English Language Learning Programs

We educate over 3700 learners every year.

Learning another language and culture isn't easy. As Calgary's largest English language learning provider, Bow Valley College has developed ELL programs that provide you with the skills you need to live, study, and work in Canada.

We work with newcomers to Canada, Canadian citizens, international students, and corporate clients. Whether you are a learner with interrupted formal education or an educated professional, we have language courses to assist you in realizing your academic and employment goals.

Our ELL Programs

    • https://centre.bowvalleycollege.ca/apply-ell
    • English Language Learning Programs
    • English Language Learning Programs

    What our learners say

    • When I first came to Canada, I asked my friends where I can study. Everyone told me about Bow Valley College.
      Oksana
      Full-time LINC learner
    • 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.
      Suzy
      Full-time ELL learner
    • For an immigrant like me who just came to Canada, this program helps you move on with your English skills and clarify your pathway.
      Arvin
      Youth in Transition (LINC) learner

    Learn more about our ELL programs

    Visit our multilingual website.

    Our multilingual website Apply ELL will help you to:

    • prepare to apply for English language classes at Bow Valley College
    • access ELL program information in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Urdu, and Farsi
    • learn about a federally funded program called LINC
    • find answers to frequently asked questions about the application process

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    Welcome to ELL at Bow Valley College

    Welcome to ELL at Bow Valley College

    Full-time LINC and ELL

    We are a leader in English language training.

    Our full-time LINC and ELL programs:

    • offer a range of Canadian Benchmark levels
    • develop your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills
    • engage you in real-life activities that help you live, study, and work in Canada

    Full-time LINC

    Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs are for Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees. They focus on all language skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Learners acquire the skills and knowledge they need to successfully settle in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada fund our full-time LINC programs.

    Full-time ELL

    Our full-time English language learning (ELL) programs are for learners who are not eligible for LINC funding. Learners develop an understanding of Canadian culture and engage in real-life activities that help them live and work in Canada. Our full-time English language learning (ELL) programs are funded by Alberta Works.

    English for Academic Purposes

    Learn the strategies and skills you need to succeed in a Canadian post-secondary institution.

    This full-time program is for internationally educated learners whose first language is not English. The program provides learners with the strategies and English language skills needed to succeed in academic courses at Canadian post-secondary institutions.

    Learn to read, write, listen, and speak at a post-secondary level. This program includes the following activities:

    • interacting and working with others in post-secondary classes 
    • using technology to learn 
    • setting school and/or career goals 
    • communicating with the different cultures you'll encounter in Canada

    There are three levels to this program. We'll accept and place you in a level based on your assessment scores. After this program, you'll have the English language requirements for most career programs at Bow Valley College or SAIT. 

    To enroll, visit the English for Academic Purposes program page.

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    Transition to Academic English

    In this program, learners are introduced to the academic expectations at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Learners acquire competencies required for success in college preparatory classrooms and the workplace.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels: 6,6,6,6

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    Academic English 1

    This program gives learners the language skills to be successful in Academic English 2 and career bridging programs. Learners acquire competencies required for success in college classrooms and the workplace.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Recommended Canadian Language Benchmarks of 6,7,7,7
    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Clear and reasonable academic and career goals

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    Academic English 2

    Students who complete Academic English 2 with a grade of "B" meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements for Bow Valley College's career programs.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Recommended Canadian Language Benchmarks of 7,8,8,8
    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Clear and reasonable academic and career goals

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    Transition to Academic English

    In this program, learners are introduced to the academic expectations at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Learners acquire competencies required for success in college preparatory classrooms and the workplace.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels: 6,6,6,6

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    Academic English 1

    This program gives learners the language skills to be successful in Academic English 2 and career bridging programs. Learners acquire competencies required for success in college classrooms and the workplace.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Recommended Canadian Language Benchmarks of 6,7,7,7
    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Clear and reasonable academic and career goals

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    Academic English 2

    Students who complete Academic English 2 with a grade of "B" meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements for Bow Valley College's career programs.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Recommended Canadian Language Benchmarks of 7,8,8,8
    • Successful completion of the EAP entrance test
    • A minimum of high school completion in student’s home country
    • Clear and reasonable academic and career goals

    This program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees who qualify for Learner Income Support (Alberta Works) funding. Prospective students must apply at the Office of the Registrar. A $75 application fee applies. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements.

    For help with your application and to answer any questions that you may have, please visit the Prospective Student Centre.

    English Language Learning for Youth

    We help immigrant youth access further education.

    Bridge Program

    This program is for learners between the ages of 18 and 25 who have interrupted formal education and have not completed high school. Instruction is age and content appropriate and develops the study and life skills necessary to access further education.

    Youth in Transition (LINC)

    This LINC program is for newcomers between the ages of 18 and 24. Learners in this program have 10+ years of formal education and are put in classes according to educational experience and language proficiency. Classes are available at Canadian Language Benchmark levels 3 to 6.

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    Learn about Bridge

    Learn about Youth in Transition

    Explore the Youth in Transition stories on the blog. 

    Learn about Bridge

    Learn about Youth in Transition

    Explore the Youth in Transition stories on the blog. 

    Part-time LINC

    We offer language instruction for newcomers that fits your schedule.

    Our part-time LINC classes focus on improving listening and speaking or reading and writing.

    LINC Listening and Speaking

    Learn conversational skills required for everyday situations.

    LINC Reading, Writing, and Grammar

    Improve your reading skills and learn to write clearly using correct grammar.

    Part-time LINC classes are offered at Canadian Language Benchmark Levels 4 to 6 and are available in the mornings and evenings.

    These classes are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. There is no charge for LINC classes for eligible applicants. Applicants must be permanent residents or convention refugees but cannot be Canadian citizens.

    See Part-time LINC for information.

    Volunteer Led Tutorials

    Improve your English language skills.

    55+ Everyday English

    These tutorials are offered from beginner to advanced levels. Learners can also participate in extra pronunciation and vocabulary sessions. For more information see Bow Valley College 55+ ELL Tutorials.

    55+ Culture and Community

    In these tutorial sessions, learners can practice English while learning about community resources and participate in leisure activities. Program registration includes extra pronunciation and vocabulary classes. For more information see Bow Valley College 55+ ELL Tutorials.

    International ELL

    We are a global leader in ELL education.

    Our International ELL program helps learners from all over the world prepare for a life and career.

    We are proud to offer an ELL program certified by the Languages Canada Quality Assurance Scheme, recognizing the quality of our program administration and management, student services, teacher qualifications, curriculum, physical resources, and student admissions.

    Our program offers:

    • small, interactive, and engaging classes
    • experienced instructors
    • flexible course options including full-time study, part-time skill specific development, and preparation programs for further academic study
    • enhanced skills for the workplace
    • flexible registration - from four months to one year

    Learn more about our International ELL Program.

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    International ELL

    International ELL

    LINC Home Study

    Study English from home

    LINC Home Study is a free English language training program for eligible newcomers who cannot attend regular classes. Learners work one-on-one with a qualified TESL instructor every week. The program has seven (7) modules and is offered from Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels 3 to 8.

    Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, LINC Home Study is available online and by correspondence.

    Exam Preparation

    We can help you every step of the way

    We offer exam preparation courses to prepare you to write the IELTS or CELPIP tests. At Bow Valley College, we know how important completing the IELTS or the CELPIP Test is to your success.

    We provide excellent instruction, a program that fits your needs and a proven path to success.

    IELTS Preparation offers practice for each component of the IELTS Academic test (speaking, listening, academic reading, and academic writing) within the time restrictions set by IELTS.

    IELTS Intensive prepares participants to take the IELTS Academic format but has fewer practice hours than the IELTS Preparation class.

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    IELTS

    Our excellent instruction delivered in a program that fits your needs has been a proven path to success for thousands of students just like you.

    IELTS Preparation

    In this course, you will practice each component of the IELTS Academic test (speaking, listening, academic reading, and academic writing) within the time restrictions set by IELTS.

    IELTS Intensive

    this course prepares participants to take the IELTS Academic format but has fewer practice hours than the IELTS Preparation class.

    IELTS

    Our excellent instruction delivered in a program that fits your needs has been a proven path to success for thousands of students just like you.

    IELTS Preparation

    In this course, you will practice each component of the IELTS Academic test (speaking, listening, academic reading, and academic writing) within the time restrictions set by IELTS.

    IELTS Intensive

    this course prepares participants to take the IELTS Academic format but has fewer practice hours than the IELTS Preparation class.

    Regional ELL

    Part-time courses for learners who live outside of Calgary

    Regional LINC

    These part-time courses are for LINC eligible learners who live outside of Calgary.   Learners will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the exploration of settlement-related topics of local interest.

    These courses are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For more information, see Regional LINC.

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