Program Overview

ESL Foundation Program Pathways

The ESL Foundation Program teaches in-depth English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our instructors will inspire you to work hard and accomplish your educational goals, rewarding students who aim high. You will participate in 20-25 hours of classroom activity weekly in a supportive environment with small class sizes. Transition into your undergraduate program with up to three credits earned toward your degree.

Program Length and English Proficiency Requirements

The length of the program is determined by your English score:

• ESL Foundation Program (One term) - 16 weeks
  • English proficiency requirements: IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 105-115, or TOEFL 4.0 iBT, or equivalent
  • Cost: $16,900 CAD (includes tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance, and one degree credit course)
• ESL Foundation Program (Two terms) - 32 weeks
  • English proficiency requirements: IELTS 5.0, or Duolingo 80-90, or TOEFL 3.0 iBT, or equivalent
  • Cost: $32,900 CAD (includes tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance, and two degree credit courses)
• Pre-ESL Foundation + ESL Foundation Program (Two terms) - 40 weeks
  • English proficiency requirements: IELTS 4.5, or Duolingo 65-75, or TOEFL 2.5 iBT, or equivalent
  • Cost: $37,499 CAD (includes tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance, and two degree credit courses)

Upcoming Dates

• ESL Foundation Program (One term)
  • Start date: May 4, 2026
  • End date: August 21, 2026
  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: September 2026
• ESL Foundation Program (One term)
  • Start date: August 24, 2026
  • End date: December 11, 2026
  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: January 2027
• ESL Foundation Program (Two terms)
  • Start date: May 4, 2026
  • End date: December 11, 2026
  • Duration: 32 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: January 2027
• ESL Foundation Program (Two terms)
  • Start date: August 24, 2026
  • End date: April 30, 2027
  • Duration: 32 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: September 2027
• Pre-ESL Foundation + ESL Foundation Program (Two terms)
  • Start date: March 9, 2026
  • End date: December 11, 2026
  • Duration: 40 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: January 2027
• Pre-ESL Foundation + ESL Foundation Program (Two terms)
  • Start date: October 19, 2026
  • End date: August 20, 2027
  • Duration: 32 weeks
  • Start your undergraduate program: September 2027

Blended Delivery

Our classes will be delivered in a blended format: in person and virtually. You will be located in the heart of downtown Toronto to attend classes in person, where public health protocols will be followed closely. The remainder of student learning is completed virtually synchronously and asynchronously with the support of your instructor and through structured, independent learning.

Global Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our global curriculum provides students with an opportunity to learn how to develop solutions to real-world problems as they connect their undergraduate program as well as lived experiences to the SDG themes and sub-themes taught in the classroom.

After Completion

Successful completion of the ESL Foundation Program allows you to join any of our 60+ undergraduate degree programs.

Alumni Spotlight

"Hi, I'm Jessica! As a previous student and student staff in the English Language Institute, the ELI not only provided me with comprehensive English language support but also helped me build connections to university services. The outstanding instructors at the ELI have extensive ESL experience and qualifications. The small class size allowed instructors to provide more individual support to all students.

The ESL Foundation Program helped me prepare for transition into my undergraduate program, through participation in the peer to peer mentoring program and having access to events and information sessions throughout my ESL studies. These events really helped me become more knowledgeable and confident on day one of my undergraduate studies."

Notes

1. Updated January 2026: Minimum overall TOEFL scores updated. Review English placement (EP) equivalencies for tests taken before January 21, 2026.
2. Fees are for the academic year, expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.