About the ELC

The ELC is a Canadian leader in education, developing and delivering English programs at the University of Victoria for 56 years.

Nearly 2,000 students choose the ELC every year. Here are some reasons why:

Award-winning programs and student support
Program quality is ensured by accreditation through Languages Canada
Instructors are TESOL-trained with international teaching experience
Programs begin almost every month of the year
Options to support preparation for UVic degrees, diplomas and certificates
In-house homestay, student support and socio-cultural activity staff
Central location on UVic’s beautiful campus

Infographic of ELC accomplishments.

Modern facilities and comprehensive support

The ELC is located in the Continuing Studies Building, a modern facility where students attend classes and activities, and may access support services and resources such as:

27 classrooms
Computer labs
Atrium student lounge and study space
ELC Learning Centre
Pronunciation workshops and tutorials
Conversation volunteers
Registration services staff
Student Immigration Advising
Student Support Counselling

Award-winning programs

2025 Winner:
BCCIE Award for Excellence in International Student Support

2023 Winner:
BCCIE Award for Outstanding Program in International Education

2023 Finalist:
PIEoneer Award for Language Training Provider of the Year

Accreditation

The English Language Centre is accredited by Languages Canada Accreditation

Our commitment to diversity

At the UVic English Language Centre, we support cultural diversity, inter-cultural communication, and cultural understanding in all aspects of our programs. We work to promote harmony in our student community, and while attending our programs, participants are expected to respect beliefs that may differ from their own. During classes and activities, we encourage students to work together to see beyond differences and find common ground to learn and explore together. "Culture Night" and "International Conversation Clubs" hosted during ELC programs are popular examples of ELC activities which actively encourage students to share the unique culture of their country, region, religion, or linguistic group, in a safe, respectful environment. Through such activities we aspire to create an intercultural community that promotes understanding between diverse cultures and friendship between all people.

WATCH VIDEO: Empathy in Education at the English Language Centre

Student testimonials

The ELC offers great programs, organizes fun leisure activities, and the staff is always trying hard to take care of the students' needs. I had and still have a strong connection to my teachers. They gave me support and constructive feedback when I needed it.

Rebecca Betzinger Germany

I studied at the ELC just before starting my PhD program in Computer Science at home in Colombia. It was a super valuable experience and a great opportunity for the improvement of my English skills. My performance during my PhD has been amazing and one important factor has been my communication skills.

Norha Villegas Colombia

The UVic ELC has everything you need to learn English such as various programs, useful learning tools, modern facilities and great teachers. So, take advantage of it all and be immersed in English!

Ami Muto Japan

In Victoria I met wonderful people from different countries with different personalities but all of them had the same goal: “Study English”.

Cristina Parihuamán López Peru

Studying at the ELC definitely was the best experience so far in my life. The first thing I learned here is that our cultural differences are based only in prejudice because I met a lot of friends with so much in common even though we are from very different countries and cultures.

Luís Fernández Mexico

Everything was perfect in Victoria; beautiful nature, friendly citizens, safe city, awesome teachers and the BEST friends!

DongMin LeeKorea