Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question to see the answer below
When do courses start? When do I need to apply?
Can I study ESL with a Visitors visa?
How can I get a Study Permit? How long will it take to get it?
Is there an English requirement to study ESL?
How do I know what level of English I should study?
When can I start taking regular academic (non-ESL) courses? What score on TOEFL or other tests do I need?
How long are ESL courses?
How much does it cost? When do I need to pay? How can I pay?
How old do I have to be to study at Capilano University?
How do I apply?
What happens after I apply?
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Will I need medical insurance?
Will I need to buy textbooks?
Do you have a library, computer lab, sports facility and other services?
Where can I find accommodation?
How can I find out more about Vancouver and British Columbia?1. When do courses start? When do I need to apply?
ESL courses start in September, January and May. You should apply to the University as soon as possible to ensure that you have enough time to apply for a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (if required) to come to Canada.
For information for Canadian Citizens and Landed Immigrants, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/english-second-language/apply.html
For information for International Students, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/services/international/apply.html
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2. Can I study ESL with a Visitors visa?
Yes, international students can study ESL with a Visitors visa but only for 1 term (4 months). We recommend that students apply for a Study Permit before coming to Canada. Usually a Study Permit allows 2 years of study.
Please see: http://www.capilanou.ca/services/international/visas-study-permits.html
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3. How can I get a Study Permit? How long will it take to get it?
When you are admitted to Capilano University, you will be mailed a letter of admission and a form from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You take these documents to a Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission to apply for a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (if citizens from your country require a visa to enter Canada).
Once you submit a complete application for a Study Permit, it will usually take between four to six weeks. However, it sometimes takes much longer, so it's best to check with the Canadian embassy and apply as soon as possible for your Study Permit (and Temporary Resident Visa, if needed).
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4. Is there an English requirement to study ESL?
Students are required to have had some previous English study as we do not have beginner level courses. ESL classes start at the lower intermediate level. All students must be tested before they can register in the ESL program. The University requires one of the following:
ESL Placement Test
English Language Assessment (ELA) score of 60 or above
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5. How do I know what level of English I should study?
After applying to and being accepted by the University, your name will be sent to the ESL department. The ESL department will send you a letter asking you to come for the ESL Placement Test. The test usually takes four and a half to five hours, including breaks. The results of this test will indicate your level of English and the appropriate ESL courses for you.
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6. When can I start taking regular academic (non-ESL) courses? What score on TOEFL or other tests do I need?
Most students coming to Capilano University directly from high school in their home country with good grades in English can expect to study ESL courses for a minimum of two terms in order to acquire the necessary skills for success in University Transfer (UT), Career or Vocational Programs.
Many students who test into or achieve the Capilano Academic English Preparation levels take ESL courses and university transfer (UT) courses at the same time. This option is available to students who have excellent grades in ESL as well as a TOEFL or other test score that meets the entrance requirement for the University's university transfer (UT) or School of Business programs:
Specific Testing Requirements for Admission
| TOEFL |
83 (Internet based), 220 (computer based), 560 (paper-based) |
| ELA |
145 |
| IELTS |
6.5 overall; minimum score for each section: 6 |
| CAEL |
70 |
Students who complete ESLF 080 with a B+ grade will satisfy the Capilano University English Language requirement for academic studies. See English Language Requirement for more details.
http://www.capilanou.ca/admission/requirements/english-requirement.html
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7. How long are ESL courses?
ESL courses are 14 weeks long, including one week for final exams. There are three terms per year: September to December, January to April, and May to August.
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8. How much does it cost?
For more information, go to Tuition Fees and Expenses. http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/esl/international/fees.html
For a complete up-to-date schedule of all fees, go to the Capilano University Fees & Fee Payment web page. http://www.capilanou.ca/admission/fees.html
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9. How old do I have to be to study at Capilano University?
All students must be at least 18 years old and must have completed high school.
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10. How do I apply?
For more information, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/english-second-language/apply.html
For additional information for International Students, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/services/international/apply.html
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11. What happens after I apply?
Once we receive your application, application fee, and transcripts it will take about two to three weeks for you to receive a reply. When you receive your letters of admission to the University, you will receive a letter from the ESL Department advising you when and where to take the ESL Placement Test.
For more information, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/english-second-language/apply.html
For additional information for International Students, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/services/international/apply.html
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12. What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Please see: http://www.capilanou.ca/admission/fees/refunds.html
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13. Will I need medical insurance?
Please see: http://www.capilanou.ca/services/international/expenses/medical-insurance.html
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14. Will I need to buy textbooks?
Yes, you will need to buy textbooks for most ESL courses. Your instructor will give you a list of required textbooks on the first day of classes.
Textbooks are available at the Capilano University bookstore. You can expect to pay a total of $150 to $200 per term for new ESL course textbooks if you are studying all three skill areas (grammar & writing, reading & vocabulary, speaking & listening).
Used textbooks are sometimes available at a lower price from the Student Union office at the beginning of each term. Go to the Student Union web site for more information.
http://www.csu.bc.ca/
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15. Do you have a library, computer lab, sports facility and other services?
Yes, Capilano University has a comprehensive range of facilities and other support services for students. The ESL department has a state-of-the-art Computer-Assisted Language Learning lab.
For more information, please see:
http://www.capilanou.ca/programs/english-second-language/guide-immigrant.html
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16. Where can I find accommodation?
Capilano University does not have student residences. However, host families or rental accommodation can be found within easy travelling distance. It is advisable to arrive early to arrange suitable accommodation.
There are three main options:
Host family – contact First Choice International Placement Inc. - http://www.fciplacement.com
Fully furnished apartments, suites, or rooms – contact Bell Accommodation – http://www.bellacc.com
Off-campus housing registry – Capilano Students Union – http://www.csu.bc.ca
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17. How can I find out more about Vancouver and British Columbia?
Capilano University is located on the slopes of the coastal mountains, in North Vancouver, only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver is a clean, safe and very beautiful city on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
For more information, please see Vancouver and British Columbia Links:
Vancouver and British Columbia Linkstop