English Foundations
This online study program is for you if…
you are a new Albertan looking to improve your English skills
or
you are looking to enrol in our Academic English (undergraduate/graduate preparation) programs.
This online ESL program is designed for new Albertans looking to improve their English skills, as well as international learners who are looking to enter the Academic English for Undergraduate Admission Program but have not yet reached the required level of proficiency.
We welcome learners from all English skill levels who wish to improve their English for work, school, community activities, or family interactions.
Learn from highly qualified and experienced instructors at a Top 5 Canadian University who use a learner-centred communicative approach to help learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Meet new friends from around the globe and take part in fun activities with access to our unique Student Engagement Centre.
After completing English Foundations III, learners can enter directly into EAP 135.
Meet the Academic English for Undergraduate Admission requirement in as little as 7 weeks.
Class activities may include:
- Create a survey and survey people
- Write a personal reflection in a language learning blog and share your reflections with others
- Learn about presentations and deliver a presentation to your classmates
- Create a “how to” tutorial and teach a new skill to your classmates
- Learn new pronunciation strategies to build confidence
- Listen to a discussion on a global issue and lead a discussion on a familiar current topic
“I encourage students to pursue their studies online at the U of A because they will benefit in the same way as face-to-face learning. Instructors are extremely supportive and their communication skills are tremendously great.”
Complete 1-3 courses
English Foundations I
start here if you have one of:
- IELTS Academic score of 3.5+ with band score of 3.0+
- ORTOEFL® iBT score of 22+
- ORour Placement Test
English Foundations II
start here if you have one of:
- English Foundations I
- ORIELTS Academic score of 4.0+ with band score of 3.5+
- ORTOEFL® iBT score of 28+
- ORour Placement Test
English Foundations III
start here if you have one of:
- English Foundations II
- ORIELTS Academic score of 4.5+ with band score of 4.0+
- ORTOEFL® iBT score of 33+
- ORour Placement Test
Total cost per course: C$2,585 – includes tuition, health insurance & services, student services, access to our Student Engagement Centre.
English Foundations I, II, and III: choose your schedule:
- In-person 7 weeks each, Monday–Friday, morning track 9:00 am - 12:15 pm MT
- In-person 7 weeks each, Monday–Friday, afternoon track 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm MT
Courses offered |
EF I, EF II, EF III status |
|---|---|
| January 6 - February 24, 2022 |
closed |
| March 7 - April 26, 2022 | Not currently offered |
| May 5 - June 23, 2022 | Not currently offered |
| July 4 - August 22, 2022 | Not currently offered |
| September 1 - October 24, 2022 | Not currently offered |
| November 1 - December 20, 2022 | Not currently offered |
This course represents the first stage in preparing students for academic study in English. By the end of the course, students will be able to read and speak about a range of academic topics, demonstrate elementary proficiency in academic vocabulary, and write about everyday academic life at the sentence level with some clarity.
This course represents the second stage in preparing students for academic study in English. By the end of the course, students will be able to participate in group discussions about straightforward academic topics, demonstrate a growing understanding of written and spoken academic texts, and express ideas in writing at the sentence level with some clarity.
This course represents the third stage in preparing students for academic study in English. By the end of the course, students will be able to deliver short academic presentations, demonstrate a basic understanding of issues related to academic integrity and write about academically focused topics with some clarity. Assignments are comprised of journal writing, vocabulary quizzes, and class presentations with an emphasis on language accuracy.
Arrival and Registration
Students who arrive a week after the first day of class may not be permitted to join class.
Change of Registration
The English Language School will only transfer registration to the next term if there is a legitimate reason (medical, personal emergency, study permit problems and so on).
If you request your registration be transferred to a different term before courses begin, there is a $75 transfer fee. You must bring your receipt of payment to the ELS Student Engagement Centre (Room L 300 Enterprise Square) during normal office hours and provide a reason for transferring to the next term. Transfers will not be allowed after classes have started.
Withdrawals
Refund In order to withdraw from class, you need to complete a Withdrawal Form at the ELS Student Engagement Centre. If you withdraw before the first day of class, you will receive a refund minus $500 (withdrawal fee). If you withdraw on or after the first day of class, you will not receive a refund.Grade
If you withdraw from a course before the withdrawal deadline, a grade of W (withdrew) will appear on your transcript. If you withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline, a grade of NC (failure, no grade point value assigned) will appear on your transcript.
Withdrawal Deadlines
Program term |
Withdrawal deadline |
| January - February | February 12 |
| March - April | April 9 |
| May - June | June 2 |
| July - August | August 4 |
Authorized Leave
International Students attending the University of Alberta English Language School and holding full-time student visas are permitted to request a short “leave” from their program of study. Students may request medical leave, maternity leave, or personal leave to return temporarily to their home country.
Authorized leave from ELS should normally be scheduled after completing a regular term of study. So that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are properly notified and to ensure continuity of student visas, it is important to note the following:
- For a planned authorized leave (returning home for vacation), students must submit an "Authorized Leave Form" to ELS administration at least 2 weeks before their planned departure date.
- Unplanned emergency leave requests (returning home for urgent medical procedure) should be accompanied by supporting documentation and will be expedited.