Complete your ESL with direct entry to university
Study English at a university recognized for teaching excellence
The English as a Second Language Program at Vancouver Island University offers academic ESL programs for students intending to continue to university and programs for students who want to improve their English and experience Canadian culture.
ESL program
- 14-weeks (two 7-week courses)
- Upper beginner to intermediate
- 20 hours per week of instruction
- Six start dates throughout the year
- Small classes, highly qualified, friendly, approachable teachers, and a wide range of learning materials
- A minimum grade of C (60%) is required to pass any level of Language Foundations
- 14-weeks (two 7-week courses)
- Upper intermediate to advanced
- 20 hours per week of instruction
- Six start dates throughout the year
- Small classes, highly qualified, friendly, approachable teachers, and a wide range of learning materials
- Students in University Preparation 5 may be eligible to take one academic credit course
- Graduates from University Preparation 5 can enter Vancouver Island University degree, diploma and certificate programs directly (as long as academic prerequisites met)
- A minimum grade of C (60%) is required to pass any of the University Preparation levels
Why choose us?
Why should I study English at Vancouver Island University?
- Six start dates per year: January, February, April, June, August, October
- Guaranteed entry to Vancouver Island University upon successful completion (Level 5 for undergraduate and graduate programs)
- Transfer ESL courses across many public institutions in British Columbia
- 14-week courses:
- 7-weeks - Listening and Speaking
- 7-weeks - Reading and Writing
- Small class sizes
- Access to the facilities and experiences available on the university campus
- Access to housing, counselling and immigration advising
- Special blend of a caring and nurturing education
- Take part in Cultural Connections activities through International Education
- An environment that balances academic accomplishments with social and relationship skills
University credits
Students who have successfully completed the highest level of the University Preparation stream (University Preparation 5) with a minimum grade of “C”, and who are entering Vancouver Island University undergraduate programs, will be given 3 academic credits. These credits recognize the skill development in reaching an advanced level in a second language. These credits may be used for any non-specified elective towards certificate, diploma, and degree programs at VIU.
Learning support
To help you achieve your goals, the ESL Program offers learning support to all ESL students in their Learning Centre.
Every top athlete has a coach to help them improve their game or increase their performance. Language learning is no different. There are ways to become a better learner and get the powerful results you are looking for while studying English.
Learning Support includes:
- conversation groups
- individual tutoring
- private language coaching, and
- ESL Learning Centre
Jason Doan, Vietnam
Grad Prep is not simply an ESL course. It prepared me with academic language skills, such as writing in APA style and skimming readings, and that helped with every assignment and group project in my MBA program. I believe this course is very useful and necessary for international students who want to pursue higher level studies in Canada. (Grad Prep + MBA)