International students at UVic in a class receiving instruction.

Your path to pursuing a UVic degree

Do you want to enter undergraduate degree programs at the University of Victoria (UVic)? The ELC Preliminary Admission is designed to help you meet UVic’s English requirements within 24 months. By taking this path, which begins with courses in the Intensive English Program (ELPI), you can start your journey off strong at UVic.

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Program description

Join a diverse community of students from around the world in Victoria, BC to improve your English proficiency and confidently pursue your academic goals at UVic. This program involves English classes, activities and resources including:

  • 18 class hours per week (256 total program hours)
  • conversation practice with Canadian volunteers at the ELC Learning Centre
  • weekly specialized skills classes focusing on pronunciation essentials, grammar, vocabulary, idioms, etc.
  • the option to extend your program and participate in Project-based Presentations (PbP)
  • free and optional activities guided by our Cultural Assistants
  • optional homestay accommodation and meals
  • access to supportive services like academic coaching and personal counselling

Program highlights 


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Global Recognition
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop your English skills and prepare you for further studies or a career in an international market.

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Welcoming Environment
Our academic programs are complemented by social activities where you can meet new friends and share the unique aspects of your country or culture in a safe, respectful environment.

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Support Services
Get access to a range of services and resources before, during and after your time in the program. This includes:

Who is this program for?

If you're applying to Business, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Science or Social Sciences at UVic, the ELC Preliminary Admission (through the ELPI program), will give you up to 24 months to meet the English proficiency requirement and then begin degree studies without re-applying.

News and resources

Courses and fees

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

ELPI has both morning and afternoon schedules. You'll be placed in a morning or afternoon class once you've been tested by the ELC.

 

Morning Class Schedule:

  • Monday: Specialized Skills classes 8:30 am–12:45 pm
  • Tuesday to Friday: Core classes 8:30 am–12:45 pm
  • ELC Learning Centre open Monday - Thursday 10:30 am–4 pm
  • Friday Coffee Socials and other free activities that change every week

 

Afternoon Class Schedule:

  • Monday to Thursday: Core classes 1–5:15 pm
  • Friday: Specialized Skills classes 8:30 am–12:45 pm
  • ELC Learning Centre open Monday - Thursday 10:30 am–4 pm
  • Friday Coffee Socials and other free activities that change every week

Additional Cost Activities led by our Cultural Assistants. For example:

  • whale watching
  • Butchart Gardens
  • trips to Vancouver 
  • hockey games
  • kayaking (depending on the season)
Fees due upon application Fee Notes
Application fee $150 Application fees are per term. Non-refundable.
Homestay application fee $300
Program deposit $350
Tuition fees Fee Notes
Balance of Tuition ($4500-$350 deposit) $4,150 Due five weeks before program begins.
Student Services Fee (health insurance/bus pass/gym pass) $505
Accommodation and meals Fee Notes

$1350 per month; $45 per additional night

$4,005 (approx.) Paid directly to Host family. This fee is NOT paid to the ELC.
Total: $9,460

Application information

Admission requirements

  • Meeting the academic requirements to UVic for an undergraduate degree in Business, Engineering & Computer Science, Humanities, Science or Social Science
  • have an IELTS score below 5.5, a TOEFL score below 71, or have not written these exams or met the English language proficiency requirement in any other way 

How to apply

  1. Submit your application to UVic Undergraduate Admissions
  2. Obtain an offer for ELC Preliminary Admission
  3. Register for Intensive English (ELPI) by the deadline indicated on your offer

Program dates

Please visit Application deadlines to view UVic entries and application deadlines. 

The ELPI Program has 6 levels of study. You would be placed in a level according to the results of the placement test given on the first day of the program. You will need to register for your continued English studies after your arrival. You will have up to 24 months to meet the English language proficiency requirement for full admission.

Passing the highest level (600/UAP) of the 12 Week Program (ELPI) with a minimum score of 80% OR the University Admission Preparation: Advanced English and Canadian Studies Program with minimum scores of 80% in Advanced English and 60% in Canadian Studies will satisfy the English language proficiency requirement for entry into UVic undergraduate degree programs.