English Language Proficiency Requirements

General Information

English is the primary language of instruction at VCC. All applicants are required to demonstrate the appropriate level of English language proficiency to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom.

Programs before September 2024

Please choose the option below that applies to you. This will help you determine how to best meet the specific English language requirements for your program. Be sure to check your program admissions requirements for the level of English required.

ESL/EAL Pathways courses

English language requirements for students who are interested in taking ESL Pathways and ESL Pathways – Advanced courses

 Check requirements Check requirements
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/esleal-pathways-courses/

VCC Health Sciences programs

English language requirements for students who are interested in one of VCC’s Health Sciences programs 

 Check requirements Check requirements
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/health-sciences/

All other programs

At least three years of English instruction

English language requirements for students who have completed three years* of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction

* English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not considered in the three-year calculation

 Check requirements Check requirements
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/at-least-three-years-of-english-instruction/

Completed English 12 (with less than three years of English instruction)

English language requirements for students who have completed English 12 or equivalent but have not completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction 

 Check requirements Check requirements
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/complete-english-12/

Less than three years of English instruction (no English 12)

English language requirements for students who do not have English 12 and have not completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction

 Check requirements Check requirements
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/less-than-three-years-of-english-instruction-no-english-12/

International or B.C. offshore school

Students from institutions accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and B.C. Certified Offshore Schools may meet VCC's English language requirements if they have completed three years* of full-time, face-to-face secondary education where English was the primary language of instruction and have an equivalent academic English course with the respective grade required by the program. Please contact a program advisor for more information.

* English as an Additional Language (EAL/ESL) courses are not considered in the three-year calculation.

 Contact an advisor Contact an advisor
http://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/advising-services/

American Samoa
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Botswana
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Falkland Islands
Fiji
Gambia

Ghana
Gibraltar
Grenada
Guam
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Malta
Mauritius
Montserrat
New Zealand
Nigeria
Saint Helena

Saint Lucia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
South Africa
Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
Uganda
United Kingdom
United States
United States Virgin Islands
Zambia
Zimbabwe

 

Proof of credentials

All applicants using external credentials (e.g. degrees, credits, or test scores) to meet VCC's English language requirements must provide proof upon application.

 

Questions?

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your program and want more information about VCC English assessments or courses, please contact Advising Services.