ESL Foundation Program
Is this program for me?
The ESL Foundation Program teaches in-depth English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our instructors will inspire you to work hard and accomplish your educational goals, rewarding students who aim high. You will participate in 20-25 hours of classroom activity weekly in a supportive environment with small class sizes. Transition into your undergraduate program with up to 3 credits earned toward your degree.
The length of the program is determined by your English score:
English proficiency requirements
IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105-115 or TOEFL iBT 79-82
Program dates based on undergraduate start date
September 2023:
January 9, 2023 - April 28, 2023
or
May 8, 2023 - August 25, 2023
January 2024:
August 28, 2023 - December 15, 2023
Cost
$16,900 CAD*, including tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance and one degree credit course
* Tuition and fees are based on the 2022-2023 academic year and expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.
English proficiency requirements
IELTS 5.0 or Duolingo 80-90 or TOEFL iBT 64-68
Program dates based on undergraduate start date
September 2023:
January 9, 2023 - August 25, 2023
January 2024:
May 8, 2023 - December 15, 2023
September 2024:
August 28, 2023 - May 3, 2024
Cost
$32,900 CAD*, including tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance and two degree credit courses
* Tuition and fees are based on the 2022-2023 academic year and expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.
The Pre-ESL Foundation Program is an additional 8 weeks including 20 hours of class per week of blended learning in both in-person and virtual formats. Upon completion, you will start the ESL Foundation Program (Two terms).
English proficiency requirements
IELTS 4.5 or Duolingo 65-75 or TOEFL iBT 53-63
Program dates based on undergraduate start date
September 2023:
October 24, 2022 - August 25, 2023
September 2024:
July 4, 2023 - May 3, 2024
or
October 23, 2023 - August 23, 2024
Cost
$37,499 CAD*, including tuition, materials, ancillary fees, health insurance and two degree credit courses
* Tuition and fees are based on the 2022-2023 academic year and expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Visit Tuition and Fees for the most accurate figures.
Blended Delivery
Our classes will be delivered in a blended format: in person and virtually. You will be located in the heart of downtown Toronto to attend classes in person, where public health protocols will be followed closely. The remainder of student learning is completed virtually synchronously and asynchronously with the support of your instructor and through structured, independent learning.
(external link)
Our curriculum has been designed to explore the English language based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (external link) .
After completion
Successful completion of the ESL Foundation Program or Pre-ESL + ESL Foundation Program allows you to join any of our 60+ undergraduate degree programs.
Alumni Spotlight
"Hi, I'm Jessica! As a previous student and student staff in the English Language Institute, the ELI not only provided me with comprehensive English language support but also helped me build connections to university services. The outstanding instructors at the ELI have extensive ESL experience and qualifications. The small class size allowed instructors to provide more individual support to all students.
The ESL Foundation Program helped me prepare for transition into my undergraduate program, through participation in the peer to peer mentoring program and having access to events and information sessions throughout my ESL studies. These events really helped me become more knowledgeable and confident on day one of my undergraduate studies."
Jessica Zhang, ESL Foundation Program Graduate, China
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Toronto Metropolitan University ("the University") collects personal information under the authority of the (PDF file) University Act and in accordance with the University Notice of Collection for international recruitment and other related purposes. The University will collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information by Toronto Metropolitan University, please contact the English Language Institute, 424 Yonge St, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5B 2H3, tmueli@torontomu.ca.