English Language School

The English Language School offers

Credit English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses, covering several levels.
Non-credit ESL courses in the Intensive Day Program (IDP), covering a wide range of levels.
Part-time English language courses delivered to groups of continuing education, undergraduate and graduate students, scholars, and members of the community. These courses are designed to provide targeted language support in areas such as writing, pronunciation, and speaking skills.
Short-term, customized programs of study, delivered year-round to groups of students, scholars, and professionals who are non-native speakers of English, often in cooperation with other Faculties and departments on campus. These programs are designed to improve not only English language skills, but often other related academic or professional competencies.

The English Language School is a key partner in the University of Alberta Bridging Program. This program provides students with the opportunity to combine university degree courses with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes, allowing qualified applicants to improve their English language proficiency. As part of the Bridging Program, the English Language School also delivers support courses such as Bridging Program 101 and Introduction to Literature.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/faculties-and-programs/english-language-school, or e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, phone (780) 492-5530. For course listings, see Course Listings under English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Academic English for Undergraduate Admission

The courses EAP 135 , EAP 140 , and EAP 145 form a progressive program designed to meet the English language proficiency requirement for undergraduate admission at the University of Alberta. Students who successfully complete these courses will be able to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources. They will also focus on developing the skills to present their ideas, both in writing and verbally, in accordance with first-year university standards.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530. For course listings, see Course Listings under English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Academic English for Graduate Admission

The University of Alberta recruits, attracts, and welcomes the best and the brightest minds to its programs. As English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Alberta, proficiency in English is a prerequisite for graduate admission. All applicants are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission.

Students who successfully complete the course EAP 550 will have met the minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to a Master’s or PhD program at the University of Alberta.

English for Professional Instruction and Communication (EPIC)

English for Professional Instruction and Communication (EPIC) is a unit within the English Language School which provides language- and culture-related professional development opportunities to local, national, and international organizations in the post-secondary, government, and industry sectors.

We work closely with our partners to customize EPIC programs and courses to the instructional and/or communication needs of each client. Our partners value the flexibility of EPIC courses, which can be tailored to fit their schedules, availability, budgets, and delivery preferences

A number of EPIC programs and courses are available:

Advanced Professional Program in English-Medium Instruction (APPEMI) for Professors

This program is designed for higher education instructors whose native language is not English, but who use English to teach their disciplinary content. Instructors can expect to enhance their teaching skills and confidence, as well as their oral and written English, as they learn strategies to assist students in learning content through English.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530.

English and Intercultural Training for Workplace Professionals

Short courses designed to address the language and/or intercultural needs of workplace professionals. Courses can be customized to focus on workplace reading, writing, listening, speaking and intercultural skills.

English and Intercultural Training for Professional Preparation

Short courses designed to address the language and/or intercultural needs of students who are preparing to transition from academic to workplace settings. Courses can be customized to focus on workplace reading, writing, listening, speaking and intercultural skills.

Bridging Program for Undergraduates

The University of Alberta Bridging Program (BP) provides students the opportunity to combine university degree courses with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes. BP is a program for excellent students who meet all of UAlberta’s academic criteria but still need to improve their English skills in order to enter a degree program.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530.

Part-time ESL - Short Courses

Short courses help students improve specific English skills, such as speaking, pronunciation, and writing. These courses are designed to be taken either on their own or as a supplement to courses in our Intensive Day and English for Academic Purposes programs.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530.

Homestay Services

International students quickly learn the benefits of participating in the Homestay Program while learning English. The program is specially designed for students who speak English as a second or additional language. Students live with a Canadian family, experience Canadian culture, and are able to practice their English beyond the classroom. Host families are carefully selected from the Edmonton community to ensure that they have a genuine interest in having a cross-cultural exchange. Both the host family and the student have a unique learning experience and often develop bonds that last a lifetime.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530.

Placement Test

The English Language School (ELS) administers placement tests to international students whose first language is not English. These tests are conducted to give accurate assessments of prospective students’ current language proficiency in English. Test results determine appropriate student placement in ELS programs.

For more information, visit ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/english-language-school, e-mail elsinfo@ualberta.ca, or phone (780) 492-5530.