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ESL Foundation Program Pathways
Is this for me?
The ESL Foundation Program (one and two terms) teaches in-depth English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our instructors will inspire you to work hard and accomplish your educational goals, rewarding students who aim high. You will participate in 20-25 hours of classroom activity weekly in a supportive environment with small class sizes. Transition into your undergraduate program with up to three credits earned toward your degree.
The length of the program is determined by your English score:
English proficiency requirements
IELTS 6.0,
or Duolingo 105-115,
or TOEFL iBT 79-82,
or equivalent
Program dates based on undergraduate start date
September 2025:
January 13, 2025 - May 2, 2025
or
May 5, 2025 - August 22, 2025
January 2025:
August 25, 2025 - December 12, 2025
Cost
$16,900 CAD*
*Expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD), program costs include tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance and one degree credit course. Fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.
English proficiency requirements
IELTS 5.0,
or Duolingo 80-90,
or TOEFL iBT 64-68,
or equivalent
Program dates based on undergraduate start date
September 2025:
January 13, 2025 - August 22, 2025
January 2026:
May 5, 2025 - December 12, 2025
September 2026:
August 25, 2025 - May 1, 2026
Cost
$32,900 CAD*
*Expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD), program costs include tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance and two degree credit courses. Fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.
Blended Delivery
Our classes will be delivered in a blended format: in person and virtually. You will be located in the heart of downtown Toronto to attend classes in person, where public health protocols will be followed closely. The remainder of student learning is completed virtually synchronously and asynchronously with the support of your instructor and through structured, independent learning.
Global Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our global curriculum provides students with an opportunity to learn how to develop solutions to real-world problems as they connect their undergraduate program as well as lived experiences to the SDG themes and sub-themes taught in the classroom.
After completion
Successful completion of the ESL Foundation Program allows you to join any of our 60+ undergraduate degree programs.
Alumni Spotlight
"Hi, I'm Jessica! As a previous student and student staff in the English Language Institute, the ELI not only provided me with comprehensive English language support but also helped me build connections to university services. The outstanding instructors at the ELI have extensive ESL experience and qualifications. The small class size allowed instructors to provide more individual support to all students.
The ESL Foundation Program helped me prepare for transition into my undergraduate program, through participation in the peer to peer mentoring program and having access to events and information sessions throughout my ESL studies. These events really helped me become more knowledgeable and confident on day one of my undergraduate studies."
Jessica Zhang, ESL Foundation Program Graduate, China
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Take a virtual tour of the English Language Institute.
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