Semester Program
ESL 100 | 12/13 Weeks
Grow your English skills, step by step! Start at your level and learn with confidence. Each semester includes 11–12 weeks of classes and assessment, followed by exams.
Upcoming Semester Program start dates
Explore upcoming dates and choose the session that works best for you. If you need travel documents, apply for them at least three months before your program starts.
Jan 04 to Mar 25, 2027
Jan 04 to Mar 24, 2028
Apr 19 to Jul 16, 2027
Apr 18 to Jul 14, 2028
Sep 20 to Dec 17, 2027
Level 1 – 5: Acquiring accuracy: comprehensive English
- Separate courses in Grammar, Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening
- Levels: high beginner to upper advanced in each skill area
- 11/12 weeks of instruction and assessment followed by exams
- Enter the program in any session and combine semester programs
- Most students can expect to achieve an advanced level of English in 1 year (3 semesters + 1 intensive program of study)
Courses
Learn grammar through speaking, listening, reading, writing and vocabulary.
Develop reading, writing and vocabulary skills with a focus on critical thinking.
Communicate accurately and fluently in different English-speaking situations.
Level 6: Academic preparation
The top level of our Semester Program focuses on the written and oral skills necessary for success in the English language post-secondary classroom. Students completing Level 6, with a minimum final grade of B+ in each course meet the English language proficiency requirement for:
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)
- UCalgary Continuing Education International Professional Programs, see conted.ucalgary.ca/ipp
- Conditional admission and acceptance to NAIT
Courses
Strengthen advanced reading and vocabulary skills through focused practice and critical thinking.
Develop critical thinking skills, writing tasks and various grammatical structures at an academic level.
Build advanced speaking and listening skills through lectures, discussions and research presentations.
Experience value
Our tuition includes the following, and more...
Course materials
Textbooks and handouts.
Public transit access
Public train and bus pass for courses 12 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 for courses that are 3 weeks or longer.
Campus resources
Access to the campus library, computers and wiFi.
It was an incredible experience from which I learned the language and met friends from different cultures.
Randa from Libya
Class schedule
A certificate of participation will be given at the end of the course to students who attend a minimum of 90% of classes.
Sample timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Grammar
| Grammar
| Grammar
| Grammar
| Grammar
| Optional Activity Program |
| Afternoon | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Speaking and Listening | Optional Activity Program |
Admission requirements
Proof of English language proficiency is not required to enter the Semester Program; students will be tested before the program begins and then placed in the appropriate level.
Advanced placement
Proof of English language proficiency is not required to enter the Semester Program; students will be tested at the beginning of the program and then placed in the appropriate level.
Advanced placement into levels 5 and 6 of the Semester Program is available for students wishing to guarantee placement. One of the following minimum scores is required:
Level 5:
- UCalgary ELP Semester Program, Level 4, Minimum B+
- IELTS Academic score of 5.0 overall, 5.0 in writing, 4.5 in all other skill areas
- Duolingo English Test score of 85 overall, 75 in production
- TOEFL iBT score of 45 overall, 15 in writing
- CAEL score of 40 overall, 40 in writing
Level 6:
- UCalgary ELP Semester Program, Level 5, Minimum B+
- IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall, 5.5 in writing, 5.0 in all other skill areas
- Duolingo English Test score of 95 overall, 85 in production
- TOEFL iBT score of 55 overall, 18 in writing
- CAEL score of 50 overall, 50 in writing
Jump-start ACC
Combine Semester Program level 6 Grammar/Composition and Reading/Vocabulary classes in the morning and ACC listening/oral communication skill classes in the afternoon.
- IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in all skill areas or equivalent
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.
We offer classes ranging from high-beginner* to upper-advanced levels. If a student’s English proficiency falls below our available levels, we will refer them to other language institutions.
*High-beginner means you can:
1. Introduce yourself, communicate basic simple needs, ask and answer simple questions about personal details
2. Write simple sentences in English using a subject, verb and object
3. Use 500-1000 words in English on familiar topics like shopping, weather, and simple routines
4. Follow simple directions in English and interact with others in a simple way
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.
Homestay
Living with a Canadian family is an excellent way to improve your English and intercultural skills.