English Foundation Program

Your pathway to university success

Three students eating on the campus courtyard

Course
EAP 103 (3 credits)

EAP 104 (3 credits)

Length
Four months offered in Winter Term 1

Four months offered in Winter Term 1 AND Winter Term 2

Faculty/School
Okanagan School of Education

English Foundation Program Information Session

Learn about UBC Okanagan and the English Foundation Program (EFP), through our online information session.

Friday, April 4 PDT | Saturday April 5 CST
5 to 6 p.m. PDT | 8 to 9 a.m. CST
The session will be recorded and available to watch following the event.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from our program director, coordinator, and EFP students. You will be able to ask questions.

Register

Parents are welcome to attend.  

Why study English as an Additional Language at UBC’s Okanagan campus?

The English Foundation Program (EFP) program combines English for academic purposes (EAP) classes, labs, tutorials, and other supports with a wide range of first-year course options. Now is the time to develop your advanced English language skills and bring your educational goals within reach.

  • Earn a degree from one of the top 40 research universities in the world.
  • Enrol in first-year university courses and immediately start your degree.
  • Receive credit for studying English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
  • Fulfil UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
  • Engage in academic, campus, and community life.

Program Overview

The goal of the EFP is to live well in a new place. You will develop your English language skills, critical thinking ability, general knowledge, learning strategies, and intercultural competence.  Student wellbeing, community engagement, and local First Peoples knowledge are also important parts of the program.  You will experience an active educational environment, with instructors using a variety of teaching methods. You will also enjoy learning activities that incorporate a range of individual tasks, peer collaboration, and group work. The program creates a safe and cooperative learning environment that encourages questions and helps you find answers.

Curriculum

Depending on your English language proficiency scores, you’ll benefit from either one or two terms in the EFP. Students studying one term in the program will complete EAP 104. Students studying two terms in the program will complete EAP 103 and EAP 104.

Each term consists of programming designed to maximize your English language skills and foster academic success.  A typical week includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking classes, campus, community, and culture lessons, language labs and field trips, and tutorial support. You can also take one or two additional undergraduate courses to get a head start on your degree program. EAP courses are worth three credits each, and those credits count towards your undergraduate degree as electives.

Students entering most undergraduate programs through the EFP are able to complete their undergraduate degrees within four years, including some summer terms of study. An academic advisor will be happy to help you to determine the timeline and requirements for your degree.

We are here to support you and keep your university studies on track.

 

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Admission Requirements

The EFP welcomes students who still need to achieve UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS).

If you apply to study in an undergraduate program* on UBC’s Okanagan campus, and you haven’t met the ELAS, you’ll be evaluated to see if the EFP is the best option for you.

You also have the option of studying as a non-degree student.  Please see the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar for the minimum English language proficiency test scores to enter the EFP.

*Eligible undergraduate programs include Applied Science, Arts, Fine Arts, Health and Exercise Sciences, Management, Media Studies, Science, and Sustainability.

Tuition and Program Fees

International Student Tuition and Program Fees*

EAP 103 or EAP 104 (3 credits):  $4,681.29
EFP Program Fee:  $6160.50

Domestic Student Tuition and Program Fees*

EAP 103 or EAP 104 (3 credits):  $584.34
EFP Program Fee:  $6160.50

*Amounts are based on 2024/2025 tuition and program fees for students in an Arts program.  Tuition fees may vary, depending on your program of study.  Applicable student fees and tuition for one or two additional courses are not included.

Please refer to the UBC Okanagan Calendar for detailed information about tuition, program, and student fees.

In case of discrepancy, the UBC Okanagan Calendar is held to be correct.

Student Life

Outside of class, you will have many opportunities as a UBC student to get involved in campus life.  These opportunities include sports, art and culture exhibits, guest speakers, student clubs, volunteering, and much more.  Additionally, you can take part in social activities and cultural celebrations.  Participating in these types of events will help you improve your English skills, make new friends, and feel connected to the campus and local community.

There are so many opportunities to connect and discover new experiences on campus. Learn more about Student Life.

Current Student Resources

For current students, the EFP Student Resource webpage has important information and resources to set you up for success in your university studies.

Additional Course Options

The Resources page has the full list of additional course options you can take while pursuing your degree.

Student Resources

Contact

For questions about the English Foundation Program, please contact:

Amber Lavoie
EAL Programs Coordinator
amber.lavoie@ubc.ca
250-807-9901

For assistance with the application process, please contact:

International Student Advising

Learn more

For course planning and selection, please contact:

Please visit Academic Advising for assistance. They offer express drop-in and pre-scheduled appointments.

Please visit the School of Engineering advising webpage to connect with Engineering Advisors.

GLOBAL AND CLOSE-KNIT

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

An aerial view of UBC's Okanagan campus.

DISCOVER THE OKANAGAN

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.