ESL Level 1-3 (Language Foundations) at VIU - Vancouver Island University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

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Program Overview

The ESL Level 1-3 (Language Foundations) program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is designed to help students enhance their English language skills, focusing on fluency and accuracy in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This program is ideal for those whose first language is not English and who aim to achieve a high academic level of communication. With a commitment to fostering a student-centered environment, the program emphasizes inclusion and community, ensuring that students receive quality ESL education from highly trained instructors.

Program Structure

The ESL Level 1-3 program is structured to provide comprehensive language training over a series of levels. Key details include:

Program Length: Each level lasts for 14 weeks.
Number of Levels: The program consists of 5 levels, with Levels 1 to 3 focusing on foundational language skills.
Class Hours: Classes are held for 20 hours per week.
Small Class Sizes: Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention.
Additional Support: Students can access extra assistance through the Learning Centre.

Upon successful completion of Level 3, students will be well-prepared to advance to higher levels, ultimately leading to direct entry into academic programs at VIU after completing Level 5.

Featured Experiences

Highly qualified and approachable instructors dedicated to student success.
Focus on both language and cultural education to enhance the learning experience.
Access to a variety of learning materials tailored to different learning styles.
Opportunities for additional learning support through the Learning Centre.
Engagement in a community-oriented environment that values diversity.

Career Options

Graduates of the ESL Level 1-3 program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

ESL Teacher: Teach English as a second language to non-native speakers in schools or language institutes.
Language Tutor: Provide one-on-one tutoring sessions to help students improve their English skills.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Work with diverse communities to promote language learning and cultural exchange.
International Student Advisor: Assist international students in navigating their educational journey in Canada.
Content Developer: Create educational materials and resources for ESL learners.

These roles leverage the language skills and cultural understanding gained through the ESL program, opening doors to various opportunities in education and community services.

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

Visit VIU - Vancouver Island University official website

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply as an international student at Vancouver Island University (VIU), you need to meet the following Academic Requirements:

Vancouver Island University accepts international students under one of the following conditions:
- Direct applications (online or paper applications)
- Applications through authorized representatives
- Institution-to-institution exchange programs
- Sponsorship through inter-governmental agreements
- Winners of academic competitions or international scholarships
All students must be an international visitor or hold a study permit.
Students need to submit one of the test scores listed on the International admissions page as proof of English language proficiency.
For undergraduate academic and vocational programs, students must:
- Graduate from high school or equivalent.
- Provide proof of meeting English language requirements.
International students who have completed high school in English, in a country where English is considered the official language, must have a minimum grade equivalent to a grade of “C” in English 12 in British Columbia.
International students who attended high school in a country where English is not the official language must submit a recognized English Language Proficiency test (valid within the past 2 years).
Conditional acceptance to VIU may be granted for students who meet the academic requirements but not the English language requirement, pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs at Vancouver Island University, students must have completed one of the following recognized English Language Proficiency tests (valid within the past 2 years):

TOEFL Paper Based Test: 550 (no section below 56)
TOEFL IBT: 88 (no section below 20)
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
CAEL: 60
C2 Proficiency: 176 overall
C1 Advanced: 176 overall
English Studies 12 (BC): Min. “C”
Pearson (PTE) Academic: 60 (no section below 60)
Duolingo English Test: 125 (no band less than 115)
International Baccalaureate English A1/A2: Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
VIU English Language Centre: Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition: Grade 2 or higher
Recognized university where English is the language of instruction: Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
CAEL online: 60
Pearson (PTE) Online: 60 (no section below 60)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 88 (no section below 20)
ILAC Pathway Program: Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission, IRCC may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

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 2025-07-16

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2026	Likely Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Likely Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available