The Intensive English Program has seven levels, ranging from elementary to advanced, and offers a wide variety of courses. As a full-time student, you will choose three courses each session: one Speaking and Listening course, one Reading course and one Writing course. You can choose to focus on Communication or Academic Preparation courses in each of the skills, or you can choose a combination of courses. You will take placement tests at the beginning of each session to determine your level in reading, writing and listening and speaking. Then, with the help of a course advisor, you will choose a program according to your interests and your level in each skill area. Your courses may all be at one level or they may be at different levels. For example, you might take a Level 400 Speaking and Listening course, a Level 400 Writing course and a Level 500 Reading course.

All courses focus on skills such as Speaking & Listening, Reading & Vocabulary, Writing & Grammar and Pronunciation.

The Intensive English Program (IEP) gives you full-time English language training in 16-week terms starting in January, May and September.

Please see Dates and Prices below for more information on start and end dates for IEP.

IEP Weekly Schedule

IEP students take 3 classes per day from Monday-Thursday, either from 08:30-15:40 or 10:20-17:30 with one break during the day for lunch and homework (see sample schedules below).  On Fridays, students attend workshops from 10:20-14:40

Click here to see the dates and prices for all UBC ELI programs.

At the end of each IEP 16 week session or 8 week term, the English Language Institute issues you a transcript of your grades. At the end of your studies, the ELI awards Level Certificates for achievement in all of the language skills. You will earn a University of British Columbia Certificate in English Language upon successful completion of a Speaking and Listening course, a Reading course and a Writing course at the same level. Successful completion of a Level 600 certificate can help you to apply to UBC degree programs - see From the IEP into UBC, below.

If you are interested in applying to UBC for undergraduate studies but lack the required English skills, taking the Intensive English Program is one way to meet UBC’s minimum language requirements. Students who successfully complete three courses at the highest level of the IEP receive a level-600 University of British Columbia Certificate in English Language. This is accepted by UBC as proof of English language proficiency (equivalent to the TOEFL requirement) for admission to undergraduate degree programs. For more information, see the UBC admissions requirements, or contact the UBC ELI.

Conditional admission is for academically outstanding applicants who do not yet meet UBC’s English language admission standard. You may be admitted to a degree program on the condition that you develop your academic English to the required standard at UBC Continuing Studies’ English Language Institute.

The University of British Columbia, Continuing Studies, offers two unique internship programs for international students. By engaging in a combination of academic study and an internship with a local organization, students are provided with a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills both in the classroom and workplace and bridge the cross-cultural challenges that face today’s integrated global economy. This gives students a leading edge in the highly competitive market in professional and academic settings. ELI students would have to successfully complete the appropriate level of the Intensive English Program before going on to the Internship Program.