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.
ESL programs at post-secondary institutions provide a vital access route to further education and training. Some specialized ESL programs integrate language skills with job-specific skills for a variety of occupations. For learners who already have specific job skills, vocational ESL programs are available.
New immigrants and refugees may qualify for beginner-level ESL courses through the English Language Services for Adults program administered by the Ministry of Attorney General. For more information about this program, please visit the ELSA Net website.
For more information on ESL services for adults, please see English as a Second Language Programs and Services.
ESL Articulation Guide
For a complete list of ESL levels and courses offered by B.C.'s public colleges and university colleges, see the Articulation Guide for English as a Second Language Programs in the British Columbia Public Post-Secondary System.  [4.98mb]
2007 ESL Student Outcomes Survey
The 2007 ESL Student Outcomes Survey Report [1060Kb] presents the responses of a group of learners who attended ESL classes at B.C. public post-secondary institutions between September 1, 2005 and August 31, 2006. The survey covers demographics, the learners' perceptions of the quality and success of their experiences in their courses, and employment and further education 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:
Education Officer, Developmental Programs
Learning Programs Branch
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
PO Box 9882 Stn Prov Gov
Victoria BC V8W 9T6
Telephone: (250) 356-7738
Fax: (250) 387-0878
E-mail: AVED.LearningPrograms@gov.bc.ca
Links to public post-secondary institutions
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