English Language Certificate Program
About the English Language Certificate Program
The English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) is an intensive academic English program designed to prepare you for academic success. You will learn the skills you need to succeed in university studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The 7-week term includes 20 instructional hours per week—16 in-person and 4 or more remote hours for online assessments, lectures, readings, and group work. Students also complete 10–20 hours of independent homework weekly. This flexible design helps students gain experience with online learning, a common format in undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Guelph.
Certificate of Proficiency
When you successfully complete the advanced level of the ELCP, you earn the University of Guelph Certificate of English Proficiency. This certificate meets the English proficiency requirements for admission to the University of Guelph and University of Guelph-Humber.
Admission Requirements
You must meet the following requirements for entry into the ELCP:
- 18 years of age or older*
- Completion of secondary school* with strong marks
- Minimum high beginner level of English proficiency
- Academic goal to study at university, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, or to improve academic English
*If you are 17 and/or still completing secondary school, please contact the English Language Programs office, as these requirements can be waived in some exceptional cases.
Language Levels
The duration of each level is seven weeks. The levels are divided as follows:
- Levels 1 and 2 - High beginner level
- Levels 3 and 4 - Low intermediate level
- Levels 5 and 6 - Intermediate level - most students who have studied English in secondary school enter the program at this level or higher
- Levels 7 and 8 - High intermediate level
- Levels 9 and 10 - Advanced level. Completion of both Level 9 and Level 10 meets the English proficiency requirement for entry into undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Placement Testing
A few days prior to the start of the program, you will be tested for placement into the appropriate English class level.