English for Academic Preparation Start Guide - Fall 2026

English

for Academic Preparation (EAP)

Start Guide: Understanding the first weeks

Fall • 2026

international.niagaracollege.ca

Fall 2026

English

for Academic Preparation (EAP)

Start Guide

Congratulations!

Welcome to Niagara College! We are so excited to have you studying with us.

Our highly qualified and passionate faculty members are ready to support you with your goal of improving your English and empower you academically and professionally!

We look forward to seeing you grow throughout this adventure and want you to know we are here to support you along the way.

This guide provides you with some tools and resources that we believe are key to your success.

We cannot wait to see what you accomplish during your time with Niagara College Canada.

Wishing you all the best with your NC journey, Gary Torraville Interim Associate Dean School of English Language Studies

“ When I came to Canada, I understood half of what people said and couldn’t communicate my thoughts properly. My English is understood today because I studied in NC’s EAP program and now English has become my second language, which is a credit to my wonderful teachers. The EAP program helped me a lot with my post-secondary studies, with getting a job, and with being able to talk to people here.”

Ingrid Vitalino

international.niagaracollege.ca

Program: EAP, Construction Engineering Hometown: Brazil

Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Program The EAP program offers five distinct levels of English language instruction, each lasting four months. Every level is designed to build your skills and prepare you for success in your postsecondary studies and future career.

NC’s EAP will help you...

Fall 2026 Term Dates

• Prepare for postsecondary studies at Niagara College • Improve personal and professional development • Build on previous language learning

September 3-4 - Orientation September 9 - October 23 - Classes October 26-30 - Break Week

• Prepare for your future career

November 2 - December 18 - Classes

Your NC Journey Beginner to Advanced English EAP English Placement Testing Prior to beginning your studies in the EAP program, you must complete an English placement test, or submit external English proficiency scores to determine the EAP level (1-5) you will be studying.

Option 1

Option 2

• Complete the EAP Placement Test in-person in

• Submit International English Language

Canada at the EAP Orientation. EAP Orientation

Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as

is held every semester, a few days before

a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo or

classes begin.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) test scores.

• Consists of speaking and writing components,

• For questions or to submit scores, email:

and an English computer test.

international@niagaracollege.ca

Step 1

Step 2

Determine your Level

Complete the required EAP levels based on your placement test (Levels 1-5)

Placement Test Complete Niagara College English proficiency testing at the EAP Orientation or Submit an external test

Step 3

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

English Foundation

English Foundation

Academic Foundations

Academic Foundations

Career and Academic Readiness

24 hours a week

24 hours a week

23 hours a week

25 hours a week

23 Hours a week

Graduate Level 5 of EAP Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs

Equivalent external testing scores CEFR Pre-A1, A1 IELTS 1.5-2.5 Duolingo 20-45

CEFR A2 IELTS 3.0-3.5 Duolingo 50-65

CEFR B1 IELTS 4.0-4.5 Duolingo 70-80

CEFR B1+ IELTS 5.0 Duolingo 85-90

CEFR B2 IELTS 5.5-6 Duolingo 95-100

Apply for NC programs or use new English skills in your profession

Moving to the Next EAP Level •A bove 50% in all subjects = move to next level •B elow 50% in 1 or more classes = repeat level •9 0% or higher at the end of Levels 1, 2, or 3 – option to retake the placement test to skip a level. To skip Level 5, the student will need to achieve an average of 90% or higher, take a Level 5 final test, and receive a recommendation for postsecondary entry by the Associate Dean.

Postsecondary Planning If you plan on taking a postsecondary program at Niagara College, plan ahead as programs fill up quickly. Explore your postsecondary options as soon as you are placed in an EAP program level which gives you an approximate EAP graduation timeline.

•F or any inquiries related to your current or future plans after completing EAP, or if you require support to adjust to studying at Niagara college, please find your advisor: niagaracollege.ca/advising/find • To check program availability: international.niagaracollege.ca/programs/ program-availability

Scholarship •E AP to Postsecondary Scholarship – up to CAD $5,000 •S tudents who complete Level 5 of NC’s EAP Program and are entering an academic postsecondary program at Niagara College may be eligible

September

9

Timetable Pickup EAP schedule viewing will take place on: September 9, 2026, from 8:30am-9:30am Welland Campus (room to be confirmed) Schedules are established according to program needs, and availability of rooms and faculty teaching assignments and cannot be changed.

The college offers classes at any time from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Postsecondary Entry from Niagara College’s EAP Program Undergraduate diplomas, certificates, and international nursing programs •7 0% average with a minimum of 50% in each level 5 class Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate certificate •7 5% average with a minimum of 60% in each level 5 class

Textbooks Your professors will provide you with a list of textbooks needed for each course with the version needed for your class – be aware of the version you are purchasing as some older versions may not be accepted.

•B uy your textbooks at the NC bookstore on the Welland campus in room L25 •B uy them from the online store and pick them up from the store: niagaracollege.ca/studentlife/bookstores •Y ou may choose to sell your books at the end of the term

U-Pass (Universal Bus Pass program) The U-Pass allows students in the four-month EAP program to ride all Niagara Regional Transit buses during their studies for a fee per semester.

To access the U-Pass for the Fall 2026 term, you must register to opt-in until September 15.

For more information, please contact: international@niagaracollege.ca

Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services Our team is here to provide you with all the tools and resources for success in your journey.

The Health, Wellness, and Accessibility team ensures equal access to education for everyone and provides free, confidential services.

If you are undergoing stress and need to see a counselor, or want to reach out to our accessibility advisor to require support and accommodation you can connect with their team at hwas@niagaracollege.ca.

For more information, please visit: niagaracollege.ca/hwas

Communicating Activate and access your NC email as some professors will send emails to update you about your classes and other academic and non-academic topics. You can access your student email account by going to: outlook.office.com/mail Your student email domain will appear as:

USERNAME@ncstudents.niagaracollege.ca Provide the recipient with your full name and your seven-digit student identification (ID) number so professors, advisors, or any other Niagara college staff can identify who you are and respond to your inquiries. Check your email regularly and respond when needed.

Example:

Important Websites Access important resources to receive news and stay current with your course requirements.

Access your MyNC portal: niagaracollege.ca/mync •Y our portal provides you with access to your dashboard, Brightspace, and other applications that are available to you Access your dashboard: portalnc.niagaracollege.ca/Dashboard •M anage everything from forms, resources, financials or to check bus lines and queues Access Brightspace (courses and classes): niagaracollege.ca/brightspace •Y our professors will provide material and resources in Brightspace. Important tools are also your calendar of assignments and projects due

international.niagaracollege.ca

Welcome!

And get ready to: Make new friends from around the world and build lasting connections.

Join a global community with students from over 100 countries.

Network with Canadian students, faculty, and staff as you practice your English.

Experience Canada’s multiculturalism by celebrating similarities and embracing differences.

Discover the Niagara Region and immerse yourself in its beauty and authentic Canadian culture.

Missing Classes If you are unable to attend a class, please notify your professor in advance by sending them an email. If any assignments or tests are missed, you are also required to provide your professors with supporting documentation for any exemptions to be made. Being absent from class without permission could mean receiving a zero grade for a test or assignment.

Have questions? Need help?

Our staff are ready to support you.

• Academic planning, Immigration, visa, or study permit questions: niagaracollege.ca/advising/find • Housing and settlement questions:: housing@niagaracollege.ca • For any other questions, email the International Division international@niagaracollege.ca

international@niagaracollege.ca

Connect with NC International

905-735-2211 extension 7151 @ncinternational

international.niagaracollege.ca

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