Credential
- Non-Credit
Your journey to conversing, reading, learning and sharing your ideas at a high academic level with fellow English speakers starts here.
This English Language School program at VIU sets up students for academic success at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The English as Second Language (ESL) program is delivered by highly trained ESL school instructors in small class sizes that focus on inclusion and community.
Upon completion of Academic preparation level 5, students are eligible to bypass further English testing and are offered direct entry into any Vancouver Island University program.
The English Language Learning Program
The VIU English Language Learning (ELL) program is committed to providing quality ELL education to community and international students. The ELL program provides:
- opportunities to learn about language and culture
- a student-centered environment
- English instruction at a variety of levels
Experience personalized learning in small classes led by expert teachers who are warm, welcoming, and supportive.
The ELL program and the university provide a wide range of support services to meet your needs.
English Language Learning Program
VIU's English Language Learning (ELL) program consists of 5 levels. Every level is divided into two courses. One course will focus on Listening and Speaking. The other course will focus on Reading and Writing. Students must successfully complete both courses before moving to the next level.
Language Foundations Levels 1 to 3 help students to develop their English language fluency and accuracy skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
In University Preparation Levels 4 and 5 there is a focus on academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A passing grade in University Preparation Level 5 meets VIU’s English language proficiency admission requirement.
Three academic elective credits for prior learning will also be awarded to VIU students who complete University Preparation Level 5.
Language Foundations Level 1 to 3
- ESLF 011 - (Language Foundations 1: Reading and Writing)
- ESLF 012 - (Language Foundations 1: Listening and Speaking)
- ESLF 021 - (Language Foundations 2: Reading and Writing)
- ESLF 022 - (Language Foundations 2: Listening and Speaking)
- ESLF 031 - (Language Foundations 3: Reading and Writing)
- ESLF 032 - (Language Foundations 3: Listening and Speaking)
University Preparation Level 4 and 5
All students must:
- complete a Vancouver Island University ELL language assessment test or submit a Vancouver Island University approved English language proficiency test result.
International students please see the VIU International Admissions requirements.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - One Semester | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition: $0 per course | 0.00 |
| Student Activity fee | 31.06 |
| Student Services fee | 34.44 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $38.87 per month) | 155.48 |
| Total | 220.98 |
Students enrolled in a 6.5 week course will be assessed half of the above amount.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - One Semester | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 5,738.48 |
| Student Activity fee | 31.06 |
| Student Services fee | 34.44 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $38.87 per month) | 155.48 |
| Total | 5,959.46 |
Students enrolled in a 6.5 week course will be assessed half of the above amount.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
For more information please email ell@viu.ca.
International students please connect with the admission officers at study@viu.ca regarding the status of your application.
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.