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) has other options to help you meet the English requirement and start your certificate or diploma.
Business and data programs
- Certificate in Business Administration (CBA)
- Diploma in Business Administration (DBA)
- Certificate in Data Analytics (CDA)
- Diploma in Data Analytics for Management Science (DAMS)
- Diploma in Digital Marketing (DIGM)
If English is not your first language, you must show proof of English proficiency before you can start your program. View complete list of proficiency options at bottom of page.
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 |
IELTS 6.0 No section less than 5.5 TOEFL 79 No section less than 17 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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*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. |
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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.
Learners who register for ELPI to prepare their English for a professional certificate / diploma program 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 ELPIOptional Duolingo testing for ELPI
If you are unsure of your current English level, you can also take the Duolingo English test. This test does not replace ELPI’s official placement testing, but it can give you a helpful idea of where you might start in ELPI and how long you may need to study.
When you submit a Duolingo score with your ELPI application, the $150 ELPI application fee will be waived.
This can make it easier to plan your timeline and understand your next steps toward meeting the English requirements for your certificate or diploma program.
Direct admission: How to show your English proficiency
You will be asked to provide proof of proficiency through one of the following ways:
- 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
- completion of four years of full-time academic studies at a recognized international curriculum secondary school in which all language of instruction is English
- medium of instruction letters must be sent directly from the institution to the admissions team via email
- 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 its equivalent in Canada with a final grade of 86% or higher within the last three years prior to admission
- IELTS (academic) 6.0 overall (no sub-score less than 5.5)
- TOEFL IBT 79 (no sub-score less than 17)
Please note: TOEFL IBT Home Edition is not accepted
- TOEFL IBT 79 (no sub-score less than 17)
- Duolingo English Test 110 overall score
- UVic ELC Intensive English (ELPI) level 500
- successful completion of an approved English partner pathway level (note: conditional acceptance is possible with proof of registration in a pathway program)
Important notes:
- tests must be completed within the last two years
- additional verification may be requested