English as a Second Language Online niagaracollege.ca/english/program/esl-online/
English as a Second Language (ESL) Online Unlock your full potential with this flexible and interactive program, designed to help you build confidence, master essential English skills, and thrive in real-world settings, all from the comfort of your home.
Level Duration: 7 weeks Weekly Classes: 15 hours
Overview Are you eager to immerse yourself in Canadian culture while learning English in a supportive, collaborative and dynamic environment, alongside a diverse, global student community? As an ESL Online graduate, you will gain a deep understanding of the English language and develop practical, professional, and real-life communication skills. We welcome applicants who are International, Québec residents, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Please note this program is not Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) eligible.
Program Highlights • Participate in live, interactive video classes across 10 levels, each spanning seven weeks, with 15 hours of weekly cameras-on, synchronous classes. • Learn from qualified Canadian instructors, certified by Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Ontario and TESL Canada. • Engage in learning activities that build speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills and test-taking skills at the higher levels • Enjoy the flexibility to apply and transition to our in-person English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program at any time.
• Receive real-time feedback on your performance to help you strengthen key areas and improve. • Assess your progress through exit tests every 7 weeks, with the opportunity to move up one or more levels as your proficiency improves. • Receive a Certificate of Achievement after successfully completing Level 10. • Join the NC Community Online, including seminars, social events, and more. • Earn a Certificate of Achievement after successfully completing Level 10.
Progress throughout the levels as fast as your dedication to learning and improving will take you
Your ESL Online NC Journey Level 1-2
Level 3-4
General English: Preparation for work and life in an English-speaking environment
Level 5-7
Level 8-10
Academic-focused, pathway to a post-secondary program
Graduate
Level 10 of ESL ONLINE
Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs
Encounter English
Basic Skills
CEFR A1
Engage With English
Build Skills
CEFR A2
Explore English
Real World English
CEFR B1/B2
Excel In English
Academic Tasks
CEFR B2/C1 Preparation
Apply for NC programs or use new English skills in your profession
*CEFR is an abbreviation for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ** Students who successfully complete Level 10 will meet the language requirement eligibility to apply to an undergraduate diploma, certificate, graduate or degree program at Niagara College. *** Students enrolled in ESL Online may be eligible to transition directly into our in-person EAP Program. Please contact international@niagaracollege.ca to confirm eligibility.
Computer/Technology Requirements
Join any session to start advancing through your English learning levels at your own pace!
2026 Session Dates
• A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended). • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended) • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.
January 12 - February 27 March 9 - April 24 May 11 - June 26 July 6 - August 21 September 9 - October 23 November 2 - December 18
2027 Session Dates January 11 - February 26 March 8 - April 23 May 10 - May 25 July 5 - August 20 September 8 - October 22 November 1 - December 17 *Orientation will be held a few days in advance of the session start date
Virtually Engage with Professors Live Monday to Friday 18:30 – 21:30* (*Eastern Standard Time - Niagara time) Attendance in live video classes is mandatory with cameras ON!
Sample Schedule Monday 18:30 19:30 20:30
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Integrated Skills (Speaking, Listening, Writing & Reading combined)
Real World English
Integrated Skills (Speaking, Listening, Writing & Reading combined)
Real World English
Language Learning Portfolio
Live Video Class
Live Video Class
Live Video Class
Live Video Class
Live Video Class
21:30
* Eastern Standard Time (EST UTC-5) will end on March 8, 2026 and begin again on November 1, 2026. From March 7 until October 31, classes will operate on Canada’s Eastern Daylight Time Schedule (EDT UTC-4). For more information, please visit www.niagaracollege.ca/english
ESL Online to Postsecondary Scholarship
Fee $1,450 CAD (per 7-week session)
$2,500-$5,000
Includes:
Open to all students who successfully complete Level 10 of ESL Online and transition to an in-person academic program at Niagara College.
• Assessments • Materials
* No form submission is required to receive this bursary/scholarship. All actively enrolled eligible students after Day 10 of term start will receive the bursary onto their student account. These bursary/scholarship opportunities are available for 2026. For more information on bursaries and scholarships, please visit: international.niagaracollege.ca/scholarships
Ready to apply? Here is what happens next
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Apply now international.niagaracollege.ca/applynow
Pay the amount indicated on your invoice by the due date outlined using Niagara College’s Tuition Portal to confirm your acceptance: international.niagaracollege.ca/tuition-payment
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Receive an email from Niagara College with an: • Offer of Acceptance • Invoice indicating required deposit
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If using your own English test results for level placement, please submit to international@niagaracollege.ca after receiving your offer email.
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Secure your seat in the program by confirming your admission using your MyNC Portal.
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ncinternational
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@NiagaraClgeInt
niagaracollege.ca/english/program/esl-online/
Take the Envoy program placement test if you will not be submitting your own English testing. • Test results will be used to place you in the Level you will study for 7 weeks.
Receive information about Orientation and the first day of class. • In your classes, you will receive links to the digital resources you will use in your lessons.
Niagara College Canada International