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Basic English as a Second Language, Certificate

If English is not your first language and you want to upgrade your skills Camosun offers eight levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) training. We have a course for every level of English language learner (ELL).

Three students outside

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Length

Varies

Tuition-free

Upgrading courses and programs are tuition-free for domestic students.
Grant info

If you are learning English as an international language, this program is for you

Start in September, January, March or May

With our help and support, you’ll become more confident in listening, speaking, reading and writing English. Offering eight levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) training, Camosun has a course for everyone.

ELD student

Set yourself on the right path

In this skills-based program, speakers of other languages develop essential English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. This is a unique opportunity with a multicultural student population, authentic language practice, Canadian culture experience, and electives to support the required courses. Domestic and international students can study full and part-time to improve their Englishskills for a variety of goals related to academic study and daily life in an English language setting.

A supportive community

Our instructors are highly qualified and committed to providing a friendly and caring learning experience in an adult environment. We understand the pressures and challenges of learning a new language. Ourscheduling is flexibleto fit your busy life: full-time, part-time, at your own pace; day or evening; all year round.

Info Sessionto be announced

ELD Info Session Slides- PDF

English Help Centres

Staffed with expert language tutors, Camosun's English Help Centres have multi-media computer labs and a variety of other support services to help you succeed. You’ll be a part of ourcampus communityand meet new friends.

Learn at your level

If you're a beginning or pre-intermediate student, you will start withlistening and speaking skillsand an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition in levels 1-5.

If you're a more experienced English language learner, you willtake more advanced courses, either to prepare you for college and university level programs or to gain professional English skills for the Canadian workplace in levels 6-9. EAP

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in.

ELD female student

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

Basics and essentials!

Basic English as a Second Languagecourses are for beginning and pre-intermediate students who have a fundamental and developing knowledge of English. Emphasis is on the development of speaking and listening skills with an introduction to reading comprehension and written composition.

For success in these programs, you are encouraged to immerse yourself in English outside your classes, attend regularly, participate in class, and complete homework and assignments.

Related link

Subject Area: Learn about other ESL programs and courses

School of Access

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program

Basic English as a Second Language, Certificate

For domestic students, 0-level English (ELD) upgrading courses are tuition-free.

For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to:Student Fees

Financial assistance

ճAdult Upgrading Grant (AUG)covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

Admission requirements

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Ready to get started?

Get your application in for the September, October, January, March or May intake.

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Our teaching staff

̽ is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.

Faculty/staff profile

Kirsten Bunton

Kirsten Bunton

Co-Chair, English Language Development

buntonk@camosun.ca
250-370-3376
Ewing Building

Faculty/staff profile

Beth Konomoto

Beth Konomoto

Instructor, Basic ESL, English Language Development

konomotob@camosun.ca
250-370-4937
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Gillian Atkinson

Gill Atkinson

Instructor, English Language Development

atkinsong@camosun.ca
250-370-3672/4931
Ewing Building and Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Pei Mei Chia

Pei Mei Chia

Co-Chair Basic ESL, English Language Development

chiapm@camosun.ca
250-370-4945
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Sandra Christensen

Sandra Christensen

Instructor, English Language Development

christensens@camosun.ca
250-370-3983
Ewing Building

Faculty/staff profile

Laura Hadwin

Laura Hadwin

Instructor, English Language Development

Faculty/staff profile

Judith Hunt

Judith Hunt

Instructor, English Language Development

huntj@camosun.ca
250-370-3469
Ewing Building

Faculty/staff profile

Lynnea Jackson

Lynnea Jackson

Instructor, English Language Development

jacksonl@camosun.ca
250-370-4971
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Diana Kohl

Diana Kohl

Instructor, English Language Development

kohld@camosun.ca
250-370-4931
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Debra Lewis

Debra Lewis

Instructor, English Language Development

lewisd@camosun.ca
250-370-3384
Ewing Building

Faculty/staff profile

Cristina Petersen

Cristina Petersen

Instructor, English Language Development

petersenc@camosun.ca
250-370-3194
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

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Emily Ryan

Instructor, English Language Development

Faculty/staff profile

Leigh Sunderland

Leigh Sunderland

Instructor, English Language Development

sunderlandl@camosun.ca
250-370-4944
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Nick Travers

Nick Travers

Instructor, English Language Development

traversn@camosun.ca
250-370-4973
Centre for Business and Access

Faculty/staff profile

Tony Vernon

Tony Vernon

Instructor, English Language Development

vernona@camosun.ca
250-370-3982
Ewing Building

Faculty/staff profile

Elizabeth West

Elizabeth West

Instructor, English Language Development

west@camosun.ca
250-370-3691
E 210

Faculty/staff profile

Sarah McCagherty

Sarah McCagherty

Multilingual Support Specialist for HHS and T&T, ELD Departments

mccaghertys@camosun.ca
250-370-4969
Centre for Business and Access

Dogwood Blossoms on the Landsdowne Campus

Learn more

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Contact information

English Language Development (ESL)

We want to hear from you!

250-370-4941

eldregistration@camosun.ca


International Admissions

International students please contact International Admissions