English Language Programs (ELP)
English Language Programs at the University of Guelph
Improve your academic English skills and succeed at your university studies. English Language Programs at the University of Guelph make your transition to studying and living in Canada a lot easier. We ensure that you have the chance not only to study English but to use it confidently in academic, professional and social situations.
Our programs and pathways are designed to help English language learners succeed in their development and meet English proficiency requirements for entry to degree programs at the University of Guelph.
Browse through our selection of programs and pathways to find the English language learning opportunity that best meets your academic goals. Students who complete any of the programs listed will receive a Certificate of English Proficiency.*
Certificate of English Proficiency
What is it?
The Certificate of English Proficiency meets the English language proficiency requirements for admission to undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs at the University of Guelph and University of Guelph Humber.
The Certificate has been an accepted measure of English proficiency for more than 15 years. More than a thousand students have been awarded the Certificate. Many of these students have entered degree programs at the University of Guelph. Our research has shown that Certificate earners have a very high retention rate and degree completion rate at the University of Guelph.
What are the benefits of completing the Certificate?
Successful completion of the Certificate demonstrates an Advanced level of English proficiency. Students who complete the Certificate are able to:
- Communicate effectively in the Canadian post-secondary environment, including academic and social contexts
- Identify, summarize, paraphrase and synthesize information to produce academic essays and presentations
- Apply academic integrity practices in assignments
- Collaborate with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds
- Organize and prioritize tasks to manage academic workloads
How can you achieve the Certificate?
The Certificate is offered in the majority of our programs. Students who achieve an overall average of 75% with no course average below 70% in the Advanced Level in these programs will earn the Certificate of English Proficiency.
*Please note that the Business English Program does not lead to the Certificate of English Proficiency.
Real Journeys: Stories that Inspire
Diego Acero came to the University of Guelph not knowing any English. Being the only Spanish-speaker in his English Language Certificate Program courses, he was understandably nervous. While completing the program, he found community by meeting people from all over the world, gained confidence in his English writing and public speaking, and became class valedictorian. Diego's goal is to enter the Sports Management program as an undergraduate student at U of G.