English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for staff

uOttawa personnel have the opportunity to enrol in free second-language courses. Our courses are tailored to various proficiency levels ensuring that learners of all abilities can find the right fit. Certain courses may also be open to family members.

  1. Take the mandatory placement test to determine your proficiency level.
  2. Review the courses available at your level.
  3. Complete the registration form.

Course description by level

Timetable

Fall 2025

Please note that all courses will be held virtually for the Fall 2025 term. Course registration ends two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Beginner

Course codeCourse titleHoursTotal durationSchedule

ESL 1210 – A

Beginner: Reading and Listening Skills

30hrs

September 30 to December 11, 2025

(10 weeks, no class during Reading Week)

Tuesday and Thursday

11:30am to 1:00pm

Elementary

Course codeCourse titleHoursTotal durationSchedule

ESL 1212 – A

Elementary: Speaking and Writing Skills

30hrs

September 30 to December 11, 2025

(10 weeks, no class during Reading Week)

Tuesday and Thursday

11:30am to 1:00pm

Intermediate

Course codeCourse titleHoursTotal durationSchedule

ESL 2221 – A

ESL 2221 - Intermediate: Reading & Writing15hrs

September 29 to November 5, 2025

(5 weeks, no class during Reading Week)

Monday and Wednesday

12:00pm to 1:30pm

Intermediate / Advanced

Course codeCourse titleHoursTotal durationSchedule

ESL 2201 - A

Oral Communication Workshop (intensive)

12hrs

October 14 to October 17, 2025

(4 mornings – Reading Week)

Tuesday to Friday

9:00am to 12:00pm

Advanced

Course codeCourse titleHoursTotal durationSchedule

ESL 3441 – A

Advanced: Listening & Speaking

15hrs

November 11 to December 11, 2025

(5 weeks)

Tuesday and Thursday

12:00pm to 1:30pm

FLS 4011 - AAcademic Writing for Publication12hrsOctober 2, November 6 and December 4, 2025

Thursday

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional language learning resources

Julien Couture Resource Centre

Julien Couture Resource Centre (JCRC)

The Julien Couture Resource Centre (JCRC) hosts a specialized collection of educational tools and activities for language learners of French and English. All members of the uOttawa community are welcome to the JCRC to take advantage of the many resources available to them to help improve their language skills.

ILOBify logo

ILOBify

ILOBify is a comprehensive web application that centralizes a diverse array of linguistic tools, designed to enhance language skills. This app assists users in finding resources, services, and information, ultimately helping them become confident French and English speakers.

Linguistic Risk-Taking logo

Linguistic Risk-Taking Passport

The Linguistic Risk-Taking Passport is a tool that encourages uOttawa community members to take various linguistic risks that will boost their confidence in a second or additional language. By integrating these risks into your daily life, you can fully leverage your experience on our unique bilingual campus and in other multilingual settings.

Mauril app logo

The Mauril app, a fun way to learn French and English

Mauril is a language learning application designed to help you learn English and French with the help of a wide variety of content provided by CBC and Radio Canada. The app features an array of interactive quizzes and activities to test your knowledge, further your language skills, and enrich your vocabulary.