Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Upgrading & Preparatory
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Work experience
None
Open to International
Yes
Length
varies
At a glance image
If English isn't your first language, these programs are for you.
Start in September, January 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, Camosun has a course for everyone.
Tuition-free Courses
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) will continue to cover the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
Your path to success
Camosun offers courses in basic English language skills to get you started. More advanced courses prepare you for further studies at college or university, career programs and professional communication in the Canadian workplace. You can progress rapidly by taking ELD-Level 2 courses at the same time as other college courses. Graduates credit their studies at Camosun for academic success in later college and university programs.
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. Our scheduling is flexible to fit your busy life: full-time, part-time, at your own pace; day or evening; all year round.
There are English Help Centres staffed with expert language tutors, multi-media computer labs and a variety of other support services to help you succeed. You’ll be a part of our campus community and meet new friends.
Learn at your level
If you're a beginning or pre-intermediate student, you will start with listening and speaking skills and an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition.
If you're a more experienced English language learner, you will take more advanced courses, either to prepare you for college and university level programs or to gain professional English skills for the Canadian workplace.
An Investment in Your Future
English is the most commonly used language among foreign language speakers. Invest in yourself! English language skills prepare you for life, learning and work in Canada and abroad.
Fees
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
Total fees for courses and textbook costs will vary according to the number and level of courses you take.
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) will continue to cover the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
There are many financial resources to tap into while you are at college to help with your education and living costs. Apply for scholarships & awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to the School of Access.
You may also want to visit Financial Aid & Awards for more information about funding.
Build language confidence
Improve your English language skills, earn a certificate and prepare for further academic studies or employment in the Canadian workplace.
What to Expect
Courses begin in January, May, and September. For some courses, you may start any time in the first two weeks of the term. The schedule is flexible to fit your busy life: full-time, part-time, at your own pace; all year round. You can spend up to 20 hours of class per week supported by another 1–5 hours a week in our state-of-the-art, multi-media language labs.
Level 1
ELD level 1 courses are for beginning and pre-intermediate students who have a fundamental and developing knowledge of English. Emphasis is on development of speaking and listening skills with an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition.
Level 2
ELD level 2 courses focus on the development of advanced academic English language skills needed to gain entry into college-level programs or technical and professional English language skills needed in the Canadian workplace.
Electives & Support Courses
Get a little extra training where you need it the most. Our elective courses give you some extra pronunciation and grammar practice when you are in ELD or other college courses.
Our support courses are available to help with your specific English language needs when you have progressed to college level courses.
Related link
Curriculum & courses
Admission Requirements
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September, January or May intake.
Students must meet the pre-requisites for each individual course or complete an English Language Placement Assessment.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the pre-requisites requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College 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
Co-Chair, English Language Development
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Beth Konomoto
Co-Chair, Basic ESL, English Language Development
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Jessie Brown
Instructor, English Language Development (ESL)
Faculty/staff profile
Pei Mei Chia
Instructor, Basic ESL
Faculty/staff profile
Sandra Christensen
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Laura Hadwin
Instructor, English Language Development
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Faculty/staff profile
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Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Debra Lewis
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Sarah McCagherty
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Cristina Petersen
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Emily Ryan
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Nick Travers
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Tony Vernon
Instructor, English Language Development
Faculty/staff profile
Elizabeth West
Instructor, English Language Development
Contact information
English Language Development
We want to hear from you!
Campus location
Camosun College Interurban
Centre for Business and Access
4461 Interurban Rd.
Victoria BC V9E 2C1
Location link
International students contact Camosun International