Program Overview

Intensive Academic English Program

The English Language Centre's (ELC) Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP) prepares students for university by providing the language skills needed for academic success.

About the Program

The IAEP helps students meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement for most programs at the University of Manitoba (undergraduate studies, graduate studies, and certificate programs), International College of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Red River College. The program has six levels of study, each consisting of 24 hours of classes per week for 14 weeks. The program begins in January, May, and September of each year. On average, there are fewer than 12 students in each class.

Program Levels

• Foundations Level: This course focuses on foundational English skills in oral communication, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar development.
• Levels 1 to 4: These levels are designed to prepare intermediate and advanced level students for academic study, emphasizing the English language skills necessary for university success.
• Level 5: Also known as the Academic English Program for University and College Entrance (AEPUCE), this level is designed to prepare students for admission to the University of Manitoba. Students who successfully pass Level 5 meet the English Language Proficiency requirements of most programs at the University of Manitoba and other institutions.
• New 6-month program option: This option is intended for students who want to improve their English and plan to study for up to six months at the English Language Centre's Intensive Academic English Program.

Intakes

• September to February (Fall intake and "Winter A" intake)
• March to August ("Winter B" intake and Spring intake)

Delivery Options

IAEP classes may be in-person, remote, or hybrid (some students in-person and some students remote). For remote learners, classes are "live", which means students must be (virtually) present on Zoom.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the IAEP, students must:

• Be 17 or older before the start of the term,
• Be an international student, Canadian citizen, or permanent resident whose first language is not English,
• Meet Canada Immigration requirements (international students only),
• Read, understand, and abide by all program guidelines, including the refund policy.

Level 5 Entrance Requirements

If students have already achieved one of the following minimum test scores, they may be eligible to enter Level 5 of the IAEP directly:

• 5.5 (Academic) or higher in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS),
• 5.5 (Academic) or higher in the International English Language Testing System Indicator (IELTS Indicator),
• Minimum 16 in each component and 70 overall on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition),
• 50 or higher in the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL),
• 45 Pearson Test of English (PTE),
• Duolingo English Test (95 and above).

Placement Test

All students who have not been admitted directly into Level 5 will take a placement test. Students will be required to take the Duolingo English Test (DET), which determines the level they are placed in.

Undergraduate Program Academic Requirements

Students who wish to attend the University of Manitoba undergraduate program must ensure they are familiar with the academic eligibility requirements.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Mar. 2, 2026 - Mar. 6, 2026: Winter Midterm Break
• Apr. 1, 2026: Application and documentation deadline for Spring/Summer 2026 program
• Apr. 15, 2026: Tuition deadline for Spring/Summer 2026 program
• Apr. 24, 2026: Last day of Winter term classes
• May. 11, 2026: First day of Spring/Summer term classes
• Jul. 6, 2026 - Jul. 10, 2026: Spring/Summer Midterm Break
• Aug. 1, 2026: Application and documentation deadline for Fall 2026 program
• Aug. 15, 2026: Tuition deadline for Fall 2026 program
• Aug. 21, 2026: Last day of Spring/Summer term classes
• Sep. 8, 2026: First day of Fall term classes
• Oct. 26, 2026 - Oct. 30, 2026: Fall Midterm Break
• Nov. 1, 2026: Application and documentation deadline for Winter 2027 program
• Nov. 15, 2026: Tuition deadline for Winter 2027 program
• Dec. 18, 2026: Last day of Fall term classes
• Jan. 11, 2027: First day of Winter term classes

Options for Application

There are four different entrance options for the Intensive Academic English Program, based on whether students have already applied for other programs at the University of Manitoba.

Application and Program Fees

• ELC Application fee: $175.00
• UM Undergraduate application fee (conditional admission only): $130.00
• Course fees (all applicants): $4,800.00
  • $343 per week (24 hours of instruction per week)

Fees are subject to change without notice and are listed in Canadian funds (CAD).

Student Experience

In the Intensive Academic English Program, students learn both in the classroom and in the community. The Student Life Coordinator and Student Life Leaders coordinate social events for ELC students to learn more about Canadian culture and university life.

ELC Bursaries

Information about ELC bursaries is available.

Homestay Accommodations

Information about homestay accommodations is available.