English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
Your Fall 2025 Start Guide: Understanding the first weeks
Fall 2025 English
for Academic Preparation (EAP) Program Guide
Congratulations!
On behalf of Niagara College’s International Division, 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,
Charles Voth
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 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...
• Prepare for post-secondary studies at Niagara College
• Improve personal and professional development
• Build on previous language learning
• Prepare for your future career
Fall 2025 Term Dates
August 28 & 29 - Orientation
September 3 - October 17 - Classes
October 20 - 24 - Break Week
October 27 - December 12 - Classes
Your NC Journey Beginner to Advanced English
EAP English Placement Testing
Option 1
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.
• Complete the EAP Placement Test in-person in Canada at the EAP Orientation. EAP Orientation is held every semester, a few days before classes begin.
• Consists of speaking and writing components, and an English computer test.
Option 2
• Submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) test scores.
• For questions or to submit scores, email: international@niagaracollege.ca
Step 1 Step 2
Complete the required EAP levels based on your placement test (Levels 1-5)
Step 3
Level 5 of EAP
Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs
Take Placement Test
Apply
Moving to the Next EAP Level
• Above 50% in all subjects = move to next level
• Below 50% in 1 or more classes = repeat level
• 90% 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 post-secondary program at Niagara College, plan ahead as programs fill up quickly. Explore your post-secondary options as soon as you are placed in an EAP program level which gives you an approximate EAP graduation timeline.
For any inquiries related to your current or future plans after completing the English for Academic Preparation Program, or if you require support to adjust to studying at Niagara college, please contact us at: isa@niagaracollege.ca
Contact the Global Business Development team member of your region to ensure the program you choose is available.
• Staff directory: international.niagaracollege.ca/ncintl-staff/
• Select International Student Recruitment using the drop-down menu to find out how to contact your Global Business Development Manager
• To check program availability: international.niagaracollege.ca/programs/ program-availability
Timetable Pickup
Timetable pickup will take place on : September 3, 2025, from 8:30am-9:30am Room TBD
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
70% average with a minimum of 50% in each level 5 class
Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate certificate 75% 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.
• Buy your textbooks at the NC bookstore on the Welland campus in room L25
• Buy them from the online store and pick them up from the store: niagaracollege.ca/studentlife/bookstores
• You may choose to sell your books at the end of the term
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 are here to ensure equal access to education for everyone and offer services for free and with confidentiality.
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 or 905-735-2211 extension 7778
For more information, please visit: niagaracollege.ca/hwas
Important Websites
Access important resources to receive news and stay current with your course requirements.
Access your MyNC portal: www.niagaracollege.ca/mync
• Your portal provides you with access to your dashboard, Brightspace, and other applications that are available to you.
Access your dashboard: portalnc.niagaracollege.ca/Dashboard
• Manage everything from forms, resources, financials or to check bus lines and queues
Access Brightspace (courses and classes): niagaracollege.ca/brightspace
• Your professors will provide material and resources in Brightspace. Important tools are also your calendar of assignments and projects due.
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 of $280 per semester.
To access the U-Pass for the Fall 2025 term, you must register to opt-in until September 9.
For more information, please contact: intlevents@niagaracollege.ca
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:
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. esladvisllege.
• Academic planning, Immigration, visa, or study permit questions: isa@niagaracollege.ca
• Housing and settlement questions:: housing@niagaracollege.ca
• For any other questions, email the International Division international@niagaracollege.ca