AIIAS is an English-speaking institution where English serves as the medium of instruction and communication for all on-campus and online courses. Due to its international context, AIIAS brings together faculty and students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Given the demands of graduate-level study, proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking English is essential for academic success. Therefore, all applicants to both on-campus and online programs are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants may fulfill this requirement in one of the following ways:

1. The applicant’s primary language is English.
2. The applicant holds either a baccalaureate degree or a graduate degree in which English was the primary medium of instruction and production for the degree conferred.
3. An acceptable score on a standardized test of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) must be sent directly from an official testing center or take the VEPT at the AIIAS English Center.

English test results are valid for two years.

TOEFL iBT: Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test

IELTS : International English Language Testing System

VEPT: Versant English Placement Test 

When an applicant does not reach the required score for a graduate-level program, the score from the English proficiency test can be used to determine the level at which the applicant can study at the AIIAS English Center.

Students who do not provide a passing score on the TOEFL iBT or IELTS for entering a graduate-level program may take the English Placement Test on campus on the dates designated in the AIIAS academic calendar, normally shortly before the beginning of every term. The test offered at the English Center is the Versant English Placement Test (VEPT). It is an online computer-based examination that evaluates non-native English speakers’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. It takes around fifty (50) minutes to finish, which includes 81 questions. Candidates can also request to take the same placement test before leaving their home country using the VEPT Remote Proctoring.

The English Center offers four levels of English language instruction. Students will be assessed using the Versant English Placement Test (VEPT) and placed accordingly into the appropriate instructional level.

Level 1

A student who receives a score of 39 or below on the VEPT (CEFR A2) will work full-time on English and register for Beginner English (Level 1).

Level 2

A student who receives a score of 40-45 on the VEPT (CEFR A2+) will work full-time on English and register for Elementary English (Level 2).

Level 3

A student who receives a score of 46-50 on the VEPT (CEFR B1) will study English full-time and register for Intermediate English (Level 3).

Level 4

A student who receives a score of 51-59 on the VEPT (CEFR B2) will study English full-time and register for Upper-Intermediate English (Level 4). Upon the successful completion of Level 4, the student will have the option to demonstrate proficiency through one of the following standardized assessments: VEPT, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS.

New students

Complete the Admission for Application process.

Returning students

Send an email to ecdirector@aiias.edu.

English Center Calendar for Academic Year 2025-2026

First Semester

TERM A – August to October

• English Placement Test – August 7, 2025
• English Center Registration – August 8, 2025
• Classes Begin – August 11, 2025
• Classes End – October 10, 2025

TERM B – October to December

• English Placement Test – October 13, 2025
• English Center Registration – October 14, 2025
• Classes Begin – October 15, 2025
• Classes End – December 12, 2025

Second Semester

TERM A – January to March

• English Placement Test – January 5, 2026
• English Center Registration – January 5, 2026
• Classes Begin – January 6, 2026
• Classes End – March 6, 2026

TERM B – March to May

• English Placement Test – March 12, 2026
• English Center Registration – March 13, 2026
• Classes Begin – March 16, 2026
• Classes End – May 15, 2026

Intersemester

• English Placement Test – June 4, 2026

• English Center Registration – June 5, 2026

• Classes Begin – June 8, 2026

• Classes End – August 4, 2026

English requirements for Cohort and Distance Learning Center students can be considered under three categories:

1. No English proficiency examination is required of students who have graduated from colleges/universities using English as the principal medium of instruction.
2. Language Assisted. A conversational level of English proficiency (VEPT score of 50 or IELTS 5.5) is required for admission to the specified Cohort or DLC program. The requirements for such a language-assisted program are as follows: it must include a language study course taught by a qualified TESOL instructor, and written assignments must either be submitted in the student’s proficient language or be supported with editorial assistance if submitted in English.
3. Fully Translated. In a Cohort or Extension Site where lectures are translated, students are not required to demonstrate English proficiency. No English proficiency examination is necessary for admission to such a Cohort or Extension Site program. However, the following requirements must be met:
   1. All students must speak the same language.
   2. Adequate learning resources must be available in a language understood by all students.
   3. A qualified translator, holding a graduate degree in the field of study, must be available during and after the course.
   4. An additional 50% of instructional hours is required if simultaneous translation is not utilized.

Every Cohort or DLC student needing to take a course in a different cohort or modality will be required to demonstrate the relevant level of English proficiency if he/she is not under category 1.

An alternative assessment of English proficiency may be permitted through the Graduate
School and Seminary as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant and in compliance
with the policies of their respective school. The final decision of a program’s recommended
waiver would rest with ASAC.