Continuing Education

English as a Second Language

Improve your language skills with NAIT’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program

NAIT ESL is excited to offer all levels 1- 6 both online and face-to-face. Delivery mode availability is subject to change. 

English language learning has never been so flexible or convenient!

The NAIT ESL department prides itself on offering the best online and face-to-face language learning classes. Whether you choose to study online or face-to-face, you will have a great learning experience guided by our friendly and knowledgeable instructors. In a comfortable classroom setting, you will improve your language and study skills, while confidently exploring the richness of Canadian culture.

Program Overview

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program:

 

Provides student centered, hands-on learning

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

ESL Journey at NAIT

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:

  1. Sign in to MyNAIT Portal
  2. Select Open Self-Service button
  3. Select the Admissions tile 
  4. Select ESL program
  5. Select Submission of Documents on the left-hand menu
  6. 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

NESL704 - Academic Grammar and Writing

 
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

NESL705 - Pronunciation Listening & Speaking

 
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

NESL710 - ESL Language and Culture Activities 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

NESL716 - ELP Intensive Preparation 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

NESL717 - IELTS Preparation Course - Writing Focus

 
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

NESL718 - CELPIP Preparation 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

NESL818 - Workplace Communication and Safety Strategies (ESL) 1

 
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

NESL900 - English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exam

 
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

English Summer Language Program

Tour Edmonton while learning the basics of the English language. Explore the River Valley, visit West Edmonton Mall, enjoy the summer festivals and get a chance to venture out to the Rocky Mountains.

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 in downtown Edmonton

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:

  1. Complete the ESL application and pay the deposit (click here to go to the application)
  2. 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.
  3. 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

ELP scores to waive the ESL placement test

TEST Result Validity

NESL

Level 6

  • IELTS (Academic Format): 5.5 Overall Band Score, with no band less than 5.5
  • TOEFL: 56-69 with a minimum score of 14 in each band score.

  • Duolingo English Test: overall score of minimum 100, with a minimum score of 100 in "Production".
  • IELTS: 2 years
  • TOEFL: 2 years
  • Duolingo: 2 years

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

  • 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

  • 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

NESL

Level 2

Book a NAIT ESL Placement Test

  • NAIT ESL Placement Test:
    9 months

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

Related Programs & Courses

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