Centre For Excellence

English Language Learning

All language learning matters, and wherever you are on your path - we have an English language learning (ELL) program right for you.

You can study full or part-time to achieve your education and career goals. Each of our programs helps learners develop the skills to live, study, and work in Canada. Discover which one is best for you.

As the largest provider of English language learning in Alberta, every year our staff and faculty support over 3700 learners including newcomers to Canada, Canadian citizens, international students, and corporate clients.

Our learners’ success is supported by our staff and faculty. We ensure our work also reflects our commitment to instruction staff as we strive to advance access to professional development.

English Language Programs

Come learn with us.

We know learning another language and culture isn’t easy. We have developed accessible and achievable ELL programs with depth and breadth delivered by exceptional instructors.

Let us help you develop the skills you need. If you are a learner with interrupted formal education or an educated professional, we have language courses to help you achieve your academic and employment goals.

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

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 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. 

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.

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.

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

ELL Practitioners

Providing our community with teaching and research resources and language instructor professional development.

Groups audience: 
ACE TESOL

We are proud to offer the ACE TESOL Certificate course. Obtain the qualifications to teach English in Canada or abroad.

ACE TESOL

We are proud to offer the ACE TESOL Certificate course. Obtain the qualifications to teach English in Canada or abroad.

Professional Development

We are an established leader in professional development for practitioners, helping educators meet the needs of diverse learners. Our Post-TESL Certificate enhances ELL practitioner instructional skills with courses designed to deepen knowledge and encourage connection amongst ELL practitioners.

Professional Development

We are an established leader in professional development for practitioners, helping educators meet the needs of diverse learners. Our Post-TESL Certificate enhances ELL practitioner instructional skills with courses designed to deepen knowledge and encourage connection amongst ELL practitioners.

Teaching Resources

Explore the Resource Finder and access our expertise-sharing toolkits, classroom resources, and publications.

Teaching Resources

Explore the Resource Finder and access our expertise-sharing toolkits, classroom resources, and publications.

Connect With Us

Contact Us

For more information on our applied research projects contact 403-410-3400 or email sgareception@bowvalleycollege.ca

Contact Us

For more information on our applied research projects contact 403-410-3400 or email sgareception@bowvalleycollege.ca

Our Resources

We offer a wide range of resources focused on language and workforce development. We are committed to sharing our expertise. Learn more

Our Resources

We offer a wide range of resources focused on language and workforce development. We are committed to sharing our expertise. Learn more

What's New

Our innovative applied research projects focus on immigrant advancement, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and resource development. Learn more

What's New

Our innovative applied research projects focus on immigrant advancement, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and resource development. Learn more