C3. A Note About Language Education (ESL or FSL)

Language programs are often the very first stop for international students in Canada. Language schools—or language-instruction courses delivered by a college or university alongside or before other studies—help students master the communication skills of their language of choice (mostly English or French). These courses can provide the help international students need to gain entry to a college or university, and to be successful once there.

Language education for international students can be delivered by language schools (specializing only in language education) or via an English-language or French-language program within a college or university. Colleges and universities may also partner with a language school to streamline the entry process for international students. In this scenario, the international student who has completed their program in the partner language school and passed necessary performance tests is considered acceptable, in terms of language proficiency, for entry into the university or college for academic/specialized studies.