English language requirements and preparation

There are different ways to start the business or data programs with Continuing Studies at UVic.

If you meet our academic requirements, but not the English proficiency requirement for direct admission, the UVic English Language Centre (ELC) can help you achieve the English level needed to begin your certificate or diploma.

Programs eligible for conditional admission:

Why English matters

Strong English skills help you participate confidently in class, understand course materials, and succeed in assignments that reflect real workplace expectations.

Meeting the English requirement ensures you’re ready to get the most out of your program, allowing you to thrive in your classes and prepare to apply your skills to your career.

Do you meet the Continuing Studies language requirement?

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION	DIRECT ADMISSION
IELTS 5.5 or less or No proficiency exam score	Proficiency Exam Minimum Score IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (no sub-score < 5.5) Duolingo 110 overall score TOEFL IBT 79 (no sub-score less than 17); Note: TOEFL IBT Home Edition is not accepted. Pass level 500 of UVic Intensive English (ELPI)	Previous Education in English Transcript showing graduation from a Canadian high school Four years of full-time academic studies with all instruction in English at a high school or post-secondary institution Successful completion of a recognized degree from an accredited university with all instruction in English, in an English-speaking country.
Apply to the certificate/diploma program at Continuing Studies. In the ‘English proficiency’ section, indicate that you will prepare your English through the ELC’s Intensive English (ELPI) program.*	Apply to the certificate/diploma program directly with Continuing Studies at UVic
Register for the Intensive English (ELPI) program. Obtain a Letter of Acceptance for the Intensive English (ELPI) program Obtain a Conditional Offer of Admission to your certificate/diploma program at Continuing Studies.	Obtain an Offer of Admission to Continuing Studies at UVic
Pass Level 500** of the Intensive English (ELPI) program within one year of receiving the offer of conditional admission Start your certificate / diploma program	Start your certificate/diploma program
Submit your Duolingo score to waive the application fee *There are 6 levels in ELPI, and you will be placed in the current class level according your placement test results on the first day of your program. It may take more than one ELPI session to pass Level 500.	Review admission requirements and application deadline for the program you are applying to. Complete your Continuing Studies online application and provide your proof of English proficiency (see list at bottom of page) For more information on the academic requirements for your country, contact bmt@uvic.ca

Conditional admission through Intensive English (ELPI)

If you don’t meet the English requirements yet for your program, our study options can help you build the skills you need so you can start your certificate or diploma program.

Intensive English Program (ELPI)

The Intensive English Program (ELPI)—offered through the ELC at Continuing Studies, is a full-time program designed to strengthen your academic and professional English skills. ELPI helps you build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking so you are ready for your program.

By studying in the ELC's Intensive English (ELPI) program, you will:

receive a significant tuition discount for ELPI
be eligible for conditional admission to their certificate / diploma program

ELPI program details:

Start dates: January, April, September

Delivery: On Campus

Program Length: 12 weeks

Class entry levels: A2 - C1 (6 levels)

Tuition: $3,000 CAD (per 12-week program)

Application Fee: $150 CAD

Learn more about ELPI

Optional Duolingo testing for ELPI

If you are unsure of your current English level, you can also take the Duolingo English test. The results do not replace ELPI’s official placement testing, but they can give you a helpful idea of how long you may need to study in ELPI. This can make it easier to plan the timeline and and budget required to meet the English requirements for your certificate or diploma program.

When you submit a Duolingo score with your ELPI application, the $150 ELPI application fee will be waived.

Direct admission: Showing your English proficiency

You will be asked to provide an accepted, official proficiency exam minimum score or proof of your successful completion of previous education in English. A complete list of accepted scores and education options is below.

DIRECT ADMISSION
Proficiency Exam Minimum Score	Previous Education in English
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (no sub-score less than 5.5)	Completion of four years of secondary and/or post-secondary full-time academic studies in which all language of instruction is English, in Canada or a recognized English-speaking country.
TOEFL iBT 79 (no sub-score less than 17) Note: TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted.	Completion of four years of full-time academic studies at a recognized international curriculum secondary school in which all language of instruction is English. Note: Medium of instruction letters must be sent directly from the institution to the admissions team via email.
Duolingo English Test 110 overall score	Completion of a recognized degree program from an accredited university in which all language of instruction is English, in a recognized English-speaking country.
	Completion of Grade 12 English or equivalent in Canada with a final grade of 86% or higher within the last three years prior to admission.
Notes: Tests must be completed within the last 2 years. Additional verification may be requested.	Successful completion of an approved English partner pathway level. Contact for partner info. Note: Conditional acceptance is possible with proof of registration in a pathway program.