ELC students holding up signs

ELC on-campus programs

As an ELC student, you don’t have to choose between studying hard and having fun. We’ll help you do both! Our campus programs combine a balance of intensive classes and social activities so that you can learn and live in English. You will form friendships, share your culture with others, learn about Canada and be part of a supportive community.

Learn more in this video: 

On-campus programs provide:

  •   18-22 class hours each week
  •   Homestay or dormitory accommodation
  •   medical coverage
  •   bus and gym pass
  •   ELC Study Centre and tutorials
  •   social and cultural activities
Courses open for registration

ELPI - Summer

This program is a longer-term, general English program to improve social, professional and international communication.
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English as a Medium of Instruction

The three-week English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) program is designed to suit the unique schedules, interests and needs of instructors of varying content areas from around the world.
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English for Professional Communication

This full-time program combines English language classes and public speaking workshops. • 20 hours of general English classes per week • 16 hours of professional communication workshops • Optional homestay accommodation and meals available
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Foundations in Business English

This full-time program features general English classes plus afternoon workshops to build Business communication skills. • 20 general English class hours per week • 16 additional hours of Business English classes • UVic Dormitory accommodation and meals
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Intensive English ELPI

The Intensive English (ELPI) program is for learners seeking to improve their general or academic English skills for social, professional or international communication and is best suited for upper beginner-level learners who want to attend a longer-term program to improve their English or prepare for entrance into other UVic degree programs.
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Monthly English

The Monthly English program is for learners looking for a short-term opportunity to continue developing English skills for work, business or travel.
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Summer Language and Culture

The Summer Language and Culture program is for high beginner to advanced-level learners looking for a short-term general English program during their university break while enjoying the summer in Victoria, BC.
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Teaching English as a Foreign Language – International

Build skills and confidence as an international educator. This non-credit, micro-certificate is offered as a three-week immersive summer session at the University of Victoria campus.
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University Admission Preparation (UAP)

This full-time program includes: • 20 class hours per week (260 total program hours) • Offers Study Skills and Academic Integrity workshops • Homestay accommodation and meals
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University Admission Preparation (UAP) and Canadian Studies

This intensive summer program includes: • 20 class hours per week (80 total program hours) • Two courses: "Advanced English" and "Introduction to Canadian Studies" • Optional dormitory accommodation and meals available
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University Pathway Program

This specialized first year program is the perfect option if you want to start your UVic degree but still need to meet UVic’s English language requirement. Choose from two streams: Social Sciences (includes economics and pre-business) or Science, Engineering and Computer Science.
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From Comics to Conversations: A Creative Approach to Teaching ESL

Susan Abrill, an ESL instructor at the University of Victoria, integrates comics and contemporary literature into her classes, enhancing student engagement and language proficiency through storytelling.

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Coming soon: Global Communication Skills for Academia

This micro-certificate program will develop and improve your overall language proficiency—with a focus on effective oral and written communication skills—and presentation skills for academic purposes.

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The English Language Centre honoured at 14th annual BCCIE International Education Awards

The English Language Centre (ELC) is proud to receive the 2023 award for Outstanding Program in International Education.

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The English Language Centre among finalists for "Language Training Provider of the Year" award

We are thrilled to announce that the English Language Centre (ELC) has been named a finalist for the 2023 "Language Training Provider of the Year" award by Professionals in International Education (PIE).

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Welcome Dr. Seppy Masoodi – ELC Director

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Seppy Masoodi has joined the UVic English Language Centre as its new Director, as of August 22, 2022.

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Your study and work permit FAQs

The Division of Continuing Studies is very fortunate to have a Regulated International Students Immigration Advisor (RISIA) as part of its Registration and Student Services Team. Find out answers to common immigration questions.

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Celebrating Proyecta 2019

This year, as a host institution for the Programa Proyecta del Estado de México the ELC welcomed 110 students from Mexico State to our July Summer Language & Culture and Monthly English programs in October and November. 

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Class charity project raises $1,400

In November, students from 2 ELPI classes organized a fundraiser bake sale for a not-for-profit organization that provides start-up funding for educational, agricultural and community projects in Africa (mainly Uganda) so that they can become sustain

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