ELL Frequently asked questions

A conditional offer means you are being given a spot in a VIU program, but only if you meet certain requirements first. These conditions will be listed in the letter you receive.

For example, if your English test scores are not high enough when you apply, you might still get a conditional offer. This means you can join the program, but only after you successfully complete VIU’s English Language Learning (ELL) program.

A conditional letter of acceptance means you have accepted your conditional offer and agree to upgrade your English at VIU.

Yes. Make sure you have the conditional letter of acceptance. You cannot apply with a conditional letter of offer.

No, you do not need to wait to apply.

You can still apply to a program even if you don’t have the required English test scores. If you meet all the other admission requirements except for English, you may get a conditional letter of acceptance. You can send your updated English test scores for review up to one month before the semester starts.

No, we do not update letters of offer or acceptance when you meet the conditions outlined on your letter. 

You can still use your conditional letter of acceptance to apply for a Study Permit. But if you want a letter that shows unconditional acceptance (meaning you’ve met all the requirements), it’s best to wait and apply after you get the English test score needed—just make sure you do this before the application deadline.

July 31 for the September term.

We can only refer to a single test result.
If you have taken the test multiple times, choose the one with the highest scores (as long as it is within the last 2 years), and send that to us.

Once you have received your final grade for English 12, please send the official results to Study@viu.ca. You can also ask the BC Ministry of Education to send your final transcripts to us online.

If your final grade is “C” or above, we will remove the ELL requirement so that you can go directly into your academic program.

If you are a citizen of a country where English is not an official language (not first language) but:

• you are applying to a Master's program at Vancouver Island University, and
• you have attended 4 years and you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a country where English is the first language

you may be exempted from providing an English assessment score to Vancouver Island University.

All other students who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language are required to  provide a valid (taken within the previous two years) English proficiency score.

See the full list of assessment tests we accept.

Yes, it does. The date of expiry is indicated on the letter. 

If you need an extension, please email Study@viu.ca.

New applicants can ask to delay their studies one time only, and for up to one year from their original start date. Some programs do not allow delays.

If your delay is approved, VIU will save your first payment and use it for your new start date.

Please review the VIU's deferral and refund policy for international students.

To get a Letter of Acceptance, you need to pay the tuition deposit shown in your Letter of Offer and sign the policy agreements.

Once we get your payment and signed agreements, we will be happy to send you your Letter of Acceptance.

Please review the VIU's deferral and refund policy for international students.

Our English Language Learning (ELL) program can help you upgrade your English.

Please see the English Language Learning (ELL) program page for more information.

If you are planning to attend Vancouver Island University as a student who will attend ELL classes and continue to an academic program with us, you are eligible for Entrance Scholarships available to international students.

If you are planning to attend VIU as a short term ESL student only, you are not eligible for the academic program scholarships. However you may be eligible for two Continuing Student Scholarships: the VIU English Language Program - Academic Awards and the VIU English Language Program - Community Engagement Awards. 

Yes, you can.

Go ahead and submit an application to our university. When you arrive in Nanaimo, we will give you an English assessment and the results will determine the level of ELL class you will enter.