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Ministry of Advanced Education

English as a Second Language

Overview

Public post-secondary institutions offer English as a second language (ESL) programs across British Columbia. ESL programs provide language instruction at basic, intermediate and advanced levels to people whose first language is not English. Students develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide variety of goals, which include:

  • Taking vocational, career/technical and academic programs.
  • Finding a job.
  • Graduating from high school.
  • Participating in Canadian society.

New immigrants and refugees may also qualify for beginner-level ESL courses through the English Language Services for Adults program. For more information on services for immigrants, please visit the settlement section of the WelcomeBC website.

For more information on ESL services for adults, please see English as a Second Language Programs and Services.

ESL Articulation Guide

For a list of ESL levels and courses offered by B.C.'s colleges and universities, see the Articulation Guide for English as a Second Language Programs in the British Columbia Post-Secondary Transfer System. [PDF 922kb]

More information about ESL programs available in B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions may be found on their websites:

Links to public post-secondary institutions

2010 Developmental Student Outcomes Survey: Report of Findings from former ESL students [PDF 1.14 mb]

The 2010 Developmental Student Outcomes (DEVSO) Survey focussed on former English as a Second Language (ESL) students. This report presents the key findings from the survey, including respondents’ characteristics, their reasons for enrolling, their assessment of what they learned, and their further education and employment outcomes.

For hard copies of these publications, contact B.C. Government Publications Services.

ESL Student Funding

ESL students may be eligible for student funding through the Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program.

For further information, contact:

English as a Second Language Programs
Colleges and Skills Development Branch
Students, Institutions and Programs Division
Ministry of Advanced Education
PO Box 9894 Stn Prov Gov
Victoria BC V8W 9T6
Telephone: (250) 387-6174
Fax: (250) 952-6110