Complete Your ESL With Direct Entry to University - Don't Delay Your Future!
Study English at a university recognized for teaching excellence
The English Language Centre at Vancouver Island University offers academic ESL programs for students intending to continue to university, and short-term summer and winter programs for students who want to improve their English and experience Canadian culture.
ELC Programs
- 13-weeks
- Beginner to intermediate
- 20 hours per week of instruction
- Start in January, February, April, June, August, October
- 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
- 13-weeks
- 20 hours per week of instruction.
- Start in January, February, April, June, August, October.
- 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 pre-requisites met).
- A minimum grade of C (60%) is required to pass any of the University Preparation levels.
- 13-weeks
- Three start dates per year: January, May, September
- 20 hours per week supplemented by individual and group tutorials
- Small classes: average class size 15-16, maximum 20
- Full access to University facilities including cafeteria, gymnasium, library, bookstore, health clinic and computer labs
- Access to full-time International Student Advisory Services and Department of Student Services
- Experienced professionals, trained in the most up to date teaching methods
- 120 hour course including a 20 hour supervised practicum
- Part-time and full-time options
- Two intakes per year for the part-time program: September and January
- One intake per year for the full-time program: July
- Supervised practicum completed in VIU’s English Language Centre
- Students taking the part-time course must complete their practicum weekdays between 8am and 4pm in the ELC.
- 3-weeks or 4-weeks
- 4 start dates – July, August, mid-January or February
- 3 levels of English instruction – developing, intermediate, or advanced
- 20 hours of English language instruction per week
- Integrated skills development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Small classes with highly qualified, friendly, and approachable teachers
- Includes language labs and a wide variety of learning materials
- Includes social and cultural activities and group day trips
- Optional regional tours to explore Canada’s west coast
- Farewell social and certificate of completion
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 programs and Grad Prep for graduate programs.)
- Transfer ESL courses across many public institutions in British Columbia
- 13-week courses:
6.5-weeks - Listening & Speaking
6.5-weeks - Reading & Writing
- TESL certificate for teachers
- 3-week and 4-week summer and winter camps
- Small class sizes
- Access to the facilities and experiences available on the university campus
- Access to housing, counselling and immigration advising
- Fully accredited by Languages Canada
- Special blend of a caring and nurturing education
- Day and weekend road trips to discover Vancouver Island's vibrant communities, local cultural events and attractions
- 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 English Language Centre offers Learning Support to all ESL students.
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
- ELC Learning Centre.
ELC Admissions
Learn how to apply for VIU's English Language Programs. Direct entry scores to certain levels are also available.
ELC Tuition & Expenses
VIU's English Language Centre offers high-quality English instruction at affordable tuition rates.
ELC Learning Centre
The ELC Learning Centre is a support service for students who are studying ESL at the English Language Centre.
ELC Semester Dates
Check the ELC semester start and end dates including the orientation dates to get prepared for your journey!

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