Welcome to English Language Learning at Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is the largest provider of English language instruction in Alberta, offering a range of full-time and part-time programs from beginner to advanced levels. The School of Global Access offers ELL programs that help learners to live, study, and work in Canada.
We are proud to offer Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Bow Valley College offers a range of in class and online LINC classes, as well as LINC Career Services and the LINC Work Readiness Training Program.
This website will help you to:
- find ELL program information
- learn about a federally funded program called LINC
- prepare to apply for English language classes at Bow Valley College
- learn about career services for LINC learners
- find answers to frequently asked questions
You can access information in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Persian, and Urdu.
Come visit us to apply today. It’s time to take the next step on your English learning pathway!
Why Study English at Bow Valley College?
When you study English at Bow Valley College, you join a community of people from around the world. As the largest language provider in Alberta, we are a recognized leader in English language learning.
Our programs help you develop the language and intercultural skills that you need to achieve your career and educational goals in Canada.
Learners choose Bow Valley College because of our well-respected reputation, welcoming community, and our highly qualified instructors and staff.
Bow Valley College is a great place to learn English. Just ask our learners.
“I was really impressed how much it helped me learn a lot and improve my skills…it was a great investment of time.”
“When I first came to Canada, I asked my friends where I can study. Everyone told me about Bow Valley College.”
“I believe that Bow Valley College is the right place for any student who really wants to learn English because everybody is kind. Everybody is willing to help.”
“For an immigrant like me who just came to Canada, this program helps you move on with your English skills and clarify your pathway.”
English Language Programs at Bow Valley College
You can read information about all of our English language programs here. Use the filter buttons to read about specific types of programs.
- All Programs
- LINC
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Online
- Regional
- Immigrant Youth
- International
- Work Readiness
- Academic Preparation
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Find out more…
Full-time LINC (Academic)
Do you want to attend full-time LINC classes? Have you completed 10 or more years of education outside of Canada?
This program:
offers a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
develops your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study, and work in Canada
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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Find out more…
Part-time LINC
Do you want to attend part-time LINC classes? Have you completed 10 or more years of education outside of Canada?
These classes:
are offered in the mornings and in the evenings
are offered at a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
focus on listening and speaking or reading and writing through settlement-related topics
are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
-
Find out more…
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Do you need to improve your academic English to attend post-secondary programs in Canada?
This program:
provides you with the strategies and skills you need for success in academic courses at Canadian post-secondary institutions
offers instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in an academic context
helps you take the steps necessary to meet academic and/or career goals
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Find out more…
Youth in Transition (LINC)
Are you between the ages of 18 and 24 years old and have completed high school?
This program:
develops your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
develops academic skills for success in Canadian post-secondary institutions
helps you navigate education and career pathways in Canada
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
-
Find out more…
Bridge
Are you between the ages of 18 and 24 years old and have not finished high school?
This program:
develops your skills in reading, writing, math, the use of learning strategies, and goal-setting
develops digital literacy skills through participation in a laptop loan program
develops your academic strategies and helps you access further education in Canada
is open to LINC learners and is partially funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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Find out more…
Full-time LINC (Practical)
Do you want to attend full-time LINC classes? Have you completed 5 to 9 years of education outside of Canada?
This program:
offers a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
develops your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study, and work in Canada
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
-
Find out more…
Full-time LINC (Literacy)
Do you want to attend full-time LINC classes? Have you completed 0 to 4 years of education outside of Canada?
This program:
helps you develop literacy skills and learning strategies to support success in reading and writing
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study, and work in Canada
improves your listening and speaking skills
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
-
Find out more…
Full-time ELL (Academic)
Do you want to attend full-time language classes? Have you completed 10 or more years of education outside of Canada?This program:
offers a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
develops your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study, and work in Canada
qualifies for Alberta Works funding
-
Find out more…
Full-time ELL (Practical)
Do you want to attend full-time language classes? Have you completed 5 to 9 years of education outside of Canada?
This program:
offers a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
develops your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study, and work in Canada
qualifies for Alberta Works funding
-
Find out more…
Full-time ELL (Literacy)
Do you want to attend full-time language classes? Have you completed 0 to 4 years of education outside of Canada?
This program:
helps you develop literacy skills and learning strategies to support success in reading and writing
engages you in real-life activities that help you to live, study and work in Canada
improves your listening and speaking skills
qualifies for Alberta Works funding
-
Find out more…
Regional LINC
Do you want to attend part-time LINC classes outside of Calgary?
These classes:
focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing through settlement-related topics
help you develop relevant language skills for daily life and work
are offered at a range of Canadian Language Benchmarks levels
are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
-
Find out more…
LINC Home Study
Do you want to study a LINC course from home?
These classes:
allow you to study online or by correspondence
provide weekly, one-on-one contact with a qualified TESL instructor
are flexible and include five to six hours of independent study per week
are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Find out more…
Online LINC
Do you want to take a LINC reading or writing course online?
This program:
offers separate reading and writing courses at higher Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels
helps you develop reading and writing skills for daily life and work
includes a weekly webinar and six hours of flexible study each week
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Find out more…
Part-time Language Skills Courses
Do you want to attend part-time language classes? Do you want to study online?
These courses:
offer flexible schedule options: mornings, evenings, and online
range from basic to advanced levels
include English for the workplace courses to develop intercultural, language, and workplace skills
include exam preparation for the IELTS test
Find out more…
55+ ELL Tutorials
Are you 55 or older? Do you want to practice your English language skills?
These tutorials:
are led by volunteer tutors
are fun and encourage social interaction
are offered from beginner to high intermediate levels
are funded by Calgary Learns through the support of Alberta Advanced Education
Find out more…
Regional Language Skills Courses
Do you want to attend part-time English courses outside of Calgary?
These courses:
are offered at Bow Valley College regional campuses
focus on general language or specific skill development
are offered from basic to advanced levels
include English for the workplace courses
Find out more…
International ELL
Do you want to visit Canada to study English?
This program:
is a Languages Canada approved full-time program
offers academic language courses that focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing
includes field trips to local attractions related to program content
Find out more…
Corporate Readiness Training Program (CRTP)
Are you a skilled professional immigrant with no Canadian work experience?
This program:
teaches you strategies to effectively find a job and start your career path in Canada
offers you an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience
improves your workplace communication skills
Find out more…
LINC Work Readiness Training Program
Are you a LINC learner thinking about getting a job after your language classes?
This program:
develops your language and intercultural skills
develops your business communication and job search skills
offers you an opportunity to gain valuable work experience
is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Find out more…
LINC Career Services
Are you LINC eligible? Would you like to access career services?
These services include:
one-to-one career coaching
safety training
career services workshops
These services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
LINC at Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is proud to offer Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). LINC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and supports adult newcomers who are permanent residents or who have Convention refugee status.
At Bow Valley College, we offer full-time and part-time LINC classes at a range of levels, including very basic classes for those who have little or no English skills. We have LINC for work, including LINC Career Services and the LINC Work Readiness Training Program. We also offer LINC Home Study, Online LINC, and LINC classes in the region.
How to apply for LINC at Bow Valley College
“Bow Valley College helps newcomers to improve, to integrate to our city and helps people to achieve their career goals.”
“I enjoy the structure, the people, the environment… I feel like I am breathing without pressure. I am really glad to be here.”
“LINC helped me find better job and now I can help my family. I appreciate that.”
“I really appreciate LINC program because it helped me not only improve my English skills but also understand local culture.”
“LINC helped me to write in English and to get ready to reach my dream.”
LINC for Work
Bow Valley College is proud to offer permanent residents and Convention refugees access to LINC Career Services. LINC Career Services is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
If you are eligible for the LINC program, you can have free access to:
- Career services workshops to improve your job search skills
- One-to-one career coaching
- Labour market information
- Safety training
For more information about requirements and services, see LINC Career Services.
Prepare to Apply for English Language Programs at Bow Valley College
Each year, thousands of language learners choose to study English at Bow Valley College. Our variety of English language learning programs, taught by highly qualified instructors, means that we have the right program for you.
To get started, visit our Welcome Centre at our South Campus in downtown Calgary and Bow Valley College staff members will help you apply.
To help find the program that is right for you, our staff may ask you the following questions:
- What is your immigration status?
- Do you want to come to school full-time or part-time?
- What is your educational experience outside of Canada?
- What is your work schedule?
You can bring a friend or family member with you to help you discuss the application process with our friendly staff.
To apply for ELL programs at Bow Valley College, you need:
- a completed Application Form
- an email address
- an Alberta Student Number
You may also need to bring other identification, a recent language level assessment, or other immigration documents. For information about the specific documents that you will need to bring, see ELL Applying.
Visit or call the Welcome Centre at our South Campus in downtown Calgary:
- Phone: 403-410-1402
- Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
If you are an international student and would like to study at Bow Valley College, please see International Education for specific information about your application process.
Prepare to Apply for LINC Programs at Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is proud to offer Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC).
LINC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and supports adult newcomers who are permanent residents or who have Convention refugee status. For more information, see LINC at Bow Valley College.
We will help you with the LINC application process. Come and visit us, or attend one of our LINC Application Days. For upcoming LINC Application Days, see ELL Applying.
You can bring a friend or family member with you to help you discuss the application process with our friendly staff. Our staff may ask you the following questions:
- What is your immigration status?
- Do you want to come to school full-time or part-time?
- What is your educational experience outside of Canada?
- What is your work schedule?
See the timeline to learn more about the documents you need to bring with you and the LINC application process.
You can also contact the Welcome Centre at our South Campus in downtown Calgary:
- Phone: 403-410-1402
- Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
To apply for LINC programs at Bow Valley College, you need:
- your recent Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) results
- a LINC referral to Bow Valley College
Your CLB results must be less than 12 months old. CLB tests and referrals are available from CLARC through Immigrant Services Calgary.
You will also need:
- additional immigration documents*
- a completed Application Form
- an email address
- an Alberta Student Number
* For information about the immigration documents that you need to bring, see ELL Applying.
You will receive a communication from us telling you if you are on the waitlist or if you are accepted.
If you are on the waitlist, we will contact you if a seat becomes available. This could happen between the time you receive the communication from us and the start of the next term.
If you are accepted, we will confirm your schedule and provide details about how to log into your MyBVC account.
If you are accepted, keep checking MyBVC for important information.
If you are on the waitlist, we will contact you if a seat becomes available.
If you are accepted into a LINC program, you will start on the first day of class.
If you are still on the waitlist two weeks after the start of term, you will need to confirm if you would like to be on our priority waitlist for the next term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This information can change at any time. To find out about availability in upcoming terms, contact the Welcome Centre:
- Phone: 403-410-1402
- Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
For many programs, you will apply in person at a Bow Valley College campus. Select a program from English Language Programs for specific application information.
Learn more about LINC at Bow Valley College.
If you have applied for LINC classes, you will receive a communication from us a few weeks after attending the LINC Application Day. This communication will tell you if you are accepted or if you have been placed on the waitlist. See Prepare to Apply for LINC Programs for more information.
If you have applied to an ELL program that is not LINC, we will email you to confirm your application status.
If you are registered in a program, we will email you details about your MyBVC account. Please check your MyBVC account regularly for communications from us.
If you need more information after you have applied, contact Enrolment Services:
- Phone: 403-410-1400
- Email: ellservices@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
If you are on a waitlist, you may get a seat in the upcoming term. We will contact you if a seat becomes available.
If you are on a LINC waitlist, see the timeline at Prepare to Apply for LINC Programs at Bow Valley College for more information.
If you are on a waitlist for a program that is not LINC, and do not get a seat in the term that you applied for, you will need to apply again. Learn more about preparing to apply for ELL programs.
If you need more information, contact the Prospective Student Centre:
- Phone: 403-410-1402
- Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
There are many possible explanations for this. You might be on a waitlist due to the number of people that have applied, your program choice, your recommended level, or schedule availability. When our classes are full, we place learners on waitlists.
You can take a practice reading and listening test on the Canadian Language Benchmarks Online Self-Assessment website. This test is free and takes about one hour to complete. It is based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) and will help you prepare for your formal assessment.
We are a proud provider of the federally funded language training program called Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), and provincially funded programs such as Alberta Works.
You may be eligible for full-time financial aid for your program. See Bow Valley College Financial Aid:
- Phone: 403-410-1440
- Email: learnersuccess@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
If you need to change your program, contact Enrolment Services:
- Phone: 403-410-1400
- Email: ellservices@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
There is a childcare centre at our downtown campus in Calgary.
We offer a variety of programs at Bow Valley College Regional Campuses and online. See English Language Programs above and select the Regional filter.
Our full-time programs can be scheduled anytime between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. When you are accepted into a program, you will receive your schedule. If you have a problem with the schedule you receive, contact Enrolment Services:
- Phone: 403-410-1400
- Email: ellservices@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
If you become a Canadian citizen while you are taking LINC classes, you must inform us right away. In most cases, you will be allowed to complete your term/course. To continue with your English language studies as a Canadian citizen, you will need to select classes that are not LINC funded. Learners who are interested in applying for full-time ELL may apply for provincial funding.
- Phone: 403-410-3476
- Email: international@bowvalleycollege.ca
- Come visit us
Contact Us
If you are not sure which program is right for you and you would like more information, or if you have questions about how to apply, we are here to help. Specially-trained Bow Valley College representatives will provide you with program and admission information, and can assist you in completing a Bow Valley College application.
Welcome Centre
Phone: 403-410-1402
Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
Office: S-1111, 1st Floor South Campus
