About this program

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Overview

Unlock your full potential with this flexible and interactive program, designed to help you build confidence, master essential English skills, and thrive in real-world settings, all from the comfort of your home.

Are you eager to immerse yourself in Canadian culture while learning English in a supportive, collaborative and dynamic environment, alongside a diverse, global student community?

Do you want the flexibility to learn from home, fitting your studies around your lifestyle while advancing at a pace driven your dedication and progress?

As an ESL Online graduate, you will gain a deep understanding of the English language and develop practical, professional, and real-life communication skills.

We welcome applicants who are International, Québec residents, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Please note this program is not OSAP eligible.

View ESL Online Program Guide
Highlights
  • All courses are delivered virtually through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online delivery. The program can be completed fully remotely.

  • Participate in live, interactive video classes across 10 levels, each spanning seven weeks, with 15 hours of weekly cameras-on, synchronous classes.

  • Learn from qualified Canadian instructors, certified by Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Ontario and TESL Canada.

  • Engage in learning activities that build speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills and test-taking skills at the higher levels

  • Receive real-time feedback on your performance to help you strengthen key areas and improve.

  • Assess your progress through exit tests every 7 weeks, with the opportunity to move up one or more levels as your proficiency improves.

  • Join the NC Community Online, including seminars, social events, and more.

  • Earn a Certificate of Achievement after successfully completing Level 10.

  • Enjoy the flexibility to apply and transition to our in-person EAP program at any time.

Career Opportunities
  • Graduates are well-prepared to pursue further studies in a postsecondary English environment or apply their skills in English-speaking professional settings.
  • By completing Level 10, graduates meet the language requirements for eligibility to apply for undergraduate diplomas, certificates, graduate programs, or degrees at Niagara College.
  • Graduates will also develop dedicated test-taking strategies and skills to excel in the IELTS exam and other English assessments.
Students who successfully complete Level 10 of ESL Online and transition to an in-person academic program offered on-campus at Niagara College may be eligible for:
  • A $2,500 CAD scholarship towards Term 1 of their academic program at Niagara College.
  • An additional $2,500 CAD scholarship if an average of 80% is achieved in Term 1 of their academic program.

For more information on available International scholarships and bursaries, please visit:
Explore Scholarships & Bursaries

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Courses

For course details, use ENSL as the subject and review the content and other information using the Course Lookup Tool.

General English: Preparation for work and life in an English-speaking environment

Levels 1-2 Encounter English

Basic skills will be learned in Encounter Courses leading to CEFR A1 proficiency.

Level 1

  • ENSL 1611 English Essentials 1
  • ENSL 1612 English Language Building 1
  • ENSL 1613 Language Learning Portfolio 1

Level 2

  • ENSL 1621 English Essentials 2
  • ENSL 1622 English Language Building 2
  • ENSL 1623 Language Learning Portfolio 2


Levels 3-4 Engage with English

Engage courses will build skills to achieve CEFR A2 proficiency.

Level 3

  • ENSL 1631 English Essentials 3
  • ENSL 1632 English Language Building 3
  • ENSL 1633 Language Learning Portfolio 3

Level 4

  • ENSL 1641 English Essentials 4
  • ENSL 1642 English Language Building 4
  • ENSL 1643 Language Learning Portfolio 4


Levels 5-7 Explore English

Real-world English is used throughout Explore courses to achieve CEFR B1 proficiency.

Level 5

  • ENSL 1651 English Essentials 5
  • ENSL 1652 English in Action 5
  • ENSL 1653 Language Learning Portfolio 5

Level 6

  • ENSL 1661 English Essentials 6
  • ENSL 1662 English in Action 6
  • ENSL 1663 Language Learning Portfolio 6

Level 7

  • ENSL 1671 English Essentials 7
  • ENSL 1672 English in Action 7
  • ENSL 1673 Language Learning Portfolio 7


Academic-focused pathway to a post-secondary program

Levels 8-10 Excel in English

Academic tasks are used throughout Excel courses to achieve CEFR B2/Low C1 proficiency.

Level 8

  • ENSL 1681 English Essentials 8
  • ENSL 1682 Mastering Academic Tests and Skills 8
  • ENSL 1683 English Vocabulary in Action 8

Level 9

  • ENSL 1691 English Essentials 9
  • ENSL 1692 Mastering Academic Tests and Skills 9
  • ENSL 1693 English Vocabulary in Action 9

Level 10

  • ENSL 1601 English Essentials 10
  • ENSL 1602 Mastering Academic Tests and Skills 10
  • ENSL 1603 English Vocabulary in Action 10


GRADUATE Level 10 of ESL Online
Meet language requirements for Niagara College programs and be eligible for up to a $5,000 scholarship towards post-secondary tuition. Find details here.
Apply for NC programs or use new English skills in your profession
Learn more about How to apply.

*CEFR is an abbreviation for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
**Students who successfully complete Level 10 will meet the language requirement to apply to an undergraduate diploma, certificate, graduate or degree program at Niagara College.
***Students enrolled in ESL Online may be eligible to transition directly into our in-person EAP Program at any time. Please contact Niagara College International website to confirm eligibility.

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Admission Requirements

  • Students of all English language abilities are welcome, and no minimum level is required
  • English language proficiency tests are not required for placement assessment in the ESL Online level placement as students can complete the Envoy program placement test.
  • If students wish to submit their own English testing, please see the following list of accepted placement assessments:
    • Niagara College Envoy Placement Test (no prior testing required)
    • Duolingo
    • IELTS Academic
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Apply Now

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We’re here to help make the process easy!
  • Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
  • Select Click here to proceed with your application.
  • Enter all requested information as required.
  • On the program selection screen, select English Language Program > English as a Second Language (ESL) Online and the intake that you would like.
  • Submit your application when complete.
For more information visit:

How to Apply

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2025 Session Dates

Each level lasts for 7 weeks.
Join any session to start advancing through your English learning levels at your own pace!


January 6 – February 21

March 3 – April 17


May 5 – June 20

June 30 – August 15


September 3 – October 17

October 27 – December 12

*Orientation will be held a few days in advance of the session start date

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Delivery Information

Important


Attendance in live video classes is mandatory with cameras ON!
Course Delivery Schedule
  • Virtually Engage with Professor Live Monday to Friday 18:30 – 21:30 (Eastern Standard Time – Niagara Time*).
  • *Eastern Standard Time (EST UTC-5) will end on March 8, 2025 and begin again on November 2, 2025. From March 8 until November 1, classes will operate on Canada’s Eastern Daylight Time Schedule (EDT UTC-4). Please use World Time Buddy or another time zone converter to confirm class times in your local time zone.
Sample Timetable
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
18:30 Integrated Skills (Speaking, Listening, Writing & Reading combined)
Live Video Class		 Real World English Live Video Class Integrated Skills (Speaking, Listening, Writing & Reading combined) Live Video Class Real World English Live Video Class Language Learning Portfolio Live Video Class
19:30
20:30
21:30
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Tuition and Fees

The below is a tuition fees estimate. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Per 7-week term
Fee Breakdown for Per 7-week term
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$1200
Material Fees
$250
Total
$1450
Estimated Per 7-week term Total: $1450
Students who successfully complete Level 10 of ESL Online and transition to an in-person academic program offered on-campus at Niagara College may be eligible for:
  • A $2,500 CAD scholarship towards Term 1 of their academic program at Niagara College.
  • An additional $2,500 CAD scholarship if an average of 80% is achieved in Term 1 of their academic program.

For more information on available International scholarships and bursaries, please visit:
Explore Scholarships & Bursaries

Back to Top

Level 5 Demonstration Lessons

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