Learn English

If English is not your first language and you want to upgrade your skills, an English Language Learning (ELL) course can help you. ELL is also called English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).  

An ELL course can help you:

• Prepare for other academic or career training programs
• Meet the English language requirements for work

ELL programs are offered at colleges and universities throughout B.C.. At most of these institutions, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees do not pay tuition for ELL courses, although other costs may apply. Contact the post-secondary institution you wish to apply to for more information about course offerings, admission requirements, and fees.

• The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Transfer Guide is an online tool that displays equivalencies for EAL programs at participating BC institutions.
• The Articulation Guide for English as an Additional Language Programs provides information on the history and learning outcomes of ELL in the public post-secondary system.

Public post-secondary institutions that offer tuition-free English Language Learning courses:

• BC Institute of Technology
• Camosun College
• Capilano University
• Coast Mountain College
• College of New Caledonia
• College of the Rockies
• Douglas College
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Langara College
• North Island College
• Northern Lights College
• Okanagan College
• Selkirk College
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of the Fraser Valley
• Vancouver Community College
• Vancouver Island University

Public post-secondary institutions that offer fee-based English Language Learning courses:

• Emily Carr University of Art and Design
• Royal Roads University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Victoria

For information on private institutions that offer ELL courses, please visit the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) website.

You can also get help to learn or improve your English skills at free literacy programs in your community. To learn more about the Community Adult Literacy Program, please visit the Adult Upgrading webpage.