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Academic Calendar

2026/27

Academic Calendar 2026/27

English Language Studies

UFV's Upgrading and University Preparation department offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses and several English Language Studies (ELS) associate certificates. These help students develop English writing, speaking, listening, and reading comprehension skills, build confidence communicating at work and in the community, and reach their educational or employment goals.

The EAP courses and ELS associate certificates provide English-language instruction at intermediate (EAP 050), high intermediate (EAP 060), advanced (EAP 070), and university bridge (EAP 080) levels. Elective courses with a specific focus are also available, such as EAP 075 (English for Business and the Workplace) and EAP 065 (English Pronunciation).

Students who plan to apply for further university study and need to meet UFV’s English language proficiency requirements may do so by completing the advanced courses (EAP 070 level) for programs requiring entry-level English proficiency or the university bridge courses (EAP 080 level) for entrance into diplomas and degrees. Students registered in the University Foundation program may take advanced EAP courses and a limited number of university upgrading and academic courses at the same time.

Quick links

Entrance requirements
How to apply
Assessment for EAP courses
Register for EAP courses
English Language Studies associate certificate programs

Entrance requirements

In order to enroll in EAP courses, students must first be admitted to a program of study.

Domestic students

Domestic students (including those with Permanent Residency) who want to take EAP courses will usually apply to the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.

Note: EAP courses are designed for students who speak a language other than English as their primary language of communication. A language assessment will be required before enrolling in any EAP course for the first time. Domestic students can apply to Adult Basic Education before completing a language assessment, but should plan to complete an assessment as soon as possible after applying. See Assessment for EAP courses below.

International students

International students interested in EAP courses or an ELS associate certificate can apply to the University Foundation program, or to another program for which they are eligible. International students should contact UFV International for more information about program options and requirements.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. See Continuous application process for more information. EAP classes usually begin in September, January, and May.

How to apply

Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.
Additional documents required for a complete application:
- Domestic students applying to Adult Basic Education for EAP courses may be asked to provide documentation that shows citizenship or residency status.
Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information by email.

Domestic students (including Permanent Residents) may be referred to UFV through partner agencies, which also provides language assessment. Students who would like assistance with assessment, application, and course planning can also contact Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) at upgrading@ufv.ca.

International students apply to the University Foundation program or to another program for which they are eligible. UFV International can provide more information about program procedures.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application and all required documentation have been submitted.

Assessment for EAP courses

All students who intend to take EAP courses require a recent assessment of English language proficiency. This assessment should be less than two years old. Assessment results are used to place students at an appropriate skill level.

Assessment options include the following:

Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT), Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Assessment (CLBPA), or an official copy of a LINC Certificate with the CLB level successfully completed
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic format
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IBT
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Accuplacer
Completion of previous EAP courses at UFV or another BC postsecondary institution

Other assessments may also be used to demonstrate English proficiency. Students who have completed an English assessment that is not listed above should contact upgrading@ufv.ca.

Intermediate

Minimum proficiency for entry into an intermediate-level course:

CLBPT 5, with no score less than 5
IELTS Academic format: 4.5 with no score less than 4
TOEFL IBT: 30-36 Overall
Or score equivalent to one of the above

Courses at this level are EAP 054, EAP 056, and EAP 065 (optional elective).

High intermediate

Minimum proficiency for entry into a high intermediate-level course:

CLBPT 6, with no score less than 6
IELTS Academic format: 5.0 with no score below 4.5
TOEFL IBT: 37 to 55 overall
Or score equivalent to one of the above

Courses at this level are EAP 064, EAP 066, and EAP 065 (optional elective).

Advanced

Minimum proficiency for entry into an advanced-level course:

CLBPT 7, with no score less than 7
IELTS Academic format: 5.5 with no score lower than 5
TOEFL IBT: 51-66 overall
Or score equivalent to one of the above

Courses at this level are EAP 074, EAP 076, and EAP 075 (optional elective).

University bridge

Minimum proficiency for entry into a university bridge-level course:

CLBPT 8, with no score less than 8
IELTS Academic format: 6 with no score below 5.5
TOEFL IBT: 67-80 overall
Or score equivalent to one of the above

Courses at this level are EAP 084 and 086.

UUP advisors can review students' educational background and/or high school transcripts to determine whether an assessment needs to be completed. An appointment with a UUP advisor can be booked at ufv.ca/upgrading/appointment.

Register for EAP courses

Before students register for their first EAP class, a UFV staff or faculty member will review their assessment scores to determine the appropriate course level.

Domestic students

Domestic students register in EAP courses in one of two ways:

For a student's first EAP course, the UUP department will review language assessment scores and provide permission to register.
Students who have previously completed an EAP course can register independently (or with staff assistance) for the next level EAP course in the same skill area. For example, successful completion of EAP 064 with a C- or higher means a student can register for EAP 074.
Current students can register through their myUFV account after their assigned registration date.

Complete their first EAP course as part of a cohort (group registration). EAP courses are frequently offered with the support of a community partner. Space in these courses is reserved for students who are referred to UFV by one of these agencies, and registration is completed by UFV staff. Students interested a cohort class should contact upgrading@ufv.ca to inquire about available space and required assessment.

Domestic students enrolled in a diploma or degree program at UFV can complete advanced (EAP 070 level) or university bridge (EAP 080 level) courses by contacting upgrading@ufv.ca for permission to register. A recent language proficiency assessment may be recommended.

International students

International students register in EAP courses in one of two ways:

UFV International registers new international students in EAP courses their first semester at UFV. Registration in specific EAP courses will depend on the student’s program of study and their language proficiency assessment scores.
International students register for EAP courses on their own after their first semester of study.

For a student’s first EAP course, UFV International or the UUP department will review language assessment scores and provide permission to register. Students can contact upgrading@ufv.ca to request permission to register.
Students who have previously completed an EAP course can register independently (or with staff assistance) for the next level EAP course in the same skill area. For example, successful completion of EAP 064 with a C- or higher means a student can register for EAP 074.
Current students can register through their myUFV account after their assigned registration date.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Most EAP courses use free online textbooks and readings, but students may be encouraged to purchase other class materials used in a course, such as school supplies (binders, writing implements) or a headset for courses that meet in a computer lab.

Domestic students do not pay tuition for EAP courses, although UFV student fees will apply. Domestic students can also apply for a grant to cover their study costs, including student fees and textbook costs. Students can book an appointment with a Financial Aid and Awards Advisor to learn more and receive assistance in submitting the grant application.

International students pay both tuition and student fees for each EAP course. Students can contact UFV International with questions about fee payment.

Location

EAP courses are primarily offered in Abbotsford at the Clearbrook Centre campus and at the main UFV campus in Abbotsford. EAP courses may also be offered in Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope. Contact Upgrading and University Preparation at upgrading@ufv.ca or check ufv.ca/els for more information on the location and schedule of future EAP course offerings.

Advancement in English Language Studies

Students who obtain a grade of C- or better in an EAP course are eligible to register in EAP courses at the next level. Students can obtain a transcript online at the end of each semester.

Students who complete EAP 074 with a C+ or higher, or EAP 084 with a C- or higher, meet UFV’s English Language Proficiency requirement for degree and diploma programs. Students may also begin taking undergraduate courses while in the University Foundation program.