ESL
When English is not a first language and you want to upgrade skills, English as a Second Language (ESL) Program can help to:
- prepare for other academic or career training programs;
- meet English language requirements for work.
Our intermediate-level courses develop and integrate English language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading while improving grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Our advanced-level courses are designed to prepare students for university-level studies.
Learning outcomes
The Capital College ESL Program is a set of six courses designed to serve students varying in proficiency level from Elementary general English user to Advanced Academic English user.
Teaching faculty provides a western style of instruction informed by best practices in Teaching English as a Second Language.
Admission Requirements
Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in English in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages.
- 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in English in a country where the English is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
- Where English is the program’s language of instruction, evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test/assessment* at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (academic) or higher. All accepted language tests/assessments must be listed with a minimum score/level specified for each. ‘Or equivalent’ will not be accepted. Language tests must include assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Evidence of graduation from language program with a minimum grade/level from a Languages Canada accredited institution with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada. The pathway/articulation agreement must be current at the date of enrolment.
- Evidence that a language standard defined and accepted by a third-party regulator has been met.
- Important note: this option may only be applied when:
- English is the program’s language of instruction, and
- the applicant is a mature domestic student facing barriers, and
- the applicant cannot access their educational records or cannot provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined in this policy
- Accuplacer:Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit Page 3 2025.02.11
Applicant is [X] years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English* in a country where the English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores: - Reading: 230, and
- Writing: 230, and
- WritePlacer: 4
Required Documents
- Diploma and transcript in English for High School, Junior College or University degree.
- Application Form
- Two recent 1”x 1” photos
- Photocopy of Personal ID