English Courses at the University of British Columbia

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT UBC IN THE CITY OF VANCOUVER

Study English at the English Language Institute of the University of British Columbia in 2024 or 2025. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure

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STUDY ENGLISH AT THE ELI OF UBC

The English Language Institute of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver is your best choice because of its well-known 50-year’s experience teaching English to international students.

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SOME OF THE BEST ENGLISH PROGRAMS IN VANCOUVER

At UBC you can find some of the best English programs for international students, including intensive, academic, and business English programs.

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LEARN ENGLISH IN A FANTASTIC PLACE SUCH AS VANCOUVER, CANADA

Vancouver is a great destination for foreign students, since it's a multicultural city that is full of awesome tourist spots to visit and fun activities to do, while you practice your English.

TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

This is one of the most popular destination for international students
1

A LONG ESL TRADITION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The English Language Institute has 50 years of experience in teaching English to international students.

2

A FULL-TIME INSTRUCTION FOR FAST-PACED LEARNING

English courses for international students at UBC English Language Institute are full time, which means more than 20 hours of classes a week plus optional workshops for some of the programs.

3

ENJOY UBC'S FANTASTIC CAMPUS

The UBC English Language Institute building is in the center of the University of British Columbia campus, so their students can enjoy university facilities such as libraries, museums, hospital and gardens.

4

A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED FACULTY

ELI instructors are professionals with vast experience in language teaching and assessment. Most of them have master’s degrees and some others have Doctorate degrees.

5

STUDY IN A HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTION

The University of British Columbia is among the 100 best universities and among the three best institutions in Canada according to the QS World Universities Ranking.

6

SMALL CLASS SIZES

The average size of an ELI English program class is 16 students.

7

AN ENGLISH ONLY POLICY FOR A BETTER IMMERSION

The English Language Institute of UBC encourages its students to always speak English with its English Only Policy valid for the ELI building, campus classrooms, and social or cultural activities.

8

GREAT NETWORKING AND OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH

At UBC ELI, you will find Cultural Assistants (CAs), who are undergraduate students of the University of British Columbia. They help you to meet new people, learn about Canadian customs, and practice daily English.

9

FANTASTIC ACTIVITIES IN VANCOUVER

While studying at UBC ELI, you can enjoy social and cultural activities as well as day trips to Whistler (an impressive ski resort) or Vancouver Island.

10

DISCOVER VANCOUVER

Studying English at UBC ELI gives you the chance to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver with its impressive sights, attractions, and mild weather.

ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

The ELI of UBC offers excellent English program options for international students

Choose the program that fits you best
Full-Time Program

English for Academic Purposes

Aimed at international students with intermediate to advanced level and who wish to study at an English-speaking university.

Full-Time Program

UBC Discover

Ideal for students who want to gain real-world English Language Skills for personal and professional growth.

Full-Time Program

Global Citizenship through English

A short English course for students who want to combine integrated skills language learning and global themes.

Full-Time Program

Business English

Specially designed for students with an intermediate to advanced English level who work in a business-environment.

Most popular program

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP)

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a program for people looking to improve their skills to enroll on higher-education studies in an English-speaking country. Its integrated teaching includes developing the student’s academic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Note that due to the academic nature of the program, only intermediate and advanced students can enroll on this program. If you don't have the required minimum level of English, you will be placed on the Discover English Program.

Main Features

  • Full-Time Program
  • Two options: Classes on campus or Online Classes
  • Up to 21 hours per week (Monday-Thursday)
  • Optional Friday workshops up to 3 additional hours
  • 4 levels available from intermediate to advanced (B1-C1)
  • You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
  • Sessions of 8 weeks
  • Offered six times a year
  • IELTS elective available
  • Few students per class
  • Access to University facilities such as libraries, gym, etc
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Applies for study permit (On campus option)

Requirements

  • Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes. No maximum age.
  • They must have at least an intermediate level of English (B1)
  • International students are welcome to apply

More information about the English for academic purposes program at UBC ELI

Program Curriculum

Students in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program have classes from Monday to Thursday, either from 8:30am to 2:40pm or 10:20am to 4:30pm, with one break during the day. On Fridays, they can attend optional workshops from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Every day you'll have two blocks of Academic Reading and Writing and one for Academic Speaking and Listening. The themes of these two classes are connected and the faculty work together to give opportunities to work on projects and assignments on which you must apply all your skills. You're also encouraged to go to the optional Friday workshops and join the socio-cultural activities that the UBC Cultural Assistants organize during the semester.

Benefits of enrolling on the English for Academic Purposes program

  • Your English level is tested with a placement test upon arrival to place you in the correct level.
  • Improve your skills and confidence in academic English communication.
  • Integrated-skills classes allow you to put into practice the content you learn into other classes.
  • Receive an official transcript with your marks and attendance for each term.
  • You will receive a certificate after the successful completion of each EAP course and 8 consecutive weeks of coursework.

UBC DISCOVER

The UBC Discover English Program is designed for gaining practical English skills that can be applied on field trips on and off-campus and later when traveling, studying or working. The program has six different courses, divided into two 8-week modules, and there are start dates in January, March, May, June, September, and October. This program is available at all proficiency levels, from Elementary to Advanced.

Main Features

  • Full-Time Program
  • Clases are on campus
  • Up to 21 hours per week (Monday-Thursday)
  • Optional Friday workshops up to 3 additional hours
  • All levels available, from Elementary to Advanced
  • You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
  • Sessions of 8 weeks
  • Offered six times a year
  • IELTS elective available for intermediate to advanced students
  • Few students per class
  • Access to University facilities as library, gym, etc
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Applies for study permit

Requirements

  • Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes. No maximum age.
  • International students are welcome to apply

More information about the UBC Discover English program

Program Schedule

During the morning you will have new and engaging themes every week that will set you up for the afternoon activities. You will enhance your real-world practical language skills for reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and pronunciation.

Later, during the afternoon, you will enjoy using the UBC campus and the whole city of Vancouver as your classroom, as you practice your skills with your classmates and native Canadian speakers.

Finally, in the optional Friday workshops you will receive additional help to practice your pronunciation or your grammar. You can also join lectures and conversation groups for further practice.

Benefits of enrolling on the UBC Discover English Program

  • Learn everyday practical English inside and outside the classroom.
  • Discover UBC and Vancouver in field trips into the community.
  • Generate teamwork and critical thinking skills through group work, discussions, and projects.
  • Meet and speak with Canadians in authentic situations and settings.
  • Benefit from studying at a world-class campus.
  • Receive an official transcript with your marks and attendance for each term.
  • You will receive a certificate, after the successful completion of each course and 8 consecutive weeks of coursework.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP THROUGH ENGLISH (GCE)

The Global Citizenship Through English (GCE) is a short full-time program for student who wish to learn integrated language skills in special lessons prepared with a global approach, including themes such as environment, cross-cultural communication, media and technology. This program is offered in 3 or 4-week modules, which you can combine to study for up to 7 or 11 weeks. It's offered in January, February, March, late June, July, August and September; and students can enroll starting at an elementary level.

Main Features

  • Full-Time Program
  • Two options: Classes on campus or Online Classes
  • Up to 27 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
  • All levels available
  • You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
  • Sessions of 3 or 4 weeks. Can be combined
  • Offered seven times a year
  • Few students per class
  • Access to University facilities as library, gym, etc
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion

Requirements

  • Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes. No maximum age.
  • International and US residents are welcomed to apply

More information about the Global Citizenship Through English program

Program Curriculum

This program has an integrated skills approach for learning, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with a particular focus on speaking fluency and accuracy. Students will learn and practice English while communicating about current topics and issues relevant to all the people around the planet. The activities will include English lessons, projects, debates, educational visits around UBC and Vancouver, and guest lectures. Thus, it is a very active program that brings student interaction and engagement to the maximum.

Benefits of enrolling on Global Citizenship Through English (GCE)

  • Improve your skills and confidence in English communication, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Discuss current issues related to global citizenship as you develop your English language skills.
  • Study and network with classmates who come from all over the world.
  • Take advantage of the program’s widely diverse class activities and its flexible approach for learning.

BUSINESS ENGLISH

With a focus on communication, the Business English Program of the English Language Institute at the University of British Columbia gives students the chance to practice English through phone calls, meetings, presentations and negotiation contexts as well as email writing and case-study discussions. It's offered once in a year from late-June to mid-July, lasts 3 weeks, and from intermediate to advanced levels.

Main Features

  • Full-Time Program
  • Clases are on campus
  • Up to 27 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
  • From intermediate to advanced levels
  • You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
  • Sessions of 3 weeks
  • Offered once a year
  • Few students per class
  • Access to University facilities as library, gym, etc
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion

Requirements

  • Students need to be at least 18 years old the first day of classes. No maximum age.
  • They must have at least an intermediate level of English (B1)
  • International students are welcome to apply

More information about the Business English program at UBC ELI

Program Curriculum

As its name suggests, the classes at the Business English program will include topics and activities related to business, specially focused on improving your speaking and listening fluency. You will also increase your vocabulary and put into practice your business English in everyday situations on the phone and in meetings, presentations, or negotiations. You will also practice by writing emails, memos and business letters, participating in simulated meetings and roleplays, and discussing case studies. Additional activities include group discussions, guest speakers, student presentations, and field trips.

Benefits of enrolling on Business English (BE)

  • Improve your speaking and listening skills and confidence for communication in English.
  • Acquire discussion strategies.
  • Obtain language skills for business contexts, such as negotiations.
  • Put into practice the language of marketing and management through business case studies.
  • Enhance your fluency in the context of business-related themes and materials.

PRICES & DATES

Complete the contact form to get a quote

PRICES AND DATES ENGLISH PROGRAMS 2024 - 2025

How much does it cost to study English in The University of British Columbia?

Price Tables:

  1. English for Academic Purposes
  2. UBC Discover English Program
  3. Global Citizenship through English
  4. Business English

Table with costs and dates of the English for Academic Purposes Program at ELI UBC 2024 - 2025

SessionDatesDurationProgram FeeOn Campus
Fall I, 2023Aug. 28 - Oct. 198 weeksCAD$3,750
Fall II, 2023Oct. 23 - Dec. 148 weeksCAD$3,750
Winter I, 2024Jan. 8 - Feb. 298 weeksCAD$3,850
Winter II, 2024Mar. 4 - Apr. 258 weeksCAD$3,850
Summer I, 2024May. 6 - Jun. 278 weeksCAD$3,850
Summer II, 2024Jul. 2 - Aug. 228 weeksCAD$3,850
Fall I, 2024Sep. 3 - Oct. 248 weeksCAD$3,850
Fall II, 2024Oct. 28 - Dec. 198 weeksCAD$3,850
You can study one, two, or more consecutive sessions, and you can start the English program at any season of the year.

For example if you want to study for approximately 6 months, you can take the January, March, and May sessions. You will not repeat the same course, because each session will be in a different level.

Table with costs and dates of the Discover English Program

SessionDatesDurationProgram FeeOn Campus
Fall I, 2023Aug. 28 - Oct. 198 weeksCAD$3,750
Fall II, 2023Oct. 23 - Dec. 148 weeksCAD$3,750
Winter I, 2024Jan. 8 - Feb. 298 weeksCAD$3,850
Winter II, 2024Mar. 4 - Apr. 258 weeksCAD$3,850
Summer I, 2024May. 6 - Jun. 278 weeksCAD$3,850
Summer II, 2024Jul. 2 - Aug. 228 weeksCAD$3,850
Fall I, 2024Sep. 3 - Oct. 248 weeksCAD$3,850
Fall II, 2024Oct. 28 - Dec. 198 weeksCAD$3,850

Table with costs and dates of the Global Citizenship through English

SessionDatesDurationProgram FeeOn Campus
Fall I, 2023Sep. 5 - Sep. 223 weeksCAD$2,050
Winter I, 2024Jan. 8 - Jan. 263 weeksCAD$2,100
Winter II, 2024Jan. 29 - Feb. 234 weeksCAD$2,850
Winter III, 2024Feb. 26 - Mar. 224 weeksCAD$2,850
Summer I, 2024Jun. 3 - Jun. 284 weeksCAD$2,850
Summer II, 2024Jul. 2 - Jul. 264 weeksCAD$2,850
Summer III, 2024Aug. 6 - Aug. 304 weeksCAD$2,850
Fall I, 2024Sep. 3 - Sep. 203 weeksCAD$2,100

Table with costs and dates of the Business English Program at ELI UBC 2024 - 2025

SessionDatesDurationProgram FeeOn Campus
Summer, 2024Jun. 3 - Jun. 284 weeksCAD$2,850

What is included in the "Program Fee" of the English course, and other costs to consider / Other Costs to consider?

On top of the program fee, you should consider some other additional costs when studying at UBC.

The following fees are included in the "Program Fee"

  • Tuition Fee

Other costs to consider

  • Application fee: a CAD$150 non-refundable fee paid upon your application.
  • Tuition deposit: a CAD$300 (short programs) or CAD$600 (long programs) non-refundable fee paid upon your application, which will be applied towards your tuition fee. This fee is refundable if your visa is denied.
  • Visa costs: international students who enroll on an English program in Canada will need a Visitor Visa (CAD$100) or an eTA (CAD$7) to enter the country. Apart from this, if you'll study for more than 6 months, you'll need to apply for a Study Permit (CAD$150).
  • Accommodation in Vancouver: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options UBC recommends for foreign students.
  • Health insurance: all students at UBC must have a mandatory health insurance, which is offered by the university, and costs approximately CAD$80 per 4-week period.
  • Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and for example, you must consider CAD$300 for the 8-week EAP or Discover English Program.
  • Flight Tickets from your country to Vancouver, Canada
  • Optional activities: it costs CAD$200 per 4-week period and includes one weekend trip, plus additional activities.
  • Food: you should consider food costs when planning your budget, which will depend on where you eat.
Dates and costs are subject to change. All prices are in Canadian dollars. Contact us for more details.

Click for Your Customized Quote!

Click to find out how much money you need.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

All the application process is online. Follow the instructions below

Steps to apply for a program

  • 1. Application Process
  • 2. Acceptance Process
  • 3. Visa Processing
  • 4. Payment
  • 5. Classes start!

1. Application Process

Documents must be sent to ubcvivecampus.com

Documents needed to apply


1. Application Form

Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.

Download Form and Instructions

2. Passport Copy

Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.


3. Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of CAD$150 Canadian dollars paid to the The English Language Institute. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the instructions mentioned by the representative.


4. Program deposit

Program Deposit of CAD$300 (short programs) or CAD$600 (long programs). The program deposit will be deducted from the tuition fee. The Program deposit fee guarantees you a place in the program until one month before the start date. Only tuition paid in full guarantees you a place after this date. You should pay the remainder of the tuition fee in Canadian dollars one month before the start date. This fee is only refundable if your visa is denied. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the program fee online, following the instructions mentioned by the representative.


Send your application documents

A representative need to review all your documents are correct.

Your application documents must be sent to ubcvivecampus.com

2. Acceptance Process

After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.

You will need a Visitor Visa or an eTA, and if you'll study for more than six months, you must also apply for a Study Permit. After you have been accepted in the program, the admission office will send you the Letter of Acceptance.

3. Visa Processing

Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at UBC.
  • If you'll study for more than six months, you will need the Study Permit, plus a Visitor Visa, depending on your country of origin.
  • In case you study for less than six months, you'll only need a Visitor Visa or an eTA.

Please check the website of the Canadian government to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.

Generally, for a Study Permit, students must do the following:

  • Pay the application fee and deposit to receive their Letter of Acceptance
  • Complete the online or on-site application, including submitting the necessary documents and filling in the PDF form, in case you apply online.
  • Pay the necessary fees online, including the biometrics fee in case you need to give them.
  • Go to the Visa Application Center in your country if you need to give your biometrics. You can check this on the the following website:https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

You must confirm these steps on the website of the Canadian Government. You can look for more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

4. Payment

Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due before the program start date and can be done by credit card (Visa or Mastercard), international money order, bank draft, or wire transfer. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process. Keep in mind that the application fee and the deposit will only guarantee your place until one month before the start date, so we recommend making the payment at least a month before to secure your place.

5. Arrival at School

You should arrive a week before the program start date to take the placement test on your first day at the school. On your admission letter you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test.

Important: We suggest that you apply at least 2 months in advance.

ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

You will be able to participate in several activities during the program

SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN VANCOUVER AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Most of the activities are free!

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

International students can participate in activities as:

  • Trips to Whistler
  • Downtown Tours
  • Summer barbecues in the park
  • International nights
  • Volunteer clubs
  • Indoor sports events
  • Weekend trips to Victoria and Seattle
  • Visit to local attractions

English language students at UBC can participate in all kinds of fun activities, where they can meet people, practice their English, and network with potential future partners. Some of them include trips to Whistler, one of the best ski resorts in the area, where you enjoy snow sports or just the delightful view; downtown tours, at the beginning of every English program to get to know the greatest sightseeing and dining spots; international nights, where students from different background share their traditions, food and music; among others.

Information about the city of Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a modern walkable city through its neighborhoods, parks, beaches and seawall. It is also considered one of the most accessible travel destinations for people with special needs. Streets are clean and safe, and you can get around using different choices of public transit (Skyline, Canada Line, buses and sea buses) to enjoy the city attractions.

Some of these attractions are:

  • Stanley Park: 400 hectares of rainforests, gardens, trails and beaches.
  • GMS Observatory: with a ½ metre Cassegrain telescope, offering public viewings on Saturday evenings (from 7:30 pm)
  • Canada Place: the second largest Canada Day celebration landmark
  • Granville Island: where you can find North America’s largest free waterpark and Granville Market to try the best seafood and salmon
The city of Vancouver, British Columbia, canada

Information about The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is always ranked among the top 3 Canadian research universities and has been recently recognized as North America’s most international university because more than 14,000 thousand of its over 62,000 enrollees are from other countries.

Some features of the University of British Columbia are:

  • It is the 34th world’s best university according to Times Higher Education World University 2020.
  • 26.3% of Vancouver campus students are international.
  • Eight Nobel prize awardees and 3 Canadian Prime Minister have attended UBC (including the current one, Justin Trudeau).
  • 207 companies have emerged from UBC research and innovation.
The University of British Columbia

Photos of the English Programs at The University of British Columbia

international students from English Language Institute of UBC in kayaks
international students from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver
English class of UBC in a ski resort

Videos about the UBC ELI and The University of British Columbia

HOUSING IN VANCOUVER

Most common housing options for international students in Vancouver

STUDENTS FROM THE ELI OF UBC HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS IN VANCOUVER:

Check housing options for international students at UBC in Vancouver
  • Dormitories on Campus
  • Apartments
  • Homestay

Dormitories On Campus

On-campus shared-room may also be available for students who are 19 years or older and take the Global Citizenship through English (GCE) Program in between June and July. Bed linens are provided but not towels. There are no cooking facilities and meals are not included, but there are many cafeterias and restaurants on campus. You will experience UBC campus life fully and meet many students from Canada and all over the world.

Campus placement fee is CAD $150 (non-refundable), while campus accommodation fee is CAD $35 a night (without towels nor meals). No matter which housing alternative you choose, you should arrive 1 or 2 days before your program begins in order to organize your stay and get to know the institute and your neighborhood.

Find more information on UBC's website:

Apartments

Another option is finding a place to live by yourself and enjoy more freedom. If you have a higher budget, you can try looking for an apartment outside the UBC campus.

You can find more information here:

Homestay (Living with a family)

ELI manages its own Homestay Program selecting multicultural host families carefully, assigning each student to a family that matches his or her interests. Non-refundable Homestay placement service is CAD $300 paid to ELI. You can book Homestay for your entire stay or for a short time (1 month). Short-term Homestay is available if you need a place to live while you look for an apartment.

Homestay fee includes a furnished room with a bed, desk, bed linen and towels and 3 meals a day (with packed lunch on school days). Sometimes the room could be shared with another student of UBC English Language Institute. Homestay will be located less than an hour from UBC by transit bus. For 3 to 4-week programs, Homestay fee is CAD$40 a night, whereas for longer programs the daily fee is CAD$37 paid to the family.

You can find more information here:

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE, DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.

There are many options available near the campus of the University. If the housing option is off campus, students must contact directly the housing provider.

FAQS

Do you have any question about studying English at UBC?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form below

Why should I study English at the ELI of UBC?

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver is one of the best higher-education institutions in Canada. On top of this, its English programs are designed with the highest standards in mind and are also taught by a fantastic faculty with years of experience in ESL. All of these are good reasons to choose UBC to learn English in Vancouver.

Why should I choose to study in Vancouver, British Columbia?

Vancouver is one of the best cities in the Canadian west coast. It is crossed by the River Fraser and surrounded by parks, islands, and other fantastic nature destinations. Moreover, apart from beautiful tourist spots, this city is a cultural and economic hub in British Columbia, so it attracts people from all over Canada and the world. This makes studying here a great opportunity to meet potential partners and make new friends.

I am not a student in my country. Can enroll on these English programs with a Study Permit?

Of course! The English programs at UBC are available for everyone, including people that are not currently studying in their home countries. You only need to meet the minimum age requirement, and in case you wish to apply for a Study Permit, you must study for more than six months.

Does the University of British Columbia offer scholarships?

No, UBC does not offer scholarships.

Which are the different steps of the application process for the visa to study English in Canada?

Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.

  • If you plan to study English for more than six months in Canada, you'll require a Study Permit. This lasts for up to 90 days after your program finishes. Apart from this, you must obtain a Visitor Visa or an eTA if your country is visa-exempted, which is associated with your Study Permit.
  • If you'll study for less than six months, you only need to apply for an eTA or a Visitor Visa.

If you need a Study Permit, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (Letter of Acceptance) from the The English Language Institute at The University of British Columbia. In some countries it can take several weeks to process this document.

You must confirm these steps on the website of the Canadian government. You can look for further information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

What kind of comments and reviews do the English programs at the English Language Institute of UBC receive?

The University of British Columbia is among some of the best universities in Canada and the planet and its instructors are experienced professionals, so the high quality of its ESL programs is guaranteed. That is why the English programs at UBC receives great comments and reviews from its alumni.

Are classes taught inside UBC?

Yes, all classes are taught in the ELI building in the center of the UBC campus.

How does the ELI determine my current English level?

You take a placement test your first day at school.

How many English language levels are available at the English Language Institute of UBC?

There are 6 levels in total.

Can I use the different on-campus facilities at the University of British Columbia?

All students at the English Language Institute can use the on-campus facilities, including libraries, sports complexes, art galleries, museums, hospital, and gardens. In some cases, a small additional fee might apply.

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams to apply for the English programs at UBC?

No, there is no need to take any language proficiency exams beforehand.

Will I need a high school diploma to study English at UBC?

No, you will not need a high school diploma to enroll on these ESL programs, unless you are under 18 years of age.

Will I need health insurance to study English at the University of British Columbia?

Health insurance is mandatory for all students.

Will I need to buy books to study English at UBC?

Yes, you should consider a certain amount of money for books, which will vary depending on your program and courses.

Is there an application fee to study at the English Language Institute of the University of British Columbia?

Yes, all programs have a CAD$150 application fee. On top of this, you must consider the deposit, which is CAD$300 for short programs and CAD$600 for long programs.

When do I need to pay for the program? What are the payment methods?

It is due before the program start date and can be done by credit card (Visa or Mastercard), international money order, bank draft, or wire transfer. Keep in mind that the application fee and the deposit will only guarantee your place until one month before the start date, so we recommend making the payment at least a month before to secure your place.

Can I work while studying English in Vancouver?

Only those with a Study Permit and that are enrolled on a graduate or undergraduate degree can work while studying in Vancouver.

The answers provided in the frequent asked questions may change from time to time. In order to confirm any of these answers, we suggest to contact a representative filling the form below.

GET A QUOTE - CONTACT US

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Location of the ELI of UBC in Google Map

The English Language Institute of the University of British Columbia is located on the main campus of UBC in 2121 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4

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+1 310 341 4337