Top English courses in Miami

1. Miami as a language learning destination

Miami stands out as one of the most dynamic cities in the United States for learning English. As a global hub connecting North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the city attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and students from every corner of the world. For anyone looking for English courses in Miami, this international character creates an ideal environment where you can practice your skills with native speakers and people from dozens of different countries every day.

The city's economy spans finance, tourism, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The Brickell financial district alone hosts headquarters of major corporations and banks, while Miami Beach draws millions of visitors annually. This economic diversity means English learners can find opportunities to use their language skills in real professional situations beyond the classroom.

I have compiled this guide to help you find some of the best English courses in Miami and the surrounding South Florida area. Whether you need a student visa, prefer affordable community college classes, or want intensive preparation for university studies, you will find options here that match your goals and budget.

2. Who can study English in Miami?

English courses in Miami serve many different groups of learners.

• International students on F-1 visas: Full-time intensive programs that issue Form I-20 for student visa applications
• Visitors and tourists: Short-term courses available on a tourist visa (ESTA or B-2) provided they are part-time and do not exceed 18 hours per week
• Immigrants and permanent residents: Community college and nonprofit programs, many of which are affordable or free for eligible individuals
• Working professionals: Evening and weekend classes designed for people with jobs or other daytime commitments
• Refugees and asylum seekers: Free programs through Miami Dade College's REVEST program for eligible individuals

3. Top English courses in Miami

I have organized the following schools from the most affordable options to more intensive and specialized programs. This way, you can quickly find options that fit your budget before checking the details.

Miami Dade College is the largest community college in the United States, and its English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program offers one of the most affordable paths to English proficiency in South Florida. The program fulfills an important mission in assisting the immigrant population in the Miami-Dade County area to learn English for continuing education and entry into mainstream America. With campuses throughout the county, students can choose a location convenient to their home or work.

Tuition $118.22 per credit for Florida residents (proof of 1 year residency required), $402.51 per credit for out-of-state students. A typical full-time EAP student takes approximately 14 credits per semester, costing about $1,655 per semester for Florida residents.

Format In-person classes at Padrón Campus, Wolfson Campus, North Campus, and other locations. Morning and evening schedules available.

Levels Six levels in the EAP program, with four skill area courses per level: Speech/Listening (3 credits), Reading (3 credits), Writing (3 credits), Grammar (3 credits), plus two required labs

Schedule Full 16-week semesters in fall and spring, 12-week summer semester

F-1 visa Yes. MDC can issue I-20 forms for international students.

The English Language Institute (ELI) at Florida International University has provided quality English instruction to over 25,000 students from more than 45 countries since 1978. Located on FIU's beautiful campus, the Intensive English Program is an academic preparation course designed to help international students make the transition to American academic life through full-time English instruction. The ELI prepares students for the TOEFL examination, and completion of Level 6 may satisfy English proficiency requirements for FIU graduate programs.

Tuition Approximately $5,049 to $5,499 per full term (12-14 weeks) for 4 classes, $3,075 for half-term (7 weeks). Application fee: $150 (non-refundable)

Health insurance Required for all international students, approximately $1,200 per term

Schedule Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM. Fall, spring, and summer sessions available.

Sessions 2025-2026 Fall 2025: September 2 to December 5. Spring 2026: January 20 to April 24.

Curriculum Four courses per level: Communicative Grammar, Writing, Reading & Vocabulary, and Communication

Levels 6 levels from beginner to advanced. Students take a placement test to determine their starting level.

F-1 visa Yes. FIU's ELI issues I-20 forms for international students.

With more than 70 years of experience in offering quality English-language instruction, the University of Miami Intensive English Program (IEP) prepares international students for academic success in the United States. Located on UM's beautiful Coral Gables campus, the program offers a dynamic learning environment that facilitates intercultural understanding. IEP students gain full access to university facilities including libraries, computer labs, and the 114,000 square-foot Wellness Center.

Tuition 2025-2026 $6,100 for full session (14-15 weeks), $3,400 for mid session (6-8 weeks)

Mandatory fees Activity Fee ($180), Athletic Fee ($170), Student Center Fee ($222), Health/Counseling ($244), Wellness Center Fee ($171), Health Insurance (approximately $1,699 for full session), IEP Support Fee ($507)

Total estimated cost $9,293 for full session including all fees. Bank letter amount (including living expenses): $21,529

Application fee $125 (non-refundable)

Schedule Monday to Thursday, plus Friday mornings. Students in levels 1-3 have 23 hours per week; levels 4-5 have 20 hours per week.

Levels 5 levels from beginner to advanced. Placement test determines starting level.

F-1 visa Yes. UM issues I-20 forms and provides full immigration support.

OHLA Schools, founded in 1998, has been recognized as the "Best Language School" in Florida for 14 consecutive years. With campuses in Miami (Brickell), Aventura, Boca Raton, Orlando, and Tampa, OHLA welcomes students from over 70 nationalities. The Miami campus occupies the 18th floor of the Four Ambassadors complex in the Brickell financial district, offering stunning bay views and access to swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and a fully equipped gym. OHLA's University Pathway Program provides automatic acceptance to over 200 U.S. universities upon completion.

Programs General English, Academic English, Exam Preparation (TOEFL, IELTS), University Pathway

Intensity options Semi-Intensive (20 lessons/week), Intensive (25 lessons/week), Super Intensive (28 lessons/week)

Tuition estimate Starting from approximately $2,200 per month for intensive programs. Contact school for current pricing.

Summer packages All-inclusive packages available including tuition, books, materials, and shared residence (2 weeks from $1,550, 4 weeks from $2,800)

Minimum enrollment 10 weeks for F-1 visa students on intensive program, shorter options for tourist visa holders

Levels Multiple levels from beginner to advanced/elite

F-1 visa Yes. OHLA is CEA-accredited and SEVIS-approved to issue I-20 forms.

Language On Schools is one of the fastest-growing English school groups in the USA, with locations throughout Florida including Miami, Miami Beach, Aventura, Kendall, and Orlando. The school's signature program, English Unlimited, uses an integrated skills approach covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Language On is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) through August 2029. The Miami Beach location on Lincoln Road is just blocks from the beach, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Programs English Unlimited (Intensive and Semi-Intensive), TOEFL iBT Preparation (upon completing level 6)

Schedule Intensive: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (24 lessons/week). Semi-Intensive: 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM (20 lessons/week). Evening options available at select locations.

Tuition Contact school for current pricing. Payment plans available with installments every four weeks. Private lessons available at $70 per session.

Levels 6 levels from absolute beginner to advanced. Each level takes 13 weeks to complete. Entire program can be completed in 91 weeks.

Start dates Students can start on any Monday throughout the year

F-1 visa Yes. Language On is SEVIS-approved and can issue I-20 forms.

OHC Miami (formerly Sol Schools) opened in Miami Beach in 2011 and is housed in a beautifully redesigned Art Deco building from the 1920s. Located on Lincoln Road, the school is only minutes from the Ocean Drive shopping district and 450 meters from the world-famous South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. OHC offers General English programs, Teacher Training courses, Business English electives, and all-inclusive Junior Programs. The school is known for its vibrant atmosphere and international student community.

Programs General English, Semi-Intensive, Intensive, Business English electives, One-to-One tuition, Examination Preparation, Teacher Training

Schedule Semi-Intensive: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM (20 lessons/week). Intensive: 24 lessons/week. Super Intensive: 28 lessons/week.

Tuition Starting from approximately $290 per week. Contact school for current rates and package deals.

Class size Maximum 16 students per class

Facilities 8 classrooms, free WiFi, individual laptops, projectors, DVD players, microwaves, fridges

F-1 visa Yes. Students must study more than 18 hours per week to qualify for I-20.

Atlantis Language Institute (ALI) is the language division of Atlantis University, a U.S. nationally accredited institution located in Miami. ALI provides intensive English instruction for students seeking to improve their communication skills and prepare for academic study in the United States. The institute is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). Located in the Miami Health District near the Financial and Arts Districts, the campus offers students convenient access to many areas of the city.

Programs Intensive English Program (5 levels from beginner to advanced), Private Lessons, Corporate Classes, Customized Group Programs

Tuition Starting from approximately $155 per week for Intensive English (20 lessons/week)

Schedule options Morning (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM), Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM), Evening (5:30 PM - 9:30 PM)

Lesson length 50 minutes per lesson

Class size Average 10 students, maximum 15

Start dates Most Mondays throughout the year

F-1 visa Yes. ALI is authorized to issue I-20 forms.

4. Tuition comparison table

The following table summarizes tuition costs to help you compare programs at a glance. Keep in mind that additional fees for registration, materials, health insurance, and housing vary by school. All prices are in USD and subject to change.

5. Finding the right program for your situation

5.1 For residents and immigrants

If you already live in the Miami area and want to improve your English affordably, Miami Dade College's EAP program offers the best value. Florida residents pay only $118.22 per credit, making a full semester significantly cheaper than private language schools. For eligible refugees and asylum seekers, MDC's REVEST program provides completely free English instruction along with additional support services.

5.2 For international students seeking a visa

If you need an F-1 student visa, you have many excellent options in Miami. Consider these factors when deciding:

• University programs at UM and FIU offer access to campus life, university facilities, and clearer pathways to degree programs, but they charge higher tuition and run on fixed academic calendars.
• Private language schools like OHLA, Language On, and Atlantis offer more flexible start dates and the ability to begin on almost any Monday throughout the year.
• Schools with university partnerships (OHLA, FIU ELI) can help you skip the TOEFL when applying to partner institutions after completing their programs.
• The University of Miami IEP offers the most prestigious setting with full access to a world-class campus, but comes with the highest total cost.

5.3 For short-term visitors

If you are visiting Miami on a tourist visa or ESTA and want to take English classes, you must limit yourself to part-time study (fewer than 18 hours per week). OHC Miami, Language On, and OHLA all offer semi-intensive options that meet this requirement. Keep in mind that studying is supposed to be secondary to your tourism purpose, so a few weeks of casual classes alongside sightseeing is typically acceptable, but enrolling in a full intensive curriculum is not.

5.4 For working professionals

If you work during the day and need evening or weekend classes, check with Atlantis Language Institute (which offers evening schedules from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM), Miami Dade College (which has evening EAP classes at several campuses), or Language On's Kendall location. Many private schools can also arrange private tutoring sessions at times that fit your work schedule.

6. Living in Miami while studying

6.1 Housing costs

Miami has seen significant increases in housing costs in recent years. Expect to pay $1,200 to $2,000 per month for a room in a shared apartment in areas like Little Havana, Hialeah, or North Miami. Brickell and Miami Beach are considerably more expensive. Homestay arrangements through language schools typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 per month including meals. Living in suburbs like Kendall, Doral, or Homestead can reduce costs while keeping you connected via Metrorail or bus.

6.2 Transportation

Miami's public transit includes Metrorail (the elevated train system), Metromover (free in downtown), and Metrobus. A monthly Easy Card pass costs approximately $112.50 for unlimited rides on all Miami-Dade Transit services. Many students find that living near a Metrorail station makes commuting easier. Miami is also a car-dependent city, so having access to a vehicle can significantly expand your options for housing and activities.

6.3 Part-time work

International students on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school year. Off-campus work requires special authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Immigrants and residents face no such restrictions. Miami's tourism, hospitality, and service industries offer various opportunities for English learners seeking part-time income.

6.4 Practicing English outside class

Miami provides endless opportunities to use English in real situations. You can volunteer at local nonprofits, attend free events at public libraries, join language exchange meetups in Brickell or Wynwood, explore the city's diverse neighborhoods from Little Haiti to Coconut Grove, or simply engage with the international mix of people you will encounter everywhere. The city's tourism industry means many service workers are bilingual, but you can always request to practice in English.

7. Things to keep in mind

• Miami Dade College offers the most affordable option for Florida residents and free programs for eligible refugees.
• F-1 visa students must enroll in SEVP-certified schools that can issue Form I-20.
• Tourist visa holders can only study part-time (under 18 hours per week).
• Private schools like Atlantis and OHC offer the most budget-friendly options for international students.
• University-affiliated programs at UM and FIU provide the most direct pathway to degree studies and access to campus facilities.
• Schools with university partnerships can waive TOEFL requirements for their graduates.
• Housing costs in Miami are high but lower than some other major U.S. cities. Consider homestays or living in suburbs.
• Miami's international character means you will hear Spanish frequently, so be intentional about practicing English outside class.

8. Conclusion

There are numerous English courses in Miami suitable for every situation and budget. Whether you are a newly arrived immigrant looking for affordable community college classes, a professional seeking evening instruction, or an international student preparing for university, South Florida has a program that fits your needs.

The city's position as a gateway between the Americas means you will encounter English in countless accents and contexts, from business meetings in Brickell's glass towers to casual conversations on South Beach. This real-world exposure complements whatever classroom instruction you choose and accelerates your progress toward fluency.

I recommend starting by identifying your visa situation and budget, then narrowing down schools based on location, schedule, and program focus. Reach out to two or three schools that interest you, ask about current pricing and start dates, and visit the campus if possible. The right program for you depends on your specific goals, timeline, and circumstances.