Programs and Pathways

Program Description

Our four-week Business English Program develops your communication skills and cross-cultural awareness. This program focuses on business topics such as presentations, marketing strategies, job search and interviews. You will build vocabulary specific to business, and you will become familiar with the Canadian business environment through company visits and guest speakers from different industries. Through the weekly pronunciation practice, conversation tutor meetings, resume writing, and a variety of other in-class and out-of-class activities, you will be able to deepen your cultural understanding, improve oral and written English proficiency, and build confidence in communicating in an international business context.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you should be able to:

• Carry on business and social conversations with more ease
• Use appropriate formal and informal language choices in a business setting
• Understand the culture of international business, accepted ways of expressing ideas and opinions in formal and informal work settings
• Develop business vocabulary necessary for expressing and communicating effectively in different business contexts
• Organize and deliver presentations using visual aids
• Practice writing in various business styles (e.g., agendas, minutes, resumes, emails)
• Practice speaking in different business contexts (e.g., telephoning, meetings, negotiations, presentations, company visits)
• Practice job search skills by completing various stages in the process of getting a job in Canada
• Understand and reflect on the principles of the operation of Canadian businesses

Program Entry Requirements

• Interest in improving your English for international business
• Intermediate level of English or higher

Information Sheets

• English
• Japanese
• Korean
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Application

• Apply to the Business English Program (online)
• Apply to the Business English Program (PDF form)

Program Description

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 hours of class 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.

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.

Information Sheets 

• Arabic
• English
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Forms

• Undergraduate Conditional Admission Application Package (for Saudi Arabian, Turkish, and Vietnamese students)
• Photo Guidelines Form

Application

• Apply to the English Language Certificate Program (online)
• Apply to the English Language Certificate Program (PDF form)

Program Description

The Graduate Preparation Program (GPP) is an intensive 8-month program that specifically targets the language and academic skills that students need in order to be successful graduate students in Canada.

The General Pathway Option

This option is for students interested in applying for any graduate program in Canada. Students who complete this program will receive a GPP Diploma (General Pathway).

Completion of the GPP General Pathway does not guarantee admission to the University of Guelph or other degree programs. For information on admission to graduate programs please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.

For more information on GPP Pathway Programs, please contact the University of Guelph China Application Centre.

Courses

• Advanced Speaking
• Advanced Reading
• Advanced Writing
• Advanced Listening
• Writing at the Graduate Level
• IELTS Preparation
• Critical Listening and Speaking
• Critical analysis

Program Entry Requirements

To meet the requirements for entry into the GPP, you must have the following:

• Four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a B average or higher
• Serious commitment to enrol in graduate studies
• Minimum of IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46*

*This is equivalent to an intermediate level of English. If you are entering with an intermediate level of English, you will need to complete the ELCP advanced level before moving on to the GPP courses. This may take more than 14 weeks, depending on your level of proficiency.

For additional inquiries, please contact the University of Guelph China Application Centre.

Information Sheets

• English
• Mandarin
• Russian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Forms 

• GPP General Pathway Payment Form

Application

• Apply to the Graduate Preparation Program (online)
• Apply to the Graduate Preparation Program (PDF form)

*Tuition includes 20 hours of instruction a week for ELCP Levels and 16 hours per week for GPP modules.

The combination of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) and the Open Learning program provides a flexible option for guaranteed admission to bachelor of commerce and bachelor of arts degrees at the University of Guelph.† This pathway saves you time by allowing you to complete courses toward your degree while you are finishing your advanced English language courses.‡

How it Works

The following steps are required for the Guaranteed Admission Pathway:

1. Complete the advanced level of the English Language Certificate Program
2. Complete four undergraduate courses with a 70% cumulative average†
3. Enter your degree program with four advanced credits toward your degree

†Only for students who have not studied at a post-secondary institution.

‡Students must achieve an overall average of 80% or higher in levels 7 and 8, or in levels 8 and 9 to be eligible to begin Open Learning degree-credit courses while completing the advanced level of ELCP.

Contact

If you require more information about the ELP Guaranteed Admission Pathway, please email the English Language Programs office or email the University of Guelph China Application Centre.

Begin your University of Guelph degree while you study English. Unlike the Guaranteed Admission Pathway, the Integrated Admission Pathway allows you to start taking university degree-credit courses immediately. The combination of English language courses* and selected degree-credit courses provides a simultaneous learning experience within a supported environment. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to apply your new English language skills to your academic studies right away.

This new pathway provides a flexible option for guaranteed admission to a variety of degree programs at the University of Guelph, including:

• Bachelor of science (all majors with co-op option)
• Bachelor of arts (all majors with co-op option)
• Bachelor of commerce (undeclared)

How it Works

Complete five courses (5 x 0.5 credits) towards your degree in just three semesters. Begin your full-time degree program in your fourth semester.

Available Support

Experienced English language instructors and faculty members will guide your learning so you can enjoy a smooth transition to a degree program. Additionally, conversation tutors, English language buddies, and supported learning groups are available to support your academic success.

English Learning House

Live on campus in a supported living and learning environment and take advantage of an opportunity to build your network of Canadian friends and develop real English skills.

Admission Requirements

• IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 56 or equivalent
• Strong academic transcripts**

Detailed Pathway Information

Information Sheets 

• Arabic
• English
• Farsi
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Application

• Apply to the Integrated Admission Pathway (online)
• Apply to the Integrated Admission Pathway (PDF form)

Expenses

Fee Payment Deadlines

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

Current Students - ELCP Refund Policy

* Course fees = Tuition + Student Services
** Medical Insurance fees are non-refundable

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.

New Applicants - GPP Refund Policy

Current Students - GPP Refund Policy

There is no refund available for current GPP students.
Eligible students will receive a 100% refund on course fees* for any GPP modules that ELP is not able to deliver. Alternatively students may transfer fees to the next available offering.

* Course fees = Tuition + Student Services
** Medical Insurance fees are non-refundable