to apply to HELP! Below are the instructions in English.
If you don’t understand, you can also scroll down to apply in your language.
Eligibility
To be a student at HELP, you must:
- Be 17 years old or older
- Be a high school graduate
- Be at any level of English from beginning to advanced
Visa Requirements
HELP international students who want to study full time (more than 16 hours/week) must have an F-1 student visa. HELP is authorized to issue the I-20 form required to apply for a student visa. Students who enter the U.S. on a B-2 (tourist) visa or WT status (visa waiver) may NOT study full time at HELP, but may be eligible for part-time study (16 hours or less) incidental to visiting in Hawaii. You can read more about it on our Visa Guidelines page or email us at eslhelp@hawaii.edu with any questions about this.
* Permanent residents, U.S. citizens, and part-time students (16 hours or less per week) do not need an I-20.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
| Term | Term Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 1, 2024 | May 13 – June 21, 2024 | April 13, 2024 |
| Summer 2, 2024 | July 1 – 26, 2024 | June 1, 2023 |
| Fall 1, 2024 | August 26 – October 18, 2024 | July 26, 2024 |
| Fall 2, 2024 | October 28 – December 20, 2024 | September 28, 2024 |
*Application deadlines are one month before the start of studies.
For more upcoming term dates, please go to Term Schedule.
Application Checklist
All F-1 students who want to study at HELP must send:
1. Completed and Signed HELP Application Form (PDF)
2. Application Fee: $125
The application fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee.
ONLINE PAYMENT METHODS:
- International Payments – Bank wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and more:
- All international payments are accepted via Flywire.
- Go to: HELP Flywire Portal and follow the steps to initiate and make payment via Flywire to University of Hawaii – Hawaii English Language Program (HELP)
- Credit Cards (USD$) – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or JCB
IN-PERSON/BY MAIL:
- Credit Cards (USD$) – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or JCB
- Credit card payments can be made in-person at the HELP Front Office during business hours.
- For credit card payment by fax or mail, complete Credit Card Authorization form (PDF) and send to HELP.
- Checks – All checks are to be made out to the University of Hawaii
- Money Order – To be made payable to the University of Hawaii
- Wire Transfer – Please contact us for information.
If you have any questions about payment, please contact us.
3. Copy of passport
Please send a clear photocopy of your passport biographical page.
4. Bank Statement and Statement of Financial Responsibility (if applicable)
All international students who are to be issued a form I-20 must provide an official bank statement proving adequate funds for the amount of intended study. Adequate funds for tuition and living are estimated to be $5000 per 8-week term. If the bank statement is not in the student’s name, the student must also submit a Statement of Financial Responsibility (PDF) signed by the account holder to guarantee financial support.
5. Completed Health Clearance Form
The State of Hawaii requires that students meet certain health requirements before attending postsecondary educational institutions. All students must meet the following health requirements:
- Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunizations – 2 doses
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP) immunization – 1 dose (on or after age 11)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) immunizations – 2 doses
Please download our Health Clearance Form (PDF) for more details and have a doctor complete page 2.
For more details about the University’s Health requirements, please go to the University Health Services Manoa webpage.
6. Proof of Medical Insurance
HELP students are required to have adequate health insurance for each term you are enrolled. Insurance coverage must be equivalent to or better than UH-sponsored insurance, with the following Minimum Levels of Coverage:
- Minimum coverage period: the entire length of your intended stay in the U.S. as a student.
- Comprehensive medical coverage = at least $100,000 US per accident/illness
- Inpatient/Outpatient medical (including mental health) coverage at no less than 75% usual/customary charge (UCC)
- Repatriation coverage = at least $25,000 US
- Medical evacuation coverage to home country = at least $50,000 US
- No more than $500 US deductible per accident or illness
- Waiting period for pre-existing conditions no longer than 6 months
Go to University Health Services Manoa for more details.
HELP Students also have the option of purchasing Geoblue International Student Health Insurance from our program to fulfill their Medical Insurance requirement. It is one of the most affordable plans for international students and is highly recommended. The cost as of August 1, 2023 is $190 per month or $380 for two months (1 HELP 8-week term). If you would like to enroll in this plan, please contact the HELP Office for a registration form.
7. Full payment of tuition and fees
Upon acceptance, you will receive an invoice for tuition & fees.
*#5-7 are not required for the initial application process, but are due before orientation day. Please see Tuition & Fees for tuition due dates.
8. Verification of Enrollment form
(*Only for students transferring from another U.S. School)
Please submit the Verification of Enrollment Form (PDF) to the school you are currently attending. Please also send us a copy of your current F-1 student visa and I-20 with your application.
9. Please send all application materials to:
Hawaii English Language Program (HELP) Moore Hall 586, 1890 East-West Road Honolulu, HI 96822We also accept applications by email. If you would like to send your application electronically, please send your scanned documents to eslhelp@hawaii.edu . For any payments by credit card authorization, please send the credit card authorization form by mail or fax (808-956-5100) only.
Upon receipt of your completed application, you will receive an email from us once your I-20 is processed. You will receive two emails: (1) Notification of acceptance to HELP, and (2) Link to a secure download page for your acceptance documents including the digital Form I-20.
Receiving your I-20
Your acceptance and Form I-20 will be sent digitally by secure email. The digital I-20 is official and can be used to apply for the F-1 visa. We recommend printing your I-20 in color for your visa interview.
We no longer send the Form I-20 by mail. Please inform us if you have a special request to send the Form I-20 by mail. Mailing fees will be charged depending on the destination.
After receiving your I-20
Upon receipt of your I-20, you will need to pay the $350 SEVIS (immigration database) fee online at FMJFEE.com. Then you will need to make an appointment at the American Embassy/Consulate for a Student Visa interview. Go to Visa Information for more information on applying for an F-1 visa and tips for the interview.
Prior to Leaving Home
Check the following to see if you have the most essential things ready for traveling.
- Admission letter from HELP and I-20 form.
- Valid passport, valid student visa, proof of SEVIS fee payment (I-901 form).
- Reservation for flight to Honolulu.
- Recommended arrival is at least 1–2 days prior to the start of classes.
- Reservation for housing—see section below on housing.
- Reservation for airport pick-up –included if you have reserved housing through our Accommodations Service.
Housing Information
We know that where you live is of utmost importance to ensure you enjoy your time in Hawaii at HELP. Our accommodations program will make sure that your experience is a great one. Our large selection of accommodations choices includes home stay, dormitory, apartments and hotels. Go to Housing and Accommodations page for more details on housing options. Housing application are due a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to your arrival.
