ESL Main Programs

Length: 7 or 14 weeks

Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus

Do you want to learn English for communications purposes? Our Language Foundations program offers a skills-based curriculum from high-beginner to intermediate levels.

After successfully completing Language Foundations level 3, you can join our University Preparation program to develop your academic English skills and prepare to study at a Canadian university.

As an ESL student in Language Foundations, you will have access to our Learning Centre and be able to participate in various sociocultural activities. These support services and activities will improve your fluency in English and help you to speak with increased confidence.

Course Structure

One level of Language Foundations is 14-weeks.
A 14-week level is divided into two 7-week courses, each of which focuses on two skills (Reading/Writing or Listening/Speaking).
To finish one level of Language Foundations, both courses need to be completed.

Program Details

• High-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.

Length: 7 or 14 weeks
Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus

Do you want to attend a university in Canada but need to improve your English? Our University Preparation program offers a skills-based curriculum that prepares students for academic success in high-intermediate and advanced levels. After successfully completing University Preparation level 5, you can begin your certificate, degree, or diploma studies at our university.

Enter a University Preparation course with either a language proficiency test, or by successfully completing Language Foundations level 3 at VIU.

As an ESL student at our university, you will have access to our Learning Centre and be able to participate in various sociocultural activities.

Course Structure

One level of University Preparation is 14-weeks.
A 14-week level is divided into two 7-week courses, each of which focuses on two skills (Reading/Writing or Listening/Speaking).
To finish one level of University Preparation, both courses need to be completed.

Program Details

• 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 are met).
• A minimum grade of C (60%) is required to pass any of the University Preparation levels.

Length: 14.5 weeks
Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus

Do you want to attend a Master’s or graduate program at VIU? Have you met the academic entry requirements, but need to improve your English and research skills?

Graduate Preparation prepares ESL students for graduate level classes at VIU. It focuses on developing reading strategies, writing academic assignments such as literature reviews, reading responses, and reports, and improving discussion and presentation skills. The syllabus is customized to adapt to your area of study. After successfully completing Grad Prep, you will be well-positioned to begin your Master’s or graduate program at VIU.

Enter the Graduation Preparation course with either a language proficiency test, or by successfully completing University Preparation level 5 at VIU.

Program Details

• 14.5-week semester
• Three start dates per year: January, May, September
• 20 hours per week supplemented by individual and group tutorials

• Small classes
• 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 with Masters or PhD degrees themselves and trained in the most up-to-date teaching methods

Students can choose between six start dates per year. View the Start Date Schedules.

Students must have basic English skills before entering the ESL program.

The ESL program cannot accept students who are at the very beginning level of using English.

Students will be given an English language level assessment test when they arrive at Vancouver Island University to confirm their basic English knowledge. If a student does not pass the level assessment test, the student may not be accepted into the program.

Note: students who have submitted Duolingo scores, may be required to do additional 'placement testing' on arrival at VIU.

Vancouver Island University accepts international students under one of the following conditions:

• direct applications (online or paper applications);
• applications through authorized representatives;
• institution-to-institution exchange programs;
• sponsorship through inter-governmental agreements;
• winner of academic competitions or international scholarships.

All students must:

• hold a valid status in Canada: visitor status for ESL courses up to 6 months in length or study permit for longer courses;
• complete a Vancouver Island University ESL language assessment test (or equivalent)

Please keep in mind that students applying for conditional admission to an undergraduate (or diploma, certificate or trades) program at VIU, or thinking of applying upon completion of ESL programming, will still be required to provide proof of high school graduation and their secondary school transcripts.

View Program Tuition, Fees and Expenses