Program Overview
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program:

Provides student centered, hands-on learning
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Exposes you to a variety of instructors with different teaching styles

Prepares you for post-secondary education and the workplace

Meets English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for all NAIT programs once completing level 6
Click on the boxes below for more information on each topic.
ESL Pathway and Starting Levels
After you take the placement test, you will learn your ESL starting level. Click below for more information on ESL levels and time it will take to complete the program.
Admissions
After passing and completing NAIT’s ESL level 6, you will meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for entrance into NAIT certificate, diploma, or degree programs.
You may also apply to credit programs and receive Conditional or Provisional Admission while completing your ESL level 6 classes:
Learn more about other ways you can meet NAIT’s
English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.
Program Expectations
In the ESL program, we believe in empowering our students to take charge of their own learning journey. We recognize that success is driven by motivation, active participation, consistent attendance, and effort. Please take the time to review program expectations whether taking on-campus or online courses.
Read more
Quick Facts
Credential:
Certificate Achievement
An approved non-credit program that has a formal summative assessment component, has mappped program or course outcomes, and is subject to a regular quality curriculum review process.
Campus:
Main
Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map
Delivery Modes:
- Varies by Class - Delivery mode varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.
Delivery Times:
- Varies by Class - Delivery times varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.
Apply and Enrol
There are different steps to apply based on whether you are an international student, domestic student or a protected person.
Do you need help?
To get help with your registration, Foundational Learning Assistance Program (funding) application and other inquiries, you can contact us in the following ways:
In-person at the The Welcome Centre in building L, room (L-159) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come study with us in Canada! NAIT ESL is now able to offer PALs to international students. Once you complete your application, follow these steps to locate your PAL:
- Sign in to MyNAIT Portal
- Select Open Self-Service button
- Select the Admissions tile
- Select ESL program
- Select Submission of Documents on the left-hand menu
- Select View (next to the Provincial Attestation Letter file)
A PAL is a required document to apply for an initial study permit from outside of Canada. You can review who is PAL exempt here.
Foreign nationals in Canada with a visitor visa may take one level of ESL without a study permit, as long as they can complete that level during their initial period of authorized stay (i.e. within their 6-month stay).
If you do not already have an ELP test score, apply to NAIT ESL and take the Placement Test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the frequently asked questions below to get more information.
ESL Short Courses
All ESL levels 1- 6 may be offered both online and face-to-face. Availability of each delivery method is subject to enrolment numbers.
These short courses are designed for professionals and students to:

Improve professional or technical writing

Be better understood by coworkers, clients and classmates

Prepare for English proficiency tests
These courses are not part of the main NAIT ESL program. Students do not need to apply to enroll in these courses. Register for these short courses by clicking on the course in the list.
ESL short course availability
Delivery Options: Evening, Online
Hours: 20
Fees: $225
Enhance your academic writing skills. Begin with sentence structure and paragraphs and advance to essays and graph analysis.
View Course
Delivery Options: Online, Evening
Hours: 20
Fees: $225
Gain confidence in speaking English as a second language and improve your fluency and pronunciation. It is essential to gain practical experience speaking and listening while learning a new language.
View Course
Delivery Options: Day
Hours: 37
Fees: $1765
This 2-to-6-week course is tailored for students who aim to enhance their social and life skills while gaining insight into Canadian culture.
View Course
Delivery Options: Evening, Online
Hours: 20
Fees: $225
If you are interested in completing NAIT’s English Language Proficiency examination and would like to familiarize yourself with the format and question types, this course is tailored for you.
View Course
Delivery Options: Evening, Online
Hours: 18
Fees: $295
Take the IELTS Academic English Language Test with confidence! Master tips and techniques that can help you improve your score, especially in the writing component, which tends to be the most...
View Course
Delivery Options: Day, Online
Hours: 18
Fees: $295
This comprehensive 18-hour preparatory course is designed to familiarize participants with the CELPIP test, a requirement for obtaining Permanent Resident status and Canadian Citizenship in Canada.
View Course
Delivery Options: Evening, Online
Hours: 40
Fees: $650
Knowing how to communicate effectively in the workplace is essential to becoming an active and contributing member of an organizational team and promoting increased levels of safety in the workplace.
View Course
Delivery Options: Online, Day
Hours: 0
Fees: $175
The NAIT English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exam is for students applying to a NAIT credit program and need to submit proof of ELP as part of their application.
View Course
Are You An International Student?
All ESL levels 1- 6 may be offered both online and face-to-face. Availability of each delivery method is subject to enrolment numbers.
International Students are students who:
- Have a study permit and PAL
- Do not have a study permit but plan to study online
- Plan to study for more than one 4 month term
- Visitors and workers studying one 4 month term
Learn more about the
benefits of studying at NAIT as an international student! We take pride in creating opportunities for students across the world.
Do you have questions about study permits?
Please contact nait.ca/help and we will connect you with one of our licensed team members.
ELP tests to waive the ESL placement test
Students with one of the tests listed below can enroll in NAIT ESL without taking the Placement Test.
If you have any of the tests listed below, please follow these steps:
- Complete the ESL application and pay the deposit (click here to go to the application)
- Email continuingeducation@nait.ca and attach your test results document to the email. Also include your full name and NAIT student ID number in the email.
- You will receive an email response with the next steps within 10 business days.
If your test is not on the list or if your score is lower than those shown here, we will contact you to book a NAIT ESL Placement Test.
NAIT ESL Levels
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ELP scores to waive the ESL placement test
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TEST Result Validity
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NESL
Level 6
|
|
- IELTS: 2 years
- TOEFL: 2 years
- Duolingo: 2 years
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NESL
Level 5
|
- IELTS (Academic Format): 5.0 Overall Band Score, with no band less than 5.0
- TOEFL: 46-55 with a minimum score of 12 in each band score.
- Duolingo English Test: overall score of minimum 90-95, with a minimum score of 95 in "Production".
|
- IELTS: 2 years
- TOEFL: 2 years
- Duolingo: 2 years
|
NESL
Level 4
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- IELTS (Academic Format): 5.0 Overall Band Score, with no band less than 4.5
- TOEFL: 35-45
- Duolingo English Test: overall score of minimum 80-85, with a minimum score of 85 in "Production".
|
- IELTS: 2 years
- TOEFL: 2 years
- Duolingo: 2 years
|
NESL
Level 3
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- IELTS (Academic Format): 4.5 Overall Band Score, with no band less than 4
- TOEFL: 32-34
- Duolingo English Test: overall score of minimum 65-75, with a minimum score of 75 in "Production".
|
- IELTS: 2 years
- TOEFL: 2 years
- Duolingo: 2 years
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NESL
Level 2
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Book a NAIT ESL Placement Test
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- NAIT ESL Placement Test:
9 months
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NESL
Level 1
|
Book a NAIT ESL Placement Test
|
- NAIT ESL Placement Test:
9 months
|
Note: This equivalency table is an approximate guideline. NAIT ESL department also conducts a battery of diagnostic tests to ensure all students are correctly placed. Therefore, NAIT ESL reserves the right to place a student in a level that best matches their academic skills.
With each application, students are entitled to one equivalency test being assessed. Multiple tests of the same or different types will not be assessed. Students can choose which test to provide for assessment. If a valid, recent NAIT ESL Placement Test is on file or if a NAIT ESL Placement test is taken after an equivalency test is assessed, the NAIT ESL Placement will be used to determine the student's level. Please also note that diagnostic tests carried out in the first weeks of classes will carry the final placement decision.
How to Apply and Enrol to ESL
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Funding Options
Courses, certificates and transfer credits
Technology Requirements