Vancouver Island University's English as a Second Language Program (ESL) offers high-quality English instruction at affordable tuition rates. Enjoy all that VIU has to offer, including access to all campus facilities and services. All ESL students will also receive a University ID card.
Prices are in Canadian Dollars and are subject to change without notice. All tuition and fees noted are effective as of September 2022.
English Language Centre tuition
Each level of Language Foundations or University Preparation is 14-weeks.
Each 14-week course is divided into two 7-week modules (Terms), each of which focuses on two skills (Reading/Writing or Listening/Speaking).
To finish one level of a course, both modules need to be completed.
| Program | Tuition | Union | Ancillary | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Language Foundations University Preparation (7 weeks/1 term) | $2,731.05 | $53.18 | $154.90 | $2,939.13 |
Language Foundations University Preparation (14 weeks/1 semester) | $5,462.10 | $106.36 | $309.81 | $5,878.27 |
University Preparation (UP) (14.5 weeks) | $5,462.10 | $106.36 | $309.81 | $5,878.27 |
Language and culture program tuition
Choose from a 3 or 4-week program in Winter (January or February) or Summer (July or August). Tuition includes 20 hours per week of English language instruction, as well as activities and day trips.
| Program | 4 Week Duration | 3 Week Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Summer program | $2,222.33 | $1,847.48 |
| Short-Term Winter program | $2,222.33 | $1,847.48 |
Returning student tuition payment deadlines
Payment due dates for returning students: April 1, August 1, December 1 (except when the due date falls on a weekend or holiday - then it is the Friday before).
Note: students will be charged a $200 late fee for payments made after these dates.
Refund policy
Tuition payments are non-refundable.
New applicants may be eligible to apply for a refund in exceptional circumstances only. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the International Education Department.
A student whose study permit is rejected will receive a full refund minus any courier fees. A copy of the Letter of Refusal from the Canadian Embassy must be received before the refund will be processed.
Additional fees apply for application fee, student activities, accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
To estimate your total student fees and costs, please see our International Student Cost Calculator
Homestay promotes friendship, language learning and opportunities for cultural exchange. Local families welcome VIU University students into their homes. Hosts regularly share stories of life-long friendships that develop from these homestay experiences.
Our preferred partner for providing homestay is Canada Homestay Network.
The British Columbia Government requires all international students to have medical insurance while studying in British Columbia. Upon arrival, all new students of Vancouver Island University receive medical insurance through Guard.Me, a private company. Students will not be able to participate in any institutional activities if they do not have current medical insurance. For additional information, visit VIU Medical Insurance.