Will I receive college credit for the classes I take at SLI?
Yes, on the Program Page you will see how many college credits are rewarded for completing each distinct program.
How do I transfer my Pitt SLI credits to my home institution?
Easy! Contact the Pitt Registrar’s Office Transcripts Department and follow the instructions.
Will my home institution accept Pitt credits earned at SLI toward my major or for my GPA? Will the course count for my home institutions's language requirement?
These are questions you need to ask at your home institution. Contact the chair of your academic program and/or your school’s registrar or advisor to answer these questions. If you need documentation for your home institution to determine credit transfer (syllabus, for example), please contact us at sliadmin@pitt.edu.
I have a schedule conflict. May I arrive to the program late or leave it early?
Generally speaking, no. Students are expected to be present for all classes and program-related events, however, exceptions may be made on an individual basis. To discuss your situation, contact our administrative team at sliadmin@pitt.edu. We will put you in touch with the academic coordinator for your language.
When will I be notified about admissions decisions?
Applicants who apply by March 1st will learn their admissions and scholarship results by email in mid-March. Later applications will be processed on a rolling basis, usually with notification around one week after completion. Applicants may also request early admission notification if they need documentation of admission for their home institutions, outside scholarship applications, or peace of mind. However, funding outcomes will be announced no earlier than mid-March.
How competitive is the admission process?
As long as the program is not at full capacity, applicants with active student status (in good standing) or prior successful study at the university level can expect to be admitted. High school applicants must receive permission to register through our College in High School Office. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Abroad programs require a minimum GPA of 2.75 per the Pitt Study Abroad Office's policy.
Can I audit or take classes pass/fail?
No. Due to the intensive nature of the SLI program, auditing is not permitted and all students take their courses for a letter grade.
Approximately how many students are in each class?
Some classes are exceptionally small (4-5 students), and others, like Beginning and Intermediate Russian, can have up to 12 or so students.
How much homework will I need to do?
Given the intensive nature of the SLI and the need to complete up to a year’s worth of college-level instruction in as few as 6 weeks, you should expect to have a significant amount of homework. Although you’ll be in class only until 3pm, most students find that they need to dedicate the greater part of their evenings to homework and studying. Students are encouraged to form study groups, which can be a fun way to study and quiz one another.
Who attends SLI?
SLI welcomes students of all sorts. The majority of our students are undergraduate and graduate students, but there are always also students pursuing languages for personal and professional reasons. If you have been out of school for five or more years and have difficulty supplying the required documentation for your application, please contact our administrative staff at sliadmin@pitt.edu to discuss transcript and letter of recommendation requirements.
Do I have to be matriculated in a degree program to attend SLI?
No! SLI hosts highly-motivated language learners from many walks of life including working professionals, servicemen and servicewomen, retirees, postdocs, scholars, and others.
Can high school students apply?
Yes, SLI can accommodate high school students in some cases, if they demonstrate the requisite maturity to succeed in an intensive college-level course. High school applicants must apply and be accepted to both SLI and the University of Pittsburgh's Accelerated High School program. Due to processing time at the Accelerated High School office, the deadline for high school applicants to SLI and Accelerated High School is April 1. High School applicants typically must be 16 years old to participate in SLI, per Accelerated High School's policy. Please note that minor participants may not be accommodated on campus for SLI, therefore most minors are either local or have local family with whom they can stay. In addition, High School participants are note eligible for any abroad programming per University regulations.
Do I have to live in campus housing?
You may elect to live in a campus dormitory, but you are not limited to this option. Many students find sublets to be a more affordable option. Please see the Housing page for more information.
Am I able to work while attending SLI?
SLI strongly discourages students from working during the program. The intensive nature of the program and significant out-of-class time that is necessary for studying and homework makes it quite difficult for students to manage both the program and work.
Do students who are not currently enrolled at Pitt need to apply to the university guest student program to apply to SLI?
Non-Pitt students will be instructed on how to apply to become a guest student through Pitt's College of General Studies after acceptance to SLI. Admitted applicants will receive instructions on this process with their SLI acceptance letter in March.
Can I apply for FLAS funding through SLI for 2026?
The FLAS program has been suspended nationwide by the Department of Education. If the FLAS program is resumed at the federal level for this summer, SLI will immediately update its website and notify applicants.
.