English Language Programs

Columbia College offers non-credit English language courses in our intensive English as a Second Language (basic to upper advanced ESL) and university preparatory English programs.

In the College's Academic ESL Program, students focus on learning the general and academic English language skills needed for success in academic studies at high school and university in Canada. Students at basic or intermediate ESL levels 094, 095 and 096 study intensive English, while students at advanced levels 097 or 097A may choose to study English only or English plus one academic subject.

At university preparatory levels (English 098 and 099), students take a combination of non-credit English 098 or 099 plus 2-3 academic courses in the College's University Foundation or University Transfer programs.

Students at higher levels of English place directly in full-credit English courses and, depending on their program, take a course load of 3, 4 or 5 courses per semester. Students in a University Transfer or Associate Degree program may take English 100 or 101.  Students in a Grade 11 or 12 University Foundation program take Language Arts 11 or 12.

There is no minimum English level required for admission to an academic program at Columbia College, but before they register and start classes all students must demonstrate an acceptable level of English. Students with lower levels of English will be registered in the College's Academic ESL Program.