Study English in Niagara
ESL
English as a Second Language Programs Become empowered, confident, and competent in all English skills. The Niagara College School of English Language Studies offers various English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to provide a customized learning experience for students.
English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Program English Language and Culture Program (ELCP) Gap Year Program English Plus Program • Learn from Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certified teachers • Get personalized attention in small classes, averaging 16-20 students • Transition smoothly into your Niagara College studies with guidance from a dedicated advisor • Join a trusted program from a College with 20+ years of proven expertise in educator training • Benefit from a high-quality program accredited by Languages Canada * This brochure’s information is accurate as of June 29, 2026, but is subject to change. For the latest details, refer to the Niagara College websites for the most up to date information.
“When I came to Canada, I understood half of what people said and couldn’t communicate my thoughts properly. My English is understood today because I studied in NC’s EAP program and now English has become my second language, which is a credit to my wonderful teachers. The EAP program helped me a lot with my post-secondary studies, with getting a job, and with being able to talk to people here.”
Ingrid Vitalino Program: EAP, Construction Engineering Hometown: Brazil
Dates *Short Term EAP Join mid-term by enrolling in the final 7 weeks of a 14-week term – ideal for those unable to arrive at the start of the term and who want to improve their English and immerse themselves in Canadian culture in as little as two months.
English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
English Language and Culture Program (ELCP)
2027
2028
2027
2028
January 11 - April 23
January 10 - April 21
January 11- February 5
January 10 - February 4
March 8* - April 23
March 6* - April 21
March 8 - April 2
March 6 - 31
May 10 - August 20
May 8 - August 18
May 10 - June 4
May 8 - June 2
July 5* - August 20
July 4* - August 18
July 5 - 30
July 4 - 28
September 8 - December 17
September 6 - December 15
August 3 - 27
July 31 - August 25
November 1* - December 17
October 30* - December 15
September 8 - October 1
September 6 - 29
November 1 - 26
October 30 - November 24
English as a Second Language
Programs Overview EAP
ELCP
• Students preparing to enter college or university • Professionals seeking to succeed in an English-speaking workplace
• Students interested in learning English and exploring Canadian culture through classes and fun activities
Duration
2 - 20 months
1 month
Start Dates
January, March, May, July, September, November
January, February, March, May, July, August, September, November
Weekly classes: 23-25 hours
Weekly classes: 20+ hours
Classes are offered at 5 levels, beginner through advanced
Paired with educational trips and fun social events
English for Academic Preparation
Who Should Apply?
Level and Structure
Cost breakdown
English Language and Culture Program
Each level: 7 weeks of study + 1 week break + 7 weeks of study = 4 months
Total: $4,218.74 per term (4 months)
Total: $4,695
Includes: Tuition: $5,000 Medical Insurance: $368.74 Activity Fee: $350 Subtotal: 5,718.74 EAP Bursary: -$1,500
• social activities • academic activities • accommodations • meals • airport transportation • health insurance • tuition
All-inclusive program includes:
Cost may change based on homestay availability/pricing at time of booking
• Prepare your English language skills for postsecondary studies at Niagara College
Outcome
• Learn to communicate effectively in professional settings
• Enhance your speaking, listening, and pronunciation skills • Experience life as a Canadian college student
• Adapt to living and learning in an English-speaking environment
Prices may be subject to change at any time, and all reflect Canadian currency. The cost breakdown reflects 2027 fees.
Gap Year Program
English Plus
• Students on a break between secondary school and postsecondary education looking to improve English and explore college programs
• Students who want to improve English, earn academic credits, and explore academic areas
4 - 16 months
2 - 8 months
January, May, September
January, March, May, June, September, October
Weekly classes: 20+ hours Program Options: • 1 or 2 terms of English for Academic Preparation (EAP) • 1 or 2 terms of postsecondary programming in a variety of areas
Weekly classes of English: 20-25 hours Weekly classes in another area of study*: 2 to 6 hours * Students must be at least Level 3 in English to join these classes.
• 1 or 2 terms of EAP and 1 or 2 terms of postsecondary programming
Total: $10,018.74 per term (4 months) Includes: Tuition: $9,300 College Program Exploration option, including 5 postsecondary courses Medical Insurance: $368.74 Activity Fee: $350
• Experience Niagara College • Explore career options in many program areas while enhancing your English language skills
Program is customizable and based on a minimum of 10 participants Email for additional information: gctc@niagaracollege.ca
• Gain English as a Second Language skills and exposure to a particular area of interest • Create your own customized cohort experience with endless programs to choose from and flexible start and end dates
EAP English for
Academic Preparation Do you want to succeed in an English-speaking academic or professional environment? Niagara College’s EAP is a high-quality, comprehensive program designed to help you build confidence and master the English language skills needed to thrive in college, university, or the workplace. Applicants to this program should be in the process of completing, or have completed, their final year of secondary school.
Goals • Improve your English for school or work
NC’s EAP will help you: • Get ready for postsecondary studies at Niagara College or other Colleges or Universities • Improve your personal and professional development • Gain English skills for your life in Canada
Program Features:
Learn skills in:
• Six session starts per year
• Academic Writing and Grammar
• Classes are offered at five levels, beginner through advanced
• Career Readiness Strategies
• Weekly organized social events and activities
• Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Expansion
• 23-25 hours of classes per week • Certificate of achievement upon successful completion of Level 5
• Cultural and Educational Adaptation Techniques • Effective Speaking, Pronunciation, and Presentation. • Active Listening and Note Taking • Research Methodologies for Academic Success
...and more! international.niagaracollege.ca/cultural-program
Sample Class Schedule for EAP Monday 9:30
Speaking Production
10:30
Applied Grammar
11:30
Tuesday
2:30 3:30
Thursday
Comprehension Skills
Academic Writing
Applied Grammar
Academic Writing Comprehension Skills
Friday Academic Writing
Comprehension Skills
12:30 1:30
Wednesday
Speaking Production
Applied Grammar Speaking Production
Comprehension Skills
Academic Writing
Applied Grammar
Speaking Production
4:30 * This class schedule is to provide an example of a possible week for an EAP student. Times and days will vary by term.
Your NC Journey Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Determine your Level
Complete the required EAP levels based on your placement test (Levels 1-5) Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
English Foundation
English Foundation
Academic Foundations
Academic Foundations
Career and Academic Readiness
24 hours a week
23 hours a week
25 hours a week
23 Hours a week
23 Hours a week
Placement Test
Applied Grammar
Complete Niagara College English proficiency testing at the EAP Orientation or Submit an external test
Comprehension Skills and Strategy Development
Speaking Listening Reading
Speaking Production
Writing Grammar
Developing Academic Writing
Applied Comprehension and Multimedia Literacy
CEFR A2 IELTS 3.0-3.5 Duolingo 50-65
EAP to Postsecondary Scholarship $2,500 - $5,000 pen to students who complete Level 5 of Niagara O College’s EAP Program and are entering an academic postsecondary program at Niagara College. Award Amounts: . $2,500 scholarship toward Term 1 of an academic program at Niagara College. . An additional $2,500 is awarded in Term 2, contingent upon achieving a minimum average of 80% in Term 1
CEFR B1 IELTS 4.0-4.5 Duolingo 70-80
CEFR B1+ IELTS 5.0 Duolingo 85-90
Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs
Active and Accurate Writing Speaking Production Listening and Note Taking Skills for College Preparation
Equivalent external testing scores CEFR Pre-A1, A1 IELTS 1.5-2.5 Duolingo 20-45
Graduate Level 5 of EAP
CEFR B2 IELTS 5.5-6 Duolingo 95-100
Apply for NC programs or use new English skills in your profession
EAP Bursary* $750 - $1,500 Open to international students enrolled full-time in the English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program. Eligible students may receive the bursary for each term they are enrolled in EAP, including both new and returning students. Award amounts: . $1,500 for the four-month offering. . $750 for the two-month offering.
* No form submission is required to receive this scholarship/bursary. All actively enrolled eligible students after Day 10 of term start will receive the scholarship/bursary onto their student account. These opportunities are available for 2027.
international.niagaracollege.ca/scholarships
ELCP English Language and Culture Program
Do you want to develop practical English skills while experiencing Canadian culture? Niagara College’s ELCP combines language learning with cultural exploration through interactive classes, excursions, and social activities – helping you build confidence in real-life communication. Goals:
Program Features:
• Have fun learning English and exploring Canadian culture
• Small class sizes, average is 15 to 20 students per class
Enhanced Academic Preparation
• Duration: approximately one month
NC’s ELCP will help you: • Enhance your English skills, focusing on speaking, listening, and pronunciation, to communicate with confidence • Experience life as a Canadian college student • Make friends from Canada and all over the world
For Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, ELCP classes include integration with Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program. Students gain all ELCP benefits plus:
• State-of-the-art digital languages labs and use of all college services and facilities • Engaging educational trips, including Niagara Falls, and fun social events • Language testing and assessment
• Preparation for postsecondary studies at Niagara College or other institutions
• Friendly, supportive staff • Language learning games, role-playing, problem solving and group activities
• Career readiness strategies
Accommodation options: • Homestay: live with a friendly Canadian family (all sessions)
international.niagaracollege.ca /cultural-program
• Residence: experience life on campus (only summer sessions)
Sample schedule for ELCP 9:30 10:30
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English Through the Arts
Integrated Skills
Integrated Skills
Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies
11:30 12:30 1:30
Integrated Skills
Cultural Studies
Integrated Skills
2:30 3:00 * This class schedule is to provide an example of a possible week for an ELCP Summer student. Times and days may vary.
Integrated Skills
Gap Year Program Do you want to explore your academic and career options while improving your English? Experience Niagara College during your Gap Year, a break between high school/secondary school and postsecondary education. Discover your potential through the English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program, sample a variety of college program areas, or combine EAP with exploring college programs. Goals:
NC’s Gap Year Program will help you:
Customize your program by choosing from: •E AP: 1 or 2 terms (4 or 8 months)
• Reflect on your skills, abilities, and aptitudes to make an informed choice about your future
•C ollege program exploration: 1 or 2 terms
• Explore career options in program areas that reflect your interests
•E AP plus college program exploration: combine 1 or 2 terms of EAP with 1 or 2 terms of college programs * Language proficiency requirements apply.
• Enhance your English language skills
For more information email gctc@niagaracollege.ca
English Plus Program
Do you want to develop your English skills PLUS earn academic credits? This program combines academic and professional English language training with academic courses. Diversify your credits, transfer them to your home university, and learn in a multicultural environment alongside Canadian and international students. NC’s English Plus Program will help you: Goals: • Gain English as a Second Language skills through either NC’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program or English Language and Culture Program (ELCP) PLUS experiential learning and exposure to a particular area of interest • Create your own customized cohort experience, with flexible start and end dates * Possibility of transferring your Niagara College credits to another postsecondary institution. Check with your home institution for transfer credit options.
• Get ready for postsecondary studies at Niagara College or other colleges or universities • Compare key program learning outcomes from your home country and Canada • Enhance English learning with vocationally focused classes in any academic area, such as English Plus Technology, English Plus Culinary, English Plus Hospitality, and more. • Prepare for your future career Program is customizable and based on a minimum of 10 participants
For more information email gctc@niagaracollege.ca
Living in the
Niagara Region Be a part of a diverse and multicultural community that services more than 13 million tourists from around the world every year.* * Niagara Region Economic Development
Lifestyle Niagara Region is known across Canada for its art, music, food and culture, offering fulfilling experiences for both families and individuals.
40+
2,800+
nature conservation areas
300 km
40+
of bike trails
100+
wineries
golf courses
tourism businesses
1,200+
restaurants
100+
performing arts establishments
*niagaracanada.com/key-sectors/tourism **welcomeniagaracanada.com
“ The Niagara Region celebrates diversity, which makes my family and I feel at home. The whole area is perfect for living as a student and raising children.”
Nashwa Higazy Program: Business Administration – Human Resources Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
“ Discovering the Niagara Region has been an incredible journey. From its picturesque landscapes to the rich history, leisure options, and the welcoming community, it’s a perfect place for singles.”
Theophilus Grace Fayinka Program: Office Administration Hometown: Nigeria
Student Life and Support • Academic and Immigration Advising • Airport Transportation •C areer Services and Employment Support •H ealth and Counselling Services •M ulti-Faith Rooms • Orientation • Peer Tutoring •P re-departure Sessions • Student Accessibility Services
Get involved on Campus
A D A CANQUÉBEC
Enhance your student lifestyle and make friends through a diverse range of opportunities for involvement. Québec City
Montréal
ONTARIO
· Athletics and Recreation programs · Events and Social Activities · Clubs and Volunteer Opportunities.
Ottawa
Toronto Toronto
Niagara Falls
Boston
Buffalo New York
A U.S.
tario Lake On
.
Discover more by visiting niagaracollege.ca/studentlife
Accommodations Choose from several options for housing and accommodations. · Landing Pad (one month)
Niagara-on-the-Lake St. Catharines
A U.S.
.
· Homestay (two or more months) · On-Campus Residence · Off-Campus Living
Niagara Falls
DA A N CA Welland
Lake Erie
international.niagaracollege.ca /student-services/housing-options
Have questions? international@niagaracollege.ca 905-735-2211 extension: 7151
Connect with NC International: @ncinternational Proud founding partner
international.niagaracollege.ca