English Foundation Program

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND UBCO’S RESPONSE: Return to Campus Information and FAQs available. Read More.

The English Foundation Program (EFP), offered by the Okanagan School of Education, is an innovative and credit-bearing program providing university admission to students who meet all academic requirements for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Management, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Media Studies, or Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences degree program, yet who do not meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.

The EFP combines intensive English as an additional language teaching and learning with academic courses while engaging students in campus life—a perfect blend of strong academics, collaborative activities, cultural discovery, and experiential education on UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Studying English for Academic Purposes

Our English for academic purposes (EAP) courses combine weekly face-to-face classes with quality online teaching and learning experiences.

Our instructors are qualified English as an additional language teachers with experience providing high quality face-to-face and web-based education.

Instructors and assistants hold weekly office hours to meet with students in person or online if necessary.

UBC uses a powerful user-friendly learning management system (Canvas) that supports students’ educational goals. Each week, teachers will upload key learning tasks and assignments so students will be prepared.

English Academic Program (EAP) classes meet at scheduled times (15 hours a week) face to face with along with 3 hours of asynchronous online course content and an additional two hours a week of supplementary activities

Each week has specific tasks that students complete during their class time and on their own time. These tasks can involve independent, pair or group work.

Everything students need to achieve their English language learning goals is available through the UBCO bookstore and the online learning management system (Canvas).

Students participate in face to face as well as online discussions related to key topics with each other, their teachers, and assistants.

Students have key assignments and tests that work to measure their English as an additional language learning progress.

Students have key assignments and tests that work to measure their English as an additional language learning progress.

Instructors and assistants provide valuable feedback to students to help them reach their English as an additional language learning goals.

Program Highlights

  • Earn a degree from one of the top 40 research universities in the world
  • Enrol in academic courses and immediately start your degree
  • Receive credit for English for academic purposes (EAP) courses that can be used towards your undergraduate degree
  • Engage fully in academic and campus life

What you need to know

The English Foundation Program is offered in September and January.

There are two levels for EFP: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 103 and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 104.

EAP 103 (3 credits)

Accepted EAP 103 applicants commit to 20 hours per week for one 12-week session. During this session, students are permitted to enrol in one academic course (see Academic Course Options below). Students progress to EAP 104 after successful completion of EAP 103 (68%).

EAP 104 (3 credits)

There are two ways an applicant can enrol in EAP 104: successful completion of EAP 103 or meeting the required English scores. EAP 104 applicants commit to 20 hours per week for one 12-week session and may enrol in up to two academic courses (see Academic Course Options below). Successful completion of EAP 104 (68%) guarantees students eligibility for full academic programming.

In the classroom, students engage in activities designed to increase their skills in English and support academic study, intercultural communication, and integration to university life. Within the context of themes and units relevant to their programs of study, students focus on building their vocabulary and grammar skills while increasing their proficiency in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Unit topics include sustainability, innovation, design, media, technology, diversity, language, global trends, and many others. Students have the opportunity to research and discuss questions with instructors, professors, research librarians, and peers. Through the development of language, critical thinking and collaboration skills, students are encouraged to find their unique voices in this new environment so that they can engage with the community in meaningful ways.

Cultural immersion activities

Students have many opportunities to get involved on campus and become comfortable in a Canadian university setting. These could include sports, art and culture exhibits, guest speakers, student clubs, and volunteering. Additionally, students are invited to take part in social outings and cultural celebrations. All events are geared towards improving language skills, making new friends, and feeling connected to the campus and local community.

Language labs

Students work one-on-one as well as in groups with EFP academic assistants in order to maximize their understanding of the concepts covered in class. They will have extra time to ask questions or get clarification on class material. They also have access to extra support to improve English language proficiency. During weekly labs, students work at their own pace to develop speaking, writing, reading, and listening competency.

Academic courses

EFP students are fully integrated into the campus community and may enrol in academic courses with other first-year students while upgrading their English levels. With the assistance of an EFP Advisor, students enrol in academic courses related to their degree programs: Bachelor of Science, Applied Science, Arts, Management, Human Kinetics, Bachelor of Media Studies, or Fine Arts. By studying academic courses simultaneously, EFP students are able to be a part of their faculty cohort, earn credit toward their degree programs, and improve English proficiency levels based on their area of study.

Requirements:

  • Meet all general and applicable program-specific admission requirements
  • Present evidence of EFP entry scores for UBC’s Okanagan campus

The English Foundation Program offers admission to high school graduates and to those students who have previously attended any post-secondary institution.

Eligibility

  • English proficiency is slightly lower than UBC’s English Language Proficiency admission standards
  • Plan to pursue an undergraduate degree program in Arts, Science, Applied Science, Human Kinetics, Fine Arts, Media Studies, or Management at UBC’s Okanagan campus
  • Qualify to attend UBC’s Okanagan campus as per admission requirements

Minimum entry scores for English Language Proficiency 

Minimum entry scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test. Tests taken more than two years prior to application for admission will not be considered.

International test (acronym) International test (full name) UBC’s Okanagan campus EFP entry scores
EAP 103 EAP 104
CAE Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English B Level B2 Pass at grade C
CAEL Canadian Academic English Language Assessment 70 50-59 60-69
UBC CEL/ELI UBC Certificate in English Language 600
Level 75%		 400 level 500 level
CPE Cambridge Certificate in Proficiency in English C N/A N/A
IELTS International English Language Testing System (Academic) 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 5.0 – 5.5 with no band less than 4.5 6.0 – 6.5 with no band less than 5.0
MELAB Michigan English Language Assessment Battery 85 72 – 77 78 – 84
OC-ESL Okanagan College Intensive Assessment Battery Completion of level 6/EAP 040
70% or higher		 Completion of level 5/EAP 030
50-69%		 Completion of level 5/EAP 030
70% or higher
PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic) Score 65 Score 34 – 49 Score 50 – 64
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language or Internet-Based Test (iBT) Score 90 Score 70 – 79 Score 80 – 89

The fee estimate (see chart below) for your first semester in EFP includes:

  • Program fee*
  • EAP course tuition per level (3 credits EAP 103, or 3 credits EAP 104)
  • Language lab
  • Academic assistants
  • Daily one-on-one writing assistance and supplemental learning assistance
  • Math and science tutoring
  • UBCSUO Health and Dental Plan
  • Athletics and recreation fee
  • Counselling and health service
  • Bus pass
  • Academic advising

*Please note: For domestic students enrolled in the EFP program and receiving government student loan funding, the EFP program fee will not be covered. In addition, credit restrictions may limit student loan funding options. For further information please contact Student Records and Financial Services.

International students Total: approximately $9,500 (depending on faculty)
Domestic students Total: approximately $6,700 (depending on faculty)
Additional fees Living expenses estimates at $13,000
Up to 2 academic elective courses (Depending on EAP level)

UBCO applicants are automatically evaluated for the EFP if they meet the university’s admission requirements and the minimum EFP entry scores, but still need to demonstrate the minimum required English language competency.

  1. Complete and submit an undergraduate application
  2. Once applied, contact Amber McLeod for assistance with course planning

For assistance with the application process or course planning and selection, please contact:

Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program, Manager
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250-807-9901

Please Note:  Once students accept an offer of admission to a degree program via the English Foundation Program, students cannot submit results from other English language proficiency tests to gain full admission to their degree program.

Academic Course Options

In addition to enrolment in the Okanagan School of Education’s EAP 103 or EAP 104, EFP students can take up to a maximum of 6 credits (two courses). Students must consult with an Academic Advisor prior to registering in any academic course. Academic courses cannot interfere with the EAP schedule. EFP students are restricted to the courses listed under the Faculty headings on this page.

  • Applied Science: APSCI 172, 180 (recommended)
  • Other Applied Science courses: APSCI 110, 169, 171, 173, 176, 177, 178, 179, 181, 182, 183
  • Recommended courses from other faculties: CHEM 121, 123; COSC 111; ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 101

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

  • Astronomy: ASTR 111, 112, 120, 121, 122
  • Biology: BIOL 116, 117, 122, 125
  • Chemistry: CHEM 111, 113, 121, 123
  • Computer Science: COSC 111, 121, 122, 123
  • Economics: ECON 101, 102*
  • Earth & Environmental Science: EESC 101, 111, 121
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 111, 116, 125**, 126
  • Physics: PHYS 111, 112, 121, 122
  • Statistics: STAT 121, 124

*EAP 104 students only

** Math 125 cannot be taken as credit toward Bachelor of Media Studies or B.Sc. degree

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IRVING K. BARBER Faculty OF SCIENCES

  • Computer Science: COSC 111, 121, 122, 123
  • Geography: GEOG 108, 129
  • Economics: ECON 101, 102*
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 111, 116, 125**, 126

*EAP 104 students only

** Math 125 cannot be taken as credit toward Bachelor of Media Studies or B.Sc. degree

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IRVING K. BARBER Faculty OF Arts and social sciences

 

  • French: FREN 102, 103, 104, 115, 122
  • German: GERM 100, 200
  • Japanese: JPST 100, 101
  • Spanish: SPAN 101, 201, 251
  • Theatre: THTR 101, 102, 103, 111
  • Visual Arts: VISA 102, 104, 106, 137

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FACULTY OF CREATIVE AND CRITICAL STUDIES

  • Economics:  ECON 101,  102
  • Statistics: STAT 121, 125
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 116
  • Management: MGMT 100*

* EAP 104 students only

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT

  • Visual Arts: VISA 106
  • Computer Science: COSC 123, 150

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF MEDIA STUDIES

Human Kinetics: HES 100, 190

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF HUMAN KINETICS

Typical English Foundation Program Pathway

Entering EAP 103 Entering EAP 104
Term 1 EAP 103
One academic course		 EAP 104
One or two academic courses
Term 2 EAP 104
One academic course		 Student is eligible for full academic course load
Possible credits earned after year 1 = 12 Possible credits earned after year 1 = 24

Undergraduate Pathways

EFP students can combine EAP 103 and EAP 104 with the degree-specific academic courses listed below, with 3 credits granted for each academic and EAP course. Upon successful completion of EAP 104 (68% passing grade), students are granted regular admission and are eligible for full academic programming. The following are examples of how students can combine academic courses with EFP requirements.

Academic course options: CHEM 121, 123; COSC 111; ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 101; PHYS 111

Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) Sample pathway (entering EAP 104)
Term 1 EAP 103
MATH 100		 EAP 104
MATH 100
PHYS 102
Term 2 EAP 104
MATH 101

Academic course options: ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 116; MGMT 100; STAT 121, 124

Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) Sample pathway (entering EAP 104)
Term 1 EAP 103
MATH 100		 EAP 104
MATH 100
MGMT 100
Term 2 EAP 104
MGMT 100

Academic course options: ASTER 111, 120, 121; BIOL 116; CHEM 111, 121, 123; COSC 111, 121, 123; EESC 111, 121; MATH 100, 101; PHYS 111, 112, 122

Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) Sample pathway (entering EAP 104)
Term 1 EAP 103
CHEM 111		 EAP 104
PHYS 111
MATH 100
Term 2 EAP 104
PHYS 111

Academic course options: ASTR 111, 120, 121; BIOL 116, 117, 122; CHEM 111, 121, 123; COSC 111, 121, 122, 123; ECON 101, 102; EESC 111, 121; FREN 102, 103, 104, 115, 122; GEOG 129; GERM 100, 200; JPST 100, 101; MATH 100, 101, 111, 116; SPAN 101, 201, 251; STAT 121; THTR 101, 102, 103, 111; VISA 102, 104, 106, 137

Sample pathway (entering EAP 103) Sample pathway (entering EAP 104)
Term 1 EAP 103
MATH 100		 EAP 104
MATH 100
STAT 121
Term 2 EAP 104
ECON 101

Contact

Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program, Manager
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250 807 9323

Welcome To UBC’S Okanagan Campus

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the English Foundation Program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 
  • Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.
  • Navigate your studies with the help of a professor, your Program Advisor.
  • Use the library which offers print, audiovisual and electronic research materials, a leisure-reading collection and loaner laptops. It also offers research consultations, instruction and workshops.
  • The library’s Writing and Resource Centre can help you articulate your ideas. Pursue your research in a range of subject areas and scholarly genres, including essay writing, grammar, presentation skills, punctuation, thesis development, and coursework.
  • Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.

UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Find out more about living in residence at you.ubc.ca.

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. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.