An English language teacher standing at table with 3 seated students

English Language Programs

Accelerate your English skills in a vibrant community.

Enjoy your studies in Victoria, BC with our comprehensive English language programs. Ideal for learners who want to immerse themselves in Canadian culture, our flexible programs are designed to enhance your English proficiency for work, business, travel or academic pursuits.

As you work on achieving your goals, you can balance your studies with activities outside of classes, including workshops, games, sports and culture nights.

Learn English in a supportive community where you can make long-lasting friendships and share your culture with others.

10+ week programs

3-6 week programs

Program information

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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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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Studying English for Less than Six Months: ELC Program Combinations

The ELC offers short-term programs and program combinations with start dates throughout the year. Our intensive approach to language instruction means that students can make a lot of progress with their English skills in under six months.

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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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"English Through Themes” is here!

Monthly English and Summer Language and Culture Programs now feature "English through Themes," an innovative curriculum in which students will improve their English skills while exploring issues related to three unique themes. 

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Sharing expertise in Colombia

Kyla Jardin and Misty Cozac are attending the CAIE conference in Bogota, Colombia to co-present on "Successful Partnerships Bridging Canada and Latin America." They will be part of an expert panel from Canada and Colombia, sharing practices in language policy, programming and university engagement.  

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ELC director reflects on 2019-20 iStudy award

The English Language Centre at thee University of Victoria is delighted to be named Language School of the Year for the second year in a row by iStudy.

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Welcoming international students

The Dean of Continuing Studies Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, recently published an article which demonstrates the ELC’s deep understanding of the unique needs of our students:

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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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ELC wins global award

We are proud to announce that we were recently awarded with the 2017-18 Cultural Excellence Award by iStudy, an international travel publication that selects winners each year “based on their achievements and strengths in the education industry

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