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.  [279kb]
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
English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program
 2009/10 Call for Proposals
The Learning Programs Branch is currently issuing a Call for Proposals for the delivery of its ESL Settlement Assistance Program.
Through this program, community groups and their program partners provide tutoring for immigrants and refugees in small and remote B.C. communities to help them improve their English while learning about the Canadian way of life. Volunteer tutors participate in on-line and face-to-face training before being matched with an adult learner.
Introduced in 2007, this program is linked with the Community Adult Literacy Program. Funding for the ESL Settlement Assistance Program is provided by the Federal Government under the terms of the Agreement for Canada - B.C. Cooperation on Immigration.
In 2008/09, 35 programs were delivered in 42 locations across British Columbia. Nearly 500 volunteer tutors supported over 800 adult learners in reaching their individual learning goals.
Eligible applicants are invited to submit their proposal by: September 8, 2009
Ministry Contact:
Martin Breuhan, Coordinator, ESL Settlement Assistance Program,
Tel. (250) 387-2572; e-mail: martin.breuhan@gov.bc.ca
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: ALMD.LearningPrograms@gov.bc.ca
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