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Niagara College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs
Become an empowered, confident and competent English speaker.
The Niagara College School of English Language Studies offers various English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to provide a customized learning experience for students. Taught by instructors with extensive education and training in the field of language learning, you will acquire an understanding of how to use the English language in academic, social, and professional contexts. Academic and transition support is provided by your Advisor to ensure that you transition successfully to your studies at Niagara College.
• Enhance English language proficiency in all skills.
• Maximize English skills through experiential activities and excursions.
• Continuous support to assist in meeting the expectations of the ESL programs.
• Niagara College programs are accredited by Languages Canada.
• Small class sizes, average is 15-18 students per class.
• 20+ years of experience in educator training
English for Academic Preparation (EAP) 2025 Start Dates
January 7
March 3
May 5
June 30
September 3
October 27
2026 Start Dates
January 12
March 9
May 11
July 6
September 9
“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.”
English Language and Culture Program (ELCP) 2025 Start Dates
January 6
February 3
June 30
July 28
English as a Second Language (ESL) Online 2025 Start Dates
January 6
March 3
May 5
June 30
September 3
October 27
January 12
February 9
July 6
August 3
November 2 2026 Start Dates
Ingrid Vitalino Program: EAP, Construction Engineering Hometown: Brazil
EAP ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PREPARATION
Niagara College’s high-quality English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program, featuring five proficiency levels, is designed for individuals aiming to enhance their English language skills.
Excel in an English-speaking academic or professional environment and develop the skills you need to succeed in the 21st century. Niagara College’s intensive English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program offers five levels of English language skill development to improve your English for school or work.
Tailored for those preparing for English-taught college or university programs or aspiring to advance their professional capabilities in English-speaking workplaces, the program ensures comprehensive language development. Participants can hone their academic English or gear up for career growth by mastering effective communication in Englishspeaking environments.
Applicants to this program should be in the process of completing, or have completed, their final year of secondary school.
Goals:
• Improve your English for school or work
NC’s EAP will help you to...
• Get ready for post-secondary studies at Niagara College or other Colleges or Universities
• Improve your personal and professional development
• Build on your secondary school education
• Prepare for your future career
Program course content:
• Academic Writing and Grammar
• Career Readiness Strategies
• Cultural and Educational Adaptation Techniques
• Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Expansion
• Effective Speaking, Pronunciation and Presentation Skills
• Active Listening and Note Taking
Program Features:
• Six session starts per year
• Classes are offered at five levels, beginner through advanced
• Weekly organized social events and activities
• 23-25 hours of classes per week
• Earn a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of Level 5
New!
Level 4 now includes:
• More hours on advanced grammar use
• Intensive focus on speaking presentation skills
Level 5 now includes:
• Live lectures with note-taking skills involving faculty and community leaders
• Gain English skills for your life in Canada ...And more!
• Intensive focus on accuracy in speaking and writing
Sample Class Schedule for English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
• Research Methodologies for Academic Success
Accredited by:
Your NC Journey
*This is class schedule is to provide an example of a possible week for an EAP student. Times and days will vary by term.
Find out which level you will place in to begin your EAP journey!
Complete Niagara College English proficiency testing at the EAP orientation, schedule a remote test before travelling to Canada or submit external test scores.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Take Placement Test
GRADUATE
Level 5 of EAP Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs
ELCP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM
Maximize your conversational English language abilities through diverse learning methods such as excursions and social activities.
Build vocabulary, improve grammar, and master pronunciation, idioms, and everyday expressions. If you would like to learn how to communicate in an English setting while learning about Canadian culture, this is the program for you!
Goals:
• Have fun learning English and exploring Canadian culture
NC’s ELCP will help you to...
• Experience engaging educational trips and fun social events
• Improve general English skills through academic classes, especially speaking and listening
• Develop cross-cultural relationships with Canadians and other international students
Program Highlights:
• Comprehensive orientation program
• Small class sizes, average is 15 to 20 students per class
• Use of all college services and facilities
• State-of-the-art digital languages labs
• Language testing and assessment
• Friendly, supportive staff
• Individual academic counselling
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certified teachers
Sample schedule for ELCP
Program Features:
• Winter and summer programming offered.
• Two sessions start in the winter: January and February
• Two sessions start in the summer: July and August
• Each session is approximately four weeks in duration.
• 20 hours of classes per week
• Several off-campus and on-campus social and cultural activities such as trips, karaoke, games and much more!
*This class schedule is to provide an example of a possible week for an ELCP Summer student. Times and days may vary.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) ONLINE
Immerse yourself in a dynamic online learning environment. Participate in live video classes that integrate speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills, all from the comfort of your home.
Progress throughout the program levels as fast as your dedication to learning and improving will take you.
Goals:
• Improve your English through live video classes from anywhere in the world!
NC’s ESL Online will help you to...
• Develop practical, professional, and real-life communication skills through engaging tasks
• Receive real-time feedback on your performance, using interactive technologies to strengthen your language proficiency
• Discover Canadian culture while connecting with students from around the world
Learn more at niagaracollege.ca/english/program/esl-online/
YES (YEAR OF EXPERIENTAL STUDY PROGRAM)
If you are looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery through education, this program is for you!
This year of discovery will help you deepen your practical, professional, and personal awareness. Taking this time to reflect on your skills, abilities, and aptitudes will make you more likely to make the right choice for your future. Customized for each individual student, this program provides English language training and postsecondary studies, allowing you to explore career options available to you.
Email gctc@niagaracollege.ca for more information:
Goals:
• Experience 1 or 2 semesters (4 or 8 months) of English as a Second Language (ESL) skill development and 1 or 2 semesters of post-secondary programming in a variety of program areas (4 or 8 months)
* Language proficiency requirements apply.
Did you know?
Level Duration: 7 weeks
Weekly Classes: 15 hours
Niagara College has partnerships around the world. Featured here is Jeonju University in South Korea.
“No matter what English level you have, Niagara College has a great range of study options and pathways to help you achieve your study goals. I highly recommend Niagara College and believe you will have the best possible experience with your studies.”
Kim Jaehyun General Manager, Jeonju
University South Korea
NC’s YES Program will help you to...
• Reflect on your skills, abilities, and aptitudes to make a better informed choice about your future
• Explore career options available to you in many program areas through the program’s customizable options to reflect your interests while enhancing your English language skills
This program is traditionally taken as a break between high school/secondary school and postsecondary education and is sometimes referred to as Gap Year.
ENGLISH PLUS PROGRAM
Combine English skills training through NC’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) PLUS experiential learning in your chosen field of study.
In addition to their English studies, learners are able to select from a number of academic courses and diversify their credits. Many learners are able to transfer credits back to their home universities. Learners can also anticipate being immersed in multi-cultural and inclusive learning environments, learning alongside Canadian students and students from around the world while studying in their academic course and in culturally rich and welcoming classrooms in NC’s EAP classroom.
If you are looking to develop academic and professional language skills and receive credit for academic courses, this is the program for you!
Goals:
• Gain English as a Second Language skills through NC’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) PLUS experiential learning and exposure to a particular area of interest
• Create your own customized experience as a cohort with endless programs to choose from and flexible start and end dates
• English Plus Programs can be customized for a cohort and include any academic area, such as Hospitality, Business, Technology, Media, etc.
*Possibility of transferring your Niagara College credits to another postsecondary institution (*check with your home institution for transfer credit options).
NC’s English Plus Program will help you to...
• Get ready for post-secondary studies at Niagara College or other colleges or universities
• Compare key program learning outcomes from your home country and Canada
• Gain English skills for your life in Canada while also advancing your academic studies
• Prepare for your future career
Email gctc@niagaracollege.ca for more information
English as a Second Language Programs Overview
English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
2 to 20 months
Durations
English Language and Culture Program (ELCP)
Year of Experiential Study (YES)
* Students are required to apply for a minimum of 6 months, however, based on their English proficiency skill level, students may study for as little as 2 months 1 month 8 to 16 months
Start dates January, March, May, June, September, October
Weekly classes: 23-24 hours
Classes are offered at 5 levels, beginner through advanced
Level and structure
Cost breakdown
Each level: 7 weeks of study + 1 week break + 7 weeks of study = 4 months
Duration: 4 months
Tuition: $4,995
Medical Insurance: $320
Activity Fee: $350
Bus Pass: $280 (optional)
Total: $5,665 or $5,945 including Bus Pass
January, February, July, August
Weekly classes: 20+ hours
Paired with educational trips and fun social events
All-inclusive program includes:
• social activities
• academic activities
• homestay
• meals
• airport transportation
• health insurance
• tuition
Total: $4,495
Outcome
• Improve your English for school or work
• Have fun learning English
• Explore Canadian culture
January, May, September
1 or 2 semesters (4 or 8 months) of English as a Second Language (ESL) skill development
1 or 2 semesters of post-secondary programming in a variety of program areas (4 or 8 months)
Duration: 4 months
Tuition: $8,700
Medical Insurance: $320
Activity fee: $350
Bus Pass: $280 (optional)
Total: $9,370 or $9,650 including Bus Pass
• Experience 1 or 2 semesters (4 or 8 months) of English as a Second Language (ESL) skill development
• 1 or 2 semesters of post-secondary programming in a variety of program areas (4 or 8 months)
English Plus
2 months to 2 terms
*When paired with the Short Term and EAP Programs. *One-month English Plus Programs can be paired with ELCP
January, March, May, June, September, October
Weekly classes of English: 20-25 hours
Weekly classes in another area of study: 2 to 6 hours
*Students should be at least in level 3 to engage in the ‘Plus’ component of the program
Expectations
• Get ready for postsecondary studies
• Improve your personal and professional development
• Prepare for your future career
• Gain English skills for your life in Canada while also advancing your academic studies
• Experience engaging educational trips and fun social events
• Improve general English skills through academic classes, especially speaking and listening
• Develop crosscultural relationships with Canadians and other international students
EAP to Postsecondary Scholarship $2,500 - $5,000
• Reflect on your skills, abilities, and aptitudes to make a better-informed choice about your future
• Explore career options available to you in many program areas through the program’s customizable options to reflect your interests while enhancing your English language skills
• Eligibility: All those who successfully complete Level 5 of Niagara College (NC)’s EAP may qualify for $2,500 CAD scholarship towards term 1 of an academic program at Niagara College. If an average of 80% is achieved in term 1 of their academic program, student may receive another $2,500 CAD scholarship.
EAP Bursary $750 - $1,500*
• Eligibility: All international students who are enrolled as a full-time student in the four-month offering ($1,500), or the two-month offering ($750). Prices may be subject to change at any time, and all reflect Canadian currency. The cost breakdown reflects 2025 fees.
Customized program. Email for additional information: gctc@niagaracollege.ca
• Gain English as a Second Language skills and exposure to a particular area of interest
• Create your own customized experience as a cohort with endless programs to choose from and flexible start and end dates
• Get ready for postsecondary studies
• Compare key program learning outcomes from your home country and Canada
• Gain English skills for your life in Canada while also advancing your academic studies
• Prepare for your future career
Living in the NIAGARA REGION
Your journey starts here.
Be a part of a diverse and multicultural community that services more than 13 million tourists from around the world every year.*
* Niagara Region Economic Development
“Moving to the Niagara region has been nothing short of wonderful. The community celebrates diversity, which makes my family and I feel at home. For us, being Muslims, it’s amazing that we can easily find grocery stores with halal and ethnic products around here. There are also plenty of halal restaurants, which makes things super convenient. Additionally, I found it very affordable here in terms of day-to-day expenses compared to crowded cities. The whole area is perfect for living as a student and raising children.”
Lifestyle
Niagara Region is known across Canada for its art, music, food and culture, offering fulfilling experiences for both families and single individuals. Immerse yourself in all that the region has to offer.
nature conservation areas and many beaches and waterfronts at Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
90+ wineries
Plus several breweries and distilleries
2,800+ tourist attractions and businesses and attractions including the iconic, Niagara Falls 40+
300 km of bike trails
40+ golf courses
*niagaracanada.com/key-sectors/tourism *welcomeniagaracanada.com
1,200+ restaurants
100+ performing arts establishments including the world-class theatres of Shaw Festival*
“Discovering the Niagara Region has been an incredible journey. From its picturesque landscapes to the rich history, leisure options, and the welcoming community, it’s a perfect place for singles. I was delighted to walk around the charming streets of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, especially to visit the Prince of Wales Hotel, which dates to 1864. Niagara Falls is a spectacle to behold. The waterfall itself, the international boundary between Canada and America, and the overall captivating environment make it a must-visit destination. The amusement options on Clifton Hill add an extra layer of fun to the experience.”
Theophilus Grace Fayinka | Program: Office Administration | Hometown: Nigeria
Get involved on Campus
Enhance your student lifestyle through a diverse range of athletics and recreation programs, events, and opportunities for involvement. Make friends, be a part of an active student lifestyle and maintain your health and fitness.
• Join a Club
• Take a Fitness Class
• Join a Recreational Sport Team
• Attend an On-Campus Event
• Volunteer Opportunitees
Accommodations
Choose from several options for housing and accommodations.
· Landing Pad (one month)
· Homestay (two or more months)
· On-Campus Residence
· Off-Campus Living
international.niagaracollege.ca /student-services/housing-options
Discover more by visiting niagaracollege.ca/studentlife
Student Services
• Airport Transportation
• Athletics and Recreation
• Career Centre and Employment Support
• Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services
• Housing and Settlement
• Multi-Faith Rooms
• Orientation
• Peer Tutoring
• Pre-departure Program: Be NC Ready!
• Social Activites
• Support and Advisement
• Transition and Immigration Support
