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 terms include 20 instructional hours per week.
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.
Dates, Fees & Refund Policy
Summer A | May 5, 2025
- April 4, 2025: Application Deadline
- May 1, 2025: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- May 5 – June 20, 2025: Class Dates
Summer B | June 30, 2025
- June 6, 2025: Application Deadline
- June 26, 2025: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- June 30 – August 15, 2025: Class Dates
Fall A | September 4, 2025
- August 1, 2025: Application Deadline
- September 2, 2025: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- September 4 – October 17, 2025: Class Dates
Fall B | October 27, 2025
- October 3, 2025: Application Deadline
- October 23, 2025: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- October 27 – December 12, 2025: Class Dates
Winter A | January 6, 2026
- November 28, 2025: Application Deadline
- January 5, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- January 6 – February 20, 2026: Class Dates
Winter B | March 2, 2026
- February 6, 2026: Application Deadline
- February 26, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- March 2 to April 17, 2026: Class Dates
Summer A | May 4, 2026
- April 3, 2026: Application Deadline
- April 30, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- May 4 – June 19, 2026: Class Dates
Summer B | June 29, 2026
- June 5, 2026: Application Deadline
- June 25, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- June 29 – August 14, 2026: Class Dates
Fall A | September 10, 2026
- July 31, 2026: Application Deadline
- September 8, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- September 10 – October 23, 2026: Class Dates
Fall B | November 2, 2026
- October 9, 2026: Application Deadline
- October 29, 2026: New Student Check-In and Orientation
- November 2 – December 18, 2026: Class Dates
2025/2026 Fees
| Required Expenses | 7 Weeks | 14 Weeks | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $150 (2025) $200 (2026) | $150 (2025) $200 (2026) | Application fees are non-refundable. |
| Tuition Fee | $3,057 (2025) $3,120 (2026) | $5,855 (2025) $6,240 (2026) | Tuition fee includes cost of placement testing as well as some study materials. |
| Student Service Fees | $600 (2025) $600 (2026) | $793 (2025) $1,100 (2026) | Fee includes use of library facilities, Athletic Centre, email account, Internet services, bus pass and social events. |
| Medical Insurance | $110 | $220 | |
| Textbooks | $250 | $250-500 | Textbooks are sold at the University Bookstore. |
New Applicants - ELCP Refund Policy
| Refund Request Deadline | With an Original Visa Refusal Document | Without an Original Visa Refusal Document |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 calendar months prior to the first day of class | 100% tuition deposit | 50% tuition deposit |
| Less than 2 calendar months prior to the first day of class | 100% tuition deposit | 0% tuition deposit |
Current Students - ELCP Refund Policy
| Refund Request Deadline | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 business days before the first day of class | 70% of current 7 week course fees* |
| Up to the 5th day of class | 50% of current 7 week course fees* |
| After 5th day of class | 0% of current 7 week course fees* |
*Course fees = Tuition + Student Services
Please note that medical insurance fees are non-refundable.
The refund policy applies only to fees paid to the University of Guelph English Language Programs. Any additional fees paid to third parties are not subject to this policy.
ELP applicants must request a refund and forward a copy (PDF) of their IRCC denial letter to esl@uoguelph.ca within two months of the denial letter date. Refund requests received after this time frame will be denied.
Application Fee: The $150 application fee is non-refundable.