Academic Communication Certificate
EAP 200 | 13 Weeks
For English learners who want to improve their English skills to enter Canadian college or university programs.
The Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) is designed for English learners who want to improve their English skills to enter Canadian university or college programs. Through intensive instruction of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), students will learn essential skills for an academic setting and acquire critical knowledge for a successful transition to Canadian university culture.
Admission Requirements
Students must fulfil one of the following minimum requirements:
- Completion of Level 6 of UCalgary English Language Program Semester Program (ESL 100) with a minimum final grade of B+ in each course
- TOEFL iBT score of 70, minimum of 20 in Writing
- IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, minimum 6.0 in Writing, 5.5 in any other skill area
- CAEL score of 60 overall, minimum of 60 in Writing
- Duolingo English test score of 110 overall, 100 in production
In the event that students display English language performance that is significantly different from the English language proficiency scores they submitted, the student will be assigned to the course level that aligns with their in-class performance.
Courses
Focus on writing effective academic paragraphs and essays while mastering essential sentence skills and reading critically.
Focus on the process of writing research papers and critical responses while mastering critical reading and thinking. Students will attain advanced skills in comprehension, analysis, interpretation and citation required in research writing.
This course prepares English learners transitioning to an English-speaking university setting with the skills needed to engage in critical academic listening across content areas.
Develop essential skills that will help English learners defend ideas in academic settings, present coherent concepts, speak thoughtfully in discussions and contribute to group projects.
Seminars designed to facilitate success in the Canadian undergraduate degree-credit environment. Topics include academic integrity, critical thinking, exam conditioning and preparation, health and wellness, learning styles, study strategies, time management, understanding learning objectives and university customs and policies.
2025
2026
Before this course, I could never imagine that I could critique an article and write about it in over 2000 words, but ACC gave me this chance to do it easily.”
Galerah from Iran
Experience Value
Our tuition includes the following, and more...
Course Materials
Textbooks and handouts.
Public Transit Access
Public train and bus pass for courses 8 weeks or longer.*
* Coverage starts from May 1 for Spring terms.
Health Insurance
Emergency health insurance for international students.
Social Events
Organized social events for students.
Recreation Facilities
Use of recreational facilities on campus.
Library
Access to the campus library.
Free WiFi
Wifi access on campus.
Computers
Access to campus computers.
Class Schedule
Class time could change. Please see our registration site for latest information.
Each 13-week term has a one-week break (reading week) with no classes.
Sample Timetable (Week 1-6)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Academic Writing Critical Listening | Academic Writing Critical Listening | Academic Writing Critical Listening | Academic Writing Critical Listening | Academic Writing Critical Listening |
| Afternoon | Academic Success Tutorials |
Pathway to UCalgary Degree Programs
Successful completion of the ACC meets the English language proficiency requirement for admission to applicable UCalgary undergraduate and graduate degree programs.* Students who start our Semester Program at level 5 or 6 may be admitted to the ACC and to degree programs conditionally if other academic requirements are met.
Conditional Admission
ACC students who apply to an applicable UCalgary undergraduate and graduate degree program, and meet the competitive admission requirements are eligible for conditional admission.
Undergraduate Programs
The condition of admission for undergraduate programs will be met once a student successfully completes EAP 220, 225, 230, 235 with a minimum grade of B+ and EAP 249 with a CR by August 1 in the year they received conditional admission for. Nursing and Education do not accept the Academic Communication Certificate. Where programs have additional requirements, conditional admission is only valid for the year of application.
Graduate Programs
The condition of admission for graduate programs will be met once a student successfully completes EAP 220, 225, 230, 235 with a minimum grade of B+ and EAP 249 with a CR by August 1, or as designated by the department. Some graduate programs require a minimum grade of A- in some ACC courses or do not accept the Academic Communication Certificate. Please contact the graduate program directly to confirm admission requirements at future.grad@ucalgary.ca.
Sample Timelines for Undergraduate Program Admission
Students can start the Semester Program or ACC in any term that allows them to complete the ACC before the fall term.
IELTS 5.0 or equivalent | IELTS 5.5 or equivalent | IELTS 6.0 or equivalent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | ACC | ||
| Fall 2025 | ESL Semester Program Level 5 | ESL Semester Program Level 6 | Start Degree Program |
| Winter 2026 | ESL Semester Program Level 6 | ACC | |
| Spring 2026 | ACC | Open Studies (Optional) | |
| Fall 2026 | Start Degree Program | Start Degree Program |
Undergraduate Degree Transfer Credit
Students successfully completing the ACC are eligible for 6 units of transfer credit towards a University of Calgary undergraduate degree program. Students receive 3 units of transfer credit for ACWR 201 (Academic Writing 201 - Introduction to Academic Writing) and 3 units of transfer credit for ENCO 2XX (Non-Specific Introductory English Course).
ACC to Open Studies to UCalgary Undergraduate Degree Programs
UCalgary Open Studies allows eligible students to take University degree-credit courses before being admitted into a degree program. Students who have completed the ACC before the fall or winter terms, may take up to four Open Studies courses (subject to availability) which may be applied towards their degrees prior to starting their undergraduate degree programs in the fall.
*Nursing and Education do not accept the ACC.
UCalgary Undergrad Pathway Application Process
ELP Only Application Process
Homestay
Living with a Canadian family is an excellent way to improve your English and intercultural skills.
Improve your English skills and explore Alberta!
Surrounded by Alberta’s many beautiful travel destinations, our Activity Program offers exciting learning opportunities on and off campus, ensuring the best possible international learning experience.
Undergraduate Program Information Session
Learn more about the UCalgary Undergraduate Program with this information session recorded in February 2023.
Graduate Program Information Session
Learn more about the Graduate Programs with this information session recorded in February 2023.