English Language Certificate Program

About the English Language Program

The English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) is an intensive academic English program designed to prepare you for academic success. You will learn the skills you need to succeed in university studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The 7-week terms include 20 instructional hours per week.

Certificate of Proficiency

When you successfully complete the advanced level of the ELCP, you earn the University of Guelph Certificate of English Proficiency. This certificate meets the English proficiency requirements for admission to the University of Guelph and University of Guelph-Humber.

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Program Entry Requirements

You must meet the following requirements for entry into the ELCP:

  • 18 years of age or older*
  • Completion of secondary school* with strong marks
  • Minimum high beginner level of English proficiency
  • Academic goal to study at university, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, or to improve academic English

*If you are 17 and/or still completing secondary school, please contact the English Language Programs office, as these requirements can be waived in some exceptional cases.

Language Levels

The duration of each level is seven weeks.  The levels are divided as follows:

  • Levels 1 and 2 - High beginner level
  • Levels 3 and 4 - Low intermediate level
  • Levels 5 and 6 - Intermediate level - most students who have studied English in secondary school enter the program at this level or higher
  • Levels 7 and 8 - High intermediate level
  • Levels 9 and 10 - Advanced level. Completion of both Level 9 and Level 10 meets the English proficiency requirement for entry into undergraduate and graduate degree programs

Placement Testing

A few days prior to the start of the program, you will be tested for placement into the appropriate English class level.


Translated Information Sheets and Forms

Information Sheets 

Forms

Dates
January 9, 2023
Winter A (7 weeks)
  • December 2, 2022: Application Deadline 
  • January 5, 2023: Orientation  
  • January 9 – February 24, 2023: Class Dates 
March 6, 2023
Winter B (7 weeks)
  • February 10, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • March 2, 2023: Orientation 
  • March 6 – April 20, 2023: Class Dates 
  • April 21, 2023: Closing Ceremony 
May 8, 2023
Summer A (7 weeks)
  • April 10, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • May 4, 2023: Orientation 
  • May 8 – June 23, 2023: Class Dates 
July 3, 2023
Summer B (7 weeks)
  • June 9, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • June 29, 2023: Orientation 
  • July 3 – August 17, 2023: Class Dates 
  • August 18, 2023: Closing Ceremony 
September 7, 2023
Fall A (7 weeks)
  • August 4, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • August 31, 2023: Orientation 
  • September 7 – October 20, 2023: Class Dates 
October 30, 2023
Fall B (7 weeks)
  • October 6, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • October 26, 2023: Orientation  
  • October 30 – December 14, 2023: Class Dates 
  • December 15, 2023: Closing Ceremony 
January 8, 2024
Winter A (7 weeks) 
  • November 28, 2023: Application Deadline 
  • January 4, 2024: Orientation 
  • January 8 – February 23, 2024: Class Dates 
March 4, 2024
Winter B (7 weeks) 
  • February 9, 2024: Application Deadline 
  • February 29, 2024: Orientation 
  • March 4 – April 18, 2024: Class Dates 
  • April 19, 2024: Closing Ceremony 
May 6, 2024
Summer A (7 weeks) 
  • April 5, 2024: Application Deadline 
  • May 2, 2024: Orientation 
  • May 6 – June 21, 2024: Class Dates 
July 2, 2024
Summer B (7 weeks)
  • June 7, 2024: Application Deadline 
  • June 27, 2024: Orientation 
  • July 2 – August 15, 2024: Class Dates 
  • August 16, 2024: Closing Ceremony 
September 5, 2024
Fall A (7 weeks) 
  • August 2, 2024: Application Deadline 
  • August 29, 2024: Orientation  
  • September 5 – October 18, 2024: Class Dates 
October 28, 2024
Fall B (7 weeks)
  • October 4, 2024: Application Deadline 
  • October 24, 2024: Orientation 
  • October 28 – December 12, 2024: Class Dates 
  • December 13, 2024: Closing Ceremony 
Fees
Fees

Required Expenses

7 Weeks

14 Weeks

Comments

Application Fee

$150

$150

Application fees are non-refundable.

Tuition Fee

$2,938 (2023)
$3,027 (2024)

$5,628 (2023)
$5,797 (2024)

Tuition fee includes cost of placement testing as well as some study materials.

Student Services Fees

$575 (2023)
$600 (2024)

$760 (2023)
$793 (2024)

Fee includes use of library facilities, Athletic Centre, email account, Internet services, bus pass and social events.

Medical Insurance

$110

$220

 

Textbooks

$250

$250-500

Textbooks are sold at the University Bookstore.

Refund Policy

The refund policy applies only to fees paid to the University of Guelph English Language Programs. Any additional fees paid to third parties are not subject to this policy.

Application Fee: The $150 application fee is non-refundable. All housing application fees $375/$525 are non-refundable.

New Applicants - ELCP Refund Policy
Refund Request Deadline

With an Original Visa
Refusal Document

Without an Original Visa
Refusal Document

Up to 2 calendar months prior to the first day of class 100% tuition deposit + 100% any additional fees 50% tuition deposit + 100% any additional fees
Less than 2 calendar months prior to the first day of class 100% tuition deposit + 100% any additional fees 0% tuition deposit + 100% any additional fees
Current Students - ELCP Refund Policy
Refund Request DeadlineRefund Amount
Up to 10 business days before the first day of class 70% of current 7 week course fees* + 100% any additional fees**
Up to the 5th day of class 50% of current 7 week course fees* + 100% any additional fees**
After 5th day of class 0% of current 7 week course fees* + 100% any additional fees**

* Course fees = Tuition + Student Services

** Medical Insurance fees are non-refundable

 


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