Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Open to International
Yes
Area of study
Length
Varies
If you are learning English as an international language, this program is for you
Start in September, January, March or May
With our help and support, you’ll become more confident listening, speaking, reading and writing English. Offering eight levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) training, ܼŲͼ has a course for everyone.
![ELD student](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2021-03/eld-student.jpg?itok=3YQ1TxvM)
Set yourself on the right path
In this skills-based program, speakers of other languages develop essential English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. This is a unique opportunity with a multicultural student population, authentic language practice, Canadian culture experience, and electives to support the required courses. Domestic and international students can study full and part-time to improve their Englishskills for a variety of goals related to academic study and daily life in an English language setting.
A supportive community
Our instructors are highly qualified and committed to providing a friendly and caring learning experience in an adult environment. We understand the pressures and challenges of learning a new language. Ourscheduling is flexibleto fit your busy life: full-time, part-time, at your own pace; day or evening; all year round.
Info Sessionto be announced
English Help Centres
Staffed with expert language tutors, ܼŲͼ's English Help Centers have multi-media computer labs and a variety of other support services to help you succeed. You’ll be a part of ourcampus communityand meet new friends.
Learn at your level
If you're a beginning or pre-intermediate student, you will start withlistening and speaking skillsand an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition in levels 1-5.
If you're a more experienced English language learner, you willtake more advanced courses, either to prepare you for college and university level programs or to gain professional English skills for the Canadian workplace in levels 6-9. EAP
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in.
![ELD female student](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2021-03/ELD-female-student.jpg?itok=HT_JWDUT)
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Basics and essentials!
Basic English as a Second Languagecourses are for beginning and pre-intermediate students who have a fundamental and developing knowledge of English. Emphasis is on the development of speaking and listening skills with an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition.
For success in these programs, you are encouraged to immerse yourself in English outside your classes, attend regularly, participate in class, and complete homework and assignments.
Related link
Subject Area: Learn about other ESL programs and courses
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program
Basic English as a Second Language, Certificate
For domestic students, 0-level English (ELD) upgrading courses are tuition-free.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to:Student Fees
Financial assistance
ճAdult Upgrading Grant (AUG)covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
- Students must meet the pre-requisites for each individual course or complete an English Language Placement Assessment.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Ready to get started?
Get your application in for the September, October, January, March or May intake.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Our teaching staff
ܼŲͼ is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile
![Kirsten Bunton](/sites/default/files/2021-02/bunton-kirsten.jpg)
Kirsten Bunton
Co-Chair, English Language Development
buntonk@camosun.ca
250-370-3376
Ewing Building
Faculty/staff profile
![Beth Konomoto](/sites/default/files/2021-03/Konomoto-Beth_0.jpg)
Beth Konomoto
Instructor, Basic ESL, English Language Development
konomotob@camosun.ca
250-370-4937
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Gillian Atkinson](/sites/default/files/2020-12/ACS-GillianAtkinson.jpg)
Gill Atkinson
Instructor, English Language Development
atkinsong@camosun.ca
250-370-3672/4931
Ewing Building and Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Pei Mei Chia](/sites/default/files/2020-12/ACS-PeiMeiChia.jpg)
Pei Mei Chia
Co-Chair Basic ESL, English Language Development
chiapm@camosun.ca
250-370-4945
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Sandra Christensen](/sites/default/files/2024-08/S.%20Christensen%20pic.jpg)
Sandra Christensen
Instructor, English Language Development
christensens@camosun.ca
250-370-3983
Ewing Building
Faculty/staff profile
![Laura Hadwin](/sites/default/files/2020-12/ACS-LauraHadwin_0.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Judith Hunt](/sites/default/files/2021-01/ACS-JudithHunt.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Lynnea Jackson](/sites/default/files/2021-01/ACS-LynneaJackson.jpg)
Lynnea Jackson
Instructor, English Language Development
jacksonl@camosun.ca
250-370-4971
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Diana Kohl](/sites/default/files/2021-01/ACS-DianaKohl.jpg)
Diana Kohl
Instructor, English Language Development
kohld@camosun.ca
250-370-4931
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Debra Lewis](/sites/default/files/2021-01/ACS-DebraLewis.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Cristina Petersen](/sites/default/files/2022-10/Headshot_Cristina%20Petersen.jpg)
Cristina Petersen
Instructor, English Language Development
petersenc@camosun.ca
250-370-3194
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![null](/sites/default/files/2021-02/no-image_0.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Leigh Sunderland](/sites/default/files/2021-01/ACS-LeighSunderland.jpg)
Leigh Sunderland
Instructor, English Language Development
sunderlandl@camosun.ca
250-370-4944
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Nick Travers](/sites/default/files/2022-09/Nick%20Travers.jpg)
Nick Travers
Instructor, English Language Development
traversn@camosun.ca
250-370-4973
Centre for Business and Access
Faculty/staff profile
![Tony Vernon](/sites/default/files/2021-02/vernon-tony.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Elizabeth West](/sites/default/files/2021-02/West-Elizabeth.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Sarah McCagherty](/sites/default/files/2023-01/Sarah%20McCagherty%20headshot%20large.jpg)
Sarah McCagherty
Multilingual Support Specialist for HHS and T&T, ELD Departments
mccaghertys@camosun.ca
250-370-4969
Centre for Business and Access
![Dogwood Blossoms on the Landsdowne Campus](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1280/public/2020-06/Dogwood-blossoms-Landsdowne-1440x960.jpg?itok=Wkl04V6O)
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
English Language Development (ESL)
We want to hear from you!
International Admissions
International students please contact International Admissions