ESL Pathways – Advanced
Overview
Improve your English for real-world scenarios such as job interviews, informal conversations, and public speaking while attaining Canadian Language Benchmarks Levels 8-9.
| Tuition | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | Varies |
| Hours | Part- or Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
| Tuition | $14,277 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | Varies |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates | |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
Total number of contact hours for each language skill course (i.e. Listening & Speaking 8, Reading & Writing 8, Listening & Speaking 9, and Reading & Writing 9) is 120 hours.
The ESL Experiential Learning 2 course is to be completed at the end of the program as a requirement for Certification is 48 hours.
The maximum number of hours required to receive the ESL Pathways Advanced Certificate is 528 hours.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
-
Successful completion of previous Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for the two language skill areas
-
For example, entry into ESL Listening and Speaking 8 requires completion of CLB 7 Listening and Speaking
or -
Assessment on a VCC approved CLB placement test indicating competency in CLB 7 Listening and Speaking
-
Notes
- Students can be enrolled in ESL Reading and Writing at a different level than ESL Speaking and Listening depending on their assessment. The gap between the two courses may not exceed more than one Benchmark level.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
Students should be well-educated in their country/language of origin. Most students in the ESL Pathways program have completed high school and at least 2 years of post-secondary study. The expectation is that students seek to become autonomous learners. In addition, student should be open and interested in learning about Canadian cultural norms and to developing citizenship values of tolerance and multiculturalism.
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | March 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2026 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | July 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Not currently available.
Courses
See the full schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELSK 0815 | ESL Listening and Speaking 8 | 4 |
| ELSK 0820 | ESL Reading and Writing 8 | 4 |
| ELSK 0915 | ESL Listening & Speaking 9 | 4 |
| ELSK 0920 | ESL Reading & Writing 9 | 4 |
| ELSK 0905 | ESL Experiential Learning 2 | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 17.5 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
NOTE: The fees below show the total cost if you study full-time and you take all of the courses in 10 months. Click on a course to find out how much it costs. (Note: These courses are tuition-free. The amount shown is fees.)
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $53 | |
| Campus resource | $89 | |
| U-Pass | $329 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition Deposit: $6,000
Tuition deposits are payable usually within two weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
The estimated tuition is based on the entire certificate.
| Application fee | $145 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,277 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $56 | |
| Campus resource | $89 | |
| U-Pass | $329 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $1,010 | |
| Total | $15,287 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Are you interested in EAL classes?
STEP 1: Find your level
You need to have one of the following language assessments:
- Duolingo (taken within the last 2 years) - how to take this test
- IELTS General or Academic (taken within the last 2 years)
- CLBPT (taken within the last 1 year)
- LINC Progress Report or Certificate
- VCC Pathways results
- VCC EAL Accuplacer + Speaking Assessment
STEP 2: Find your classes
Find classes at your level. Find days and times that work for you.
- Check the ESL Pathways Certificate page for courses at CLB 5-7. Click "See the full schedule."
- Check the ESL Pathways Advanced Certificate page for courses at CLB 8-9. Click "See the full schedule."
- Check the ESL page for individual courses (grammar, pronunciation, and more)
STEP 3: Apply
- Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
- Choose ESL Pathways Certificate as your program
- You must also:
- Provide the results from your language assessment
- Submit a copy of your Permanent Resident card
STEP 4: Register
- You will receive an email with instructions on how to register online. If you have any questions, you can go to the Registrar's Office to register in person.
STEP 5: Pay fees
- The classes are tuition free but you must pay college fees and UPass fees (if eligible). You will get an email with your fees and instructions on how to pay.
- The StudentAid BC Adult Upgrading Grant may cover the cost of the fees. See Financial Aid for Adult Upgrading Grant application information.
You can contact the EAL department by email, phone, or in person:
- Email: eal@vcc.ca
- Phone: 604.871.7301 (leave a message)
- In Person: VCC Broadway campus, Building A, Room 3625
- Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Friday by appointment only
Need help? Please read the Questions and Answers for Pathways Students.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?