Language programs FAQs

Yes, you'll find a Google Translate button in the top right corner of this webpage. Select the language of your choice and all the text on the website will be automatically translated!

The English Intensive Program (EIP) has 5 levels: ESL 0105, ESL 0110, ESL 0120, ESL 0130 and ESL 0140.  Each level takes 14 weeks (1 term) to complete.

The Centre for Language Learning also offers ESL 0140: Accelerated Academic Bridging in English.  This is a condensed, 8-week program, offered during the Summer term.  Accelerated Academic Bridging in English is available for students who:

• have a conditional offer from the University, and;
• who are only required to complete ESL 0140.

The uOttawa English Experience program is offered over 3 weeks. The first session is offered in July, and the second in August.

Yes, absolutely!  You do not need to be a future student at the University of Ottawa. We do require that you either complete your high school studies in your home country or be at least 18 years old. If you are a student that does not have a conditional offer from the University, you will be registered as a non-degree student and be required to take an online language placement test, in order for us to assess in which language class level you belong.

All students enrolled in ESL 0140 in the English Intensive Program take Communication 1148 as part of the course curriculum.

In addition, students entering undergraduate programs may take up to one additional course concurrently while completing ESL 0140. This opportunity extends to select courses in Mathematics, Engineering, and Chemistry.  The University of Ottawa is pleased to offer these additional courses at a 20% discount for conditional offer students. For more information and to explore the available courses, please contact the Center for Language Learning office ( [email protected] ) .

If you are a non-degree student (without a conditional offer to the University of Ottawa), you may be eligible to take additional courses.  Please note that language program tuition fees do not cover additional courses.
 

Please note that students who must complete the English Intensive Program as specified by their conditional offer of admission to an undergraduate program from the University of Ottawa are not eligible for deferral. 

Students are not required to participate in outings but we strongly encourage participation in at least 3 outings per term since they are great opportunities for students to practise speaking English and meet other language program students.

Yes. Integration Days are mandatory, as they are an opportunity to meet other international students and some of your teachers. 

During Integration Days, you will also be able to pick up your student card, U-Pass, and receive health insurance coverage information. These few days at the beginning of the semester are an opportunity for you to get acquainted with the campus and recover from your international travels before classes begin.

Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old or have completed high school to be eligible for the language programs offered by the Centre for Language Learning.

You must complete the online application form.  Once you submit your application form, you will receive an automated email with the next steps to follow.

Please note that it can take from 2-4 weeks for our office to process your application form.  Priority will be given to programs scheduled for the upcoming term.  We thank you in advance for your patience.  Enrollment in language courses happens approximately 1 month before the start of the term/course.  Once you have been enrolled, you will see your class schedule, program information and finances in your uoZone Student Centre.

Other than the online application form, there are no mandatory documents required by the Centre of Language Learning (CLL) for students to participate in language programs.

If you are a non-degree student (no conditional offer from the University), you will be required to take an online language placement test, to determine your language proficiency level.

If you are a non-degree student and are not 18 years old at the start of your language program, we require a high school transcript.

We recommend that you contact your local Embassy or the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website in order to make sure you have all the travel documents necessary to study in Canada. You can also find more information on what you will need to study in Canada on the University of Ottawa’s International Office webpage.

No, however please note that international students must allow enough time to gather all travel documents (visa, study permit, passport etc. if required) before the start of the session and must arrive in Ottawa (with accommodations) a few days prior to the start of your language program, to attend Integration Day (if applicable)

If you are an international student that requires a study permit, we suggest applying to our language programs a minimum of 3 – 4 months before the start of the program.

Admission and/or confirmation of deposit documents will be sent to you once your deposit has been received by the University and deposited in your student account or if we have received an Admission Purposes letter from the student’s sponsor.

Please note: Students with conditional offers from the University of Ottawa should use their Admission Offer Letter to apply for their study permit.  The Centre for Language does not issue official admission documents.

If you are a student with a conditional offer from the University of Ottawa, you must pay your deposit and tuition fees using one of the University’s Methods of payment.

If you are a student without a conditional offer from the University of Ottawa (non-degree/special student), you will be required to pay your deposit to the English Intensive Program via credit card, using the University’s eStore.  Payment details will be sent to you by email once your registration form is received.  Once you pay your deposit, our Centre will send you your uOttawa student ID.  Afterwards, you will then need to pay the remaining tuition fees using one of the University’s Methods of payment.

Please note that it takes a minimum of 3 - 5 business days for any payment to be deposited in your uoZone student account. We strongly suggest you keep your confirmation information and track your payment.

For all our other language programs, you will need to pay the entire tuition at once in the eStore.

Yes, a deposit is mandatory for the English Intensive Program. This first installment insures we save you a seat in the EIP . This deposit also allows our Centre to send you admission documents and the placement test information (if needed) to continue the registration process.

Please note that deposits to the EIP are non-refundable.  Exceptionally, a one-time transfer to the next term is offered for students whose study permit has been denied.  Original proof of refusal must be submitted in order to receive the transfer

For all our other language programs, you will need to pay the entire tuition at once in the eStore.

You may need to pay multiple deposits if you wish for your admission documents to reflect which term(s) you wish to participate in.

You do not have to enroll yourself in any classes – our Centre will take care of this.  The Centre for Language Learning will enroll you in your language program approximately 1 month before the start of the term.  Once you are enrolled, you will be able to see your course timetable and tuition fees in your uoZone Student Centre.

Tuition fees can be found on our website under our Dates and Fees section.  Please note that dates and fees are subject to change without notice. Ancillary fees (UHIP, U-pass and incidentals) will differ slightly based on your student status and which language program you select.

Tuition fees will be visible in your uoZone Student Centre after you have been enrolled in your courses, approximately one month before the first day of class.

Tuition fees for all language programs must be paid in full by the first day of class.  Refunds for withdrawals are possible (minus the non-refundable deposit) until the Monday of the second week of your language program.

Please note: The Centre for Language Learning tuition payment deadlines differ from the University’s undergraduate tuition deadlines. More information on our tuition fees can be found on our Dates and Fees webpage.

Tuition fees are the same for all students, no matter what country they are coming from or their legal status in Canada. However, some of the incidental fees and other program costs (health insurance (UHIP)) may differ slightly based on your student status and which language program you select.

Yes, UHIP – the University Health Insurance Plan - is mandatory for all international students participating in the English Intensive Program or Accelerated Academic Bridging in English program.

Please note that if you already have health insurance coverage in Canada, you may be able to opt-out of UHIP.  It is your responsibility to provide proof of insurance by submitting your proof of coverage to the University of Ottawa’s Infoservice. If you do not submit proof, the UHIP fees will remain in your account.

For more information on UHIP, please visit: Health insurance

For short-term programs such as the uOttawa English Experience Program or any customized program, you will receive coverage from another health insurance provider such as Guard.Me.

Yes. The textbook required for your course depends on the language program you are enrolled in and the level you are placed in. The cost typically ranges from CA $100 to CA $250. You will find details about the required textbook in your course outline. Please note that textbook fees are not included in tuition, and students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

Unfortunately, no.  Tuition fees for the Centre for Language Learning programs are not covered by OSAP since these programs are non-for-credit programs through the University of Ottawa.

Yes. You can possibly skip a level of the EIP if you successfully complete your current level with the mandatory 85% attendance rate and an 85% overall grade. This decision is subject to approval by the Centre for Language Learning management team and the teaching staff.

No. Once you start the English Intensive Program, you must complete the program if you are a conditional offer student. You must successfully complete the bridging level, (ESL 0140) in order to start your undergraduate programs.

The Undergraduate Admissions Office requires students to provide English or French proficiency test results for an offer of admission. You can submit new language test scores to the Admissions Office until the submission deadline. 

To find out more about submitting new language test scores, please visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/undergraduate-studies/info-admission

Non-degree seeking students (students without an offer of admission to uOttawa) do not need to to submit English test scores to participate in our language programs. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you an online English language placement test to evaluate your English proficiency. Based on the results, we will assign you to a class that best matches your needs and provides you with the necessary support. 

There will also be an in-person diagnostic test during the first week of class to confirm your placement level.

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Yes.  If your study permit is denied, we invite you to reapply to your language program. Your deposit is eligible for a one-time transfer to the following session of the language program you have selected. In order for a deposit to be transferred over to the next term, you must send an original proof of refusal to our Office, at [email protected].

If you are a student with a conditional offer to the University of Ottawa, you can log into your uoZOne Student Centre and download your statement of account, in your Finances section.

Alternatively or if you are not a student with a conditional offer, you can contact Infoservice to request a proof of payment, or email them at [email protected].   Be sure to include your student number in your communications.  You will receive your proof of payment by email.

Canada Homestay Network

In partnership with uOttawa, the Canada Homestay Network provides students with warm and welcoming homestays and related custodianship services so they feel well supported during their program of study in Canada. The Canada Homestay Network is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, gain a deeper understanding of the community and enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay in a welcoming host family. You will have the opportunity to learn about their customs, traditions, and daily routines. This is a great way to improve your language skills and make lasting friendships. You can be sure that you will be well supported throughout your stay!

Off-campus Accommodation

Choosing a place to live is always an important decision. Not sure where to start? Explore the resources available at uOttawa: speak with an expert and use the off-campus housing billboard. 

There are also several student residences near campus that aren’t affiliated with uOttawa but still offer a strong sense of community with other students:

• Théo Ottawa
• oneE1even
• 417Nelson

On-campus Accommodation (May to August only)

During the summer months, a limited number of rooms are available in uOttawa’s on-campus residences. The Centre for Language Learning reserves a block of rooms for language students. Once you have completed your registration for one of our summer programs, we will email you a unique link to book on-campus housing. Availability is limited and rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students with a conditional offer of admission to an undergraduate program at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to apply for on-campus residence while completing the English Intensive Program. Click here for a step-by-step guide to the on-campus residence application process. For Fall intakes, the housing application portal typically opens in December of the preceding year.

The Canadian dollar (CAD$) is the official currency.  

Most goods and services have a 13% tax called HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), which is added at the checkout. This means the price you see on the shelf is usually before tax, so the final cost will be higher. Some items, like basic groceries, are not taxed. Note that the sales tax is different in each province. 

Tipping isn’t required by law, but it’s a normal part of Canadian culture and helps support service workers’ income. Tipping is expected in places like restaurants, bars, taxis, food delivery, and hair salons, usually around 10–20% for good service. In fast-food restaurants, corner stores, clothing shops, medical facilities, or self-serve places, tipping is not expected. 

The +1 at the beginning of a phone number is the country code for Canada. The local area codes for Ottawa are: 613, 343 and 753. A phone number may follow his formula: +1 613 ### ####.  

Ottawa is home to several professional and semi-professional sports teams. Here are a few local favourites to check out:

Ottawa Senators (men's hockey), Ottawa Charge (women's hockey), Atlético Ottawa (men's soccer), Ottawa Rapid (women's soccer), Ottawa Titans (men's baseball), Ottawa Redblacks (men's football), Ottawa BlackJacks (men's basketball).