English As A Second Language (ESL) Online at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Program overview

Niagara College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to help students build confidence and master essential English language skills. This comprehensive program prepares learners for success in academic settings, workplaces, and everyday life in Canada. It caters to internationally trained individuals aiming to improve their English proficiency across five progressive levels, from beginner to advanced. The program not only focuses on academic English but also enhances professional communication skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to thrive in English-speaking environments.

Program structure

The ESL program at Niagara College offers a flexible structure to accommodate various learning needs and schedules. Key features include:

Program Length: Students can choose between four-month sessions or a fast-track two-month Short Term EAP option.
Intake Options: Start your studies in January, March, May, July, September, or November.
Class Hours: Students attend 23 to 25 hours of classes per week, scheduled Monday to Friday.
Progressive Levels: The program consists of five levels, allowing students to advance at their own pace.
Certificate of Achievement: Earned upon successful completion of Level 5.

Additionally, students can immerse themselves in Canadian culture through organized social events and activities, enhancing their learning experience.

Featured Experiences

The ESL program offers a variety of unique experiences to enrich students' learning journeys:

Weekly organized social events and activities designed for international learners.
Qualified Canadian instructors certified by Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Ontario and TESL Canada.
Short Term English for Academic Preparation option, allowing students to join mid-term and cover half of the level curriculum.
Placement tests to determine starting levels, ensuring appropriate class placement.
Opportunities to build global friendships and immerse in Canadian culture.

Career Options

Graduates of the ESL program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Customer Service Representative: Assist customers with inquiries and provide support in English-speaking environments.
Administrative Assistant: Manage office tasks and communications, requiring strong English language skills.
Sales Associate: Engage with customers and promote products, utilizing effective communication skills.
Language Tutor: Teach English to non-native speakers, leveraging personal language proficiency.
Content Writer: Create written content for websites, blogs, and marketing materials, requiring excellent writing skills.

These roles highlight the importance of strong English language skills in various professional settings, making the ESL program a valuable stepping stone for career advancement.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the English as a Second Language (ESL) Online program at Niagara College, the following academic requirements apply:

Applicants should be in the process of completing, or have completed, their final year of secondary school.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International students, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, are encouraged to reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding their specific requirements.

It is important to note that English language proficiency tests are not required for placement assessment in the EAP level placement, as students can complete the Niagara College Placement Test on-site on Orientation Day. However, if students wish to submit their own English testing, the following assessments are accepted:

Duolingo
IELTS Academic
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

For those wishing to pursue post-secondary studies following their studies in the English for Academic Preparation program, please note that a minimum of 6 months of English for Academic Preparation studies is typically required to meet admission requirements, depending upon level placement.

Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you can meet Niagara College’s admission requirements by submitting one of the accepted language proficiency test scores listed below.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted for the English As A Second Language (ESL) Online program:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 169 – No skill under 162.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 176 – No skill under 169.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) including Indicator Test
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 6.5 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) including Special Home Edition Test
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: iBT: 80, Minimum 20 in Writing and Speaking.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: iBT: 85, Minimum 22 in Writing and Speaking.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 60+, with no individual skill below 57.
Duolingo English Language Test
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 120+, with no individual subscore below 100.
Oxford ELLT and Pre-Sessional English
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.0.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 7.0 – No individual band under 6.0.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) including CAEL Online Proficiency Test
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: 60 – No individual band under 50.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: 60 – No individual band under 50.
Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP) OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online program
- Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs: Completion of English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50% OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online exit test.
- Minimum score for graduate and degree programs: Completion of English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Level 5 with 75% and no individual grade under 60% OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online exit test.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-11-09

Program overview