The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies offers the following English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to foreign students seeking English language training and academic preparation with the goal of transferring to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a North American university:

  • Intensive English Program (IEP)
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
  • International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP)
  • International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP)
  • International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP)
  • UBC Vantage College

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies Intensive English Program (IEP) is a full-time English language program offered in 16 week sessions beginning in January, May and August/September.

IEP at a glance:

  • 7 levels: elementary to advance (levels 100 to 700)
  • 2 streams at the upper levels: general and academic
  • Skills-based courses: reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  • Placement tests on arrival to determine level
  • Transcripts provided each semester
  • Level 600 certificate satisfies UBC‘s English Language Admission Standard

The 16 week sessions align with the UBC academic calendar to allow for a smooth transition for students granted conditional admission to UBC degree programs.

If you have a strong academic record but fall short of UBC‘s English Language Admission Standard, there are program options available that can lead into undergraduate degree programs at the UBC Vancouver campus.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a 16 week integrated skills program for upper-intermediate to advanced students beginning in January, May and August/September.

EAP at a glance:

  • 3 levels: upper intermediate – advanced
  • integrated skills: academic reading & writing and academic speaking & listening
  • placement tests on arrival to determine your level
  • transcripts provided each semester
  • certificates awarded for successful completion of a level
  • level 600 Certificate of English Language (CEL) satisfies UBC‘s English Language Admission Standard

You can attend just one session or stay for longer – this multi-level program ensures that you will have new challenges as you progress through the program.

The 16 week sessions align with the UBC academic calendar to allow for a smooth transition for students granted admission or conditional admission to UBC degree programs.

EAP‘s 8 Week Option

The ELI offers an 8 week option that allows for more flexibility in start dates. Each 16 week session has two 8 week terms. Students who take an 8 week term will have access to the same resources and social activities as the 16 week session students. Students who register for term 2 will be joining a session in progress.

*Please note that students who are enrolled for 8 weeks only will not be eligible for a certificate.

EAP Program Overview

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is an academic English program for upper intermediate to advanced students. The level 100-400 of the Intensive English Program (IEP) are the foundation levels for the EAP program and the IEP levels 500-700. Students who test at level 500 or higher, or have earned the IEP level 400 certificate, can choose to continue with the IEP or to focus on academic English through the EAP. The EAP level 600 Certificate of English Language (CEL) meets the UBC English Language Admission Standard. Students can use the CEL as proof of meeting the minimum English language requirement when applying for a UBC undergraduate program.

Students who register for the EAP program but who do not have the minimum upper-intermediate level required for the program, will be transferred to the IEP that runs at the same time as the EAP.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP)

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP) helps students prepare their university applications and gives them individual guidance on how to succeed in their undergraduate work. The program’s combination of academic and skills-based training is ideal for students who would like to ready themselves for the academic and cultural demands of studying in an international setting.
The IUSPP is a full-time program of both credit and non-credit that offers:

  •  Six credits of UBC undergraduate courses through UBC Access Studies (selected from over 70 course choices) in the Faculties of Arts (including the School of Music), Science (Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences only), Forestry, and Land and Food Systems
  • Up to 30 hours of individual mentorship per term, including assistance with undergraduate applications to UBC or other universities
  • English language course options if needed (for which successful completion fulfills UBC‘s English language requirement
  • A comprehensive university writing course, or options for pre-calculus or differential calculus
  • Academic and intercultural communication skills development.

Successful completion of the English language training course option fulfills UBC‘s English language admission requirement, but does not guarantee admission to undergraduate programs at UBC or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to these programs is controlled by individual institutions’ admission standards and policies.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP)

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP) offers students two options:

IGSPP Regular Stream

Is a full-time program over 14 weeks for a small group of students spending approximately 24 hours each week in private, structured activities in the classroom and the community. Guided by instructors, they develop the advanced academic skills they need to improve their chances of gaining admission to their ideal graduate school. Their remaining time is spent in directed independent study to complete assignments, readings and research, as well as self-directed community exploration to pursue individual interests (sports, service learning) and practice communication skills.

IGSPP Credit Stream

Is a full-time program over 16 weeks for individual students taking part in both credit and non-credit public courses at UBC. Their remaining time is spent in private, individual sessions with academic, cultural and general mentors and completing assignments, readings and research, as well as self-directed community exploration to pursue individual interests and practice communication skills.

IGSPP Benefits

Both streams of IGSPP offer students the opportunity to:

  • Identify academic goals and establish an academic plan
  • Investigate the graduate programs best suited to their academic interests
  • Develop critical thinking, teamwork and networking skills
  • Strengthen research and writing skills for academic and professional purposes
  • Build communication skills to effectively convey academic goals
  • Gain confidence to study, work and communicate in English in academic, professional and social environments.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP)

The University of British Columbia Department of Continuing Studies International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP) is a short summer program for international undergraduate students in their first to third year who are considering a master’s degree in North America in the future. It is specifically designed to provide students with an overview of graduate study and academic culture in Canada and the US. Benefits of the program include:

  • Explanation of the competitive and complex nature of graduate school admission
  • Guided exploration of the academic paths and master’s programs available
  • Discovery of how research leads to academic and career opportunities
  • Taking part in campus life at a highly-ranked university
  • Developing of English language skills
  • Enjoying the beautiful Vancouver region in the summer.

IGSIP is offered annually in July/August. For 2014, the program dates are July 17-August 8. Applicants are required to be current university undergraduate students with one-to-three years of study completed. Students should have intermediate level English skills (approximately IELTS 5.5) and a B grade level (GPA of 70%).

For details on dates, prices and accommodation, please Contact Us.

UBC Vantage College

The International Program at UBC Vantage College combines credit coursework, academic English instruction, and additional learning and cultural transition support in an 11-month program equivalent to the first year of a UBC degree. Upon completing the program, you will be fully prepared to enter the second year of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program at UBC. At UBC Vantage College you will find a learning environment ideally suited to you.

Through the 11-month long program, all UBC Vantage College students will complete a minimum of 24 credits (BSc streams) or 27 credits (BA stream), allowing you to enter the second year of a BA or BSc program.

Minimum English Requirements

  • A minimum score of 70 on the TOEFL iBT with no section less than 16, OR
  • A minimum overall score of 5.5 on the IELTS with a minimum band score of 5.0 in speaking and listening, and 5.5 in reading and writing

Minimum Requirements For Science Streams

  • senior-level Mathematics (Pre-Calculus) with a minimum grade of 68% (or nearest equivalent on other grading scales)
  • junior- or Grade 11-level Physics and Chemistry (or nearest equivalent)

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

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