English as a Second Language (ESL)

NAIT offers six levels of ESL instruction:

• High beginner to intermediate (levels 1, 2, and 3)
• English for Academic Purposes (levels 4, 5 and 6)

ESL offers three terms per year:

Spring 2023: May 8 - August 17, 2023
Fall 2023: September 1- December 15, 2023
Winter 2024: January 8-April 25, 2024
Spring 2024: May 6-August 15, 2024

• For best results, we recommend continuous enrolment until students have successfully completed the program.
• Students who successfully complete all three Level 6 courses meet NAIT’s English Language Proficiency admission requirements for most NAIT programs.

Terms are 15 weeks in length

• Morning schedule: 8:00 am - 11:50 am MST (full-time)

Program length is individual and will depend on your learning goals and starting level.

If you want to apply to a NAIT Program: Once you take the Placement Test, you will know how many terms you need to reach Level 6, NAIT's English Language Proficiency Requirement.

Upon approval of the ESL Department, part-time study may be considered on a case by case basis if this allows a student to achieve their learning goals.

Yes, our program runs year-round. 15-week terms start in Fall, Winter, and Spring. For best results, we recommend continuous enrolment until you have successfully completed the program.

You meet the English language proficiency requirement to enter into NAIT programs upon completing all level 6 courses.

You may also be granted conditional or provisional acceptance into some NAIT programs while taking level 6 courses. This allows you to reserve a spot in your program well in advance.

Our classes are morning half-day studies Monday through Friday. It is important you devote as much time as possible to studying.

If you are in Canada on a study permit, there may be rules about where and how much you can work. Learn more about working with a study permit.