English Foundation Program

The Okanagan School of Education’s English Foundation Program (EFP) is a credit-bearing English language development pathway providing university admission to students who have not met UBC’s English language proficiency requirements but who do meet the academic requirements for a wide range of degree programs.

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 learning management system (Canvas) that supports students’ educational goals. In addition to 12 hours a week of face-to-face classes, students attend three hours a week of in-person experiential English as an additional language learning labs, engage with three hours a week of asynchronous online activities, and benefit from two hours a week of personalized tutorials. Additional support is also available through UBC’s Student Learning Hub.

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

The EFP helps students live well in the Okanagan while developing their English as an additional language (EAL) skills at UBC. Students also develop their general knowledge, learning strategies, intercultural understanding, wellbeing, sense of place, community engagement, and awareness of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives.

The EFP is a very active educational experience. As such, many different language teaching methods are used. Student activities include a variety of individual tasks, peer collaboration, and group work. The focus is on creating a cooperative learning environment. Students are encouraged to ask questions, find their own answers, and develop their own conclusions to the issues covered in class.

The EFP uses a variety of assessment approaches to support students’ learning. For example, students complete the program with a capstone project that celebrates and documents their new learning and English language skills.

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

The EFP classes are taught with intention following the First Peoples Principles of Learning, such as:

  • Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).
  • Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
  • Learning involves patience and time.
  • Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

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 explore and discuss a range of inquiry questions with people both in the EFP as well as from across campus.

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 active members of the UBC community. These opportunities 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. Participating in these types of events and more lead to developing English language skills, making new friends, and feeling connected to the campus and local community.

English as an Additional Language Learning Labs

Weekly labs involve students in experiential learning activities lead by undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants who are also studying on UBC’s Okanagan campus. For example, students have the opportunity make use of the on campus maker space, participate in a B.A.R.K. session, and take part in facilitated debates. In addition, the language learning labs include field trips, such as to Mission Creek Regional Park to see the kokanee salmon run, Kelowna Flightcraft Aerospace to learn about local technological advances, and visits to local tourist service providers to learn about the key management processes.

Weekly Tutorials

Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one as well as in groups with undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants to maximize their understanding of the concepts covered both in their EFP classes as well as in other classes they are taking on campus. They have extra time to ask questions or get clarification on class material. They also have access to extra support to developing their English language skills. Students may also work in partnership with EFP instructors and teaching assistants to develop personal learning plans to reach their English language learning goals.

Academic courses

EFP students are fully integrated into the campus community and may enrol in academic courses with other first-year students while developing their English language skills. With the assistance of an academic and career 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, complete a program of studies in a timely manner, and develop their English language skills in relation to their areas 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

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Please refer to UBC’s Okanagan Academic Calendar for the English language proficiency requirements for entry into the EFP.

Depending on the English language proficiency scores students have on admission to the EFP, students either complete one or two terms of in this program. One term of EFP includes one three-credit English for academic purposes (EAP) course. Tuition fees for this course differ whether students are international students or domestic students. The tuition fee includes 36 hours of instruction. In addition, there is a program fee for both types of students. The program fee includes an additional 144 hours of instruction, 36 hours of EAL learning labs, and 24 hours of tutorials.

International student tuition and program fee (one term):

EAP 104 (3 credits): $4,280.25 (depending on faculty)

Program Fee: $5,921.50

Total: $10,201.75

Domestic student tuition and program fee (one term):

EAP 104 (3 credits): $572.91 (depending on faculty)

Program Fee: $5,921.50

Total: $6,494.41

In addition to the tuition fees and program fees, applicable student fees and tuition for three to six credits of concurrent courses, and living expenses are not included.

In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. Fees, including tuition, program, course, special, and study society fees, are approved by the Board of Governors following consultation with students and are subject to change.

For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.

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.

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 your application:
  2. Once applied, contact Amber McLeod, amber.mcleod@ubc.ca, for assistance with course planning

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

Amber McLeod
EAL Programs Coordinator
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

Students entering EFP through EAP 103 can complete up to 18 to 24 credits in the first year. With summer courses in Years 2 and 3, students may be able to complete an undergraduate program of studies in four years.

Students entering EFP through EAP 104 can complete up to 30 credits in the first year. With 30 credits completed in the first year, students may be able to complete an undergraduate program of studies in four years.

Students must consult with an Academic Advisor prior to registering in any academic course. Academic courses cannot interfere with the EAP schedule. EFP students can only take the courses listed on this page.

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Applied Science: APSCI 172, 180, 110, 169, 171, 173, 176, 177, 178, 179, 181, 182, 183
  • 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, 150
  • Earth & Environmental Science: EESC 101, 111, 121
  • Economics: ECON 101, 102*
  • French: FREN 102, 103, 104, 115, 122
  • Geography: GEOG 108, 129
  • German: GERM 100, 200
  • Health and Exercise Sciences: HES 100, 101
  • Japanese: JPST 100, 101
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 101, 111, 116, 125**, 126
  • Management: MGMT 100*
  • Physics: PHYS 111, 112, 121, 122
  • Psychology: PSYO 111
  • Spanish: SPAN 101, 201, 251
  • Statistics: STAT 121, 124, 125
  • Sustainability: SUST 100
  • Theatre: THTR 101, 102, 103, 111
  • Visual Arts: VISA 102, 104, 106, 137

* EAP 104 students only

** Math 125 cannot be taken as credit toward Bachelor of Media Studies, Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science degree

  • Applied Science: APSCI 172, 180, 110, 169, 171, 173, 176, 177, 178, 179, 181, 182, 183

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Astronomy: ASTR 111, 112, 120, 121, 122
  • Biology: BIOL 116, 117, 122, 125
  • Chemistry: CHEM 111, 113, 121, 123
  • Earth & Environmental Science: EESC 101, 111, 121
  • French: FREN 102, 103, 104, 115, 122
  • Geography: GEOG 108, 129
  • German: GERM 100, 200
  • Japanese: JPST 100, 101
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 101, 111, 116
  • Physics: PHYS 111, 112, 121, 122
  • Psychology: PSYO 111
  • Spanish: SPAN 101, 201, 251
  • Statistics: STAT 121, 124, 125
  • Theatre: THTR 101, 102, 103, 111

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Visual Arts: VISA 102, 104, 106, 137

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Health and Exercise Sciences: HES 100, 101

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Economics:  ECON 101,  102*
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 116
  • Management: MGMT 100*
  • Psychology: PSYO 111
  • Statistics: STAT 121, 124

* EAP 104 students only

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

 

  • Computer Science: COSC 123, 150
  • Visual Arts: VISA 102, 104, 106, 137

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

 

  • Biology: BIOL 116, 117, 122, 125
  • Chemistry: CHEM 111, 113, 121, 123
  • Mathematics: MATH 100
  • Physics: PHYS 111, 112, 121, 122
  • Psychology: PSYO 111

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

  • Economics: ECON 101, 102*
  • Geography: GEOG 108, 129
  • Mathematics: MATH 100, 101
  • Physics: PHYS 111, 121
  • Sustainability: SUST 100

* EAP 104 students only

Students need to review their degree’s planning guide to select courses that are required for their degree and determine ones that may be used for electives.

Typical English Foundation Program Pathway

Entering EAP 103 Entering EAP 104
Winter

Term 1

 EAP 103 (3 credits)

1 academic course option (3 credits)

 EAP 104 (3 credits)

1 or 2 academic course options (3 or 6 credits)
Winter

Term 2

 EAP 104 (3 credits)

1 academic course option (3 credits)

 Student is eligible for full academic course load (typically 15 credits)
Summer

Terms 1 & 2

 Summer term academic course options (typically 6 credits) Summer term academic course options (typically 6 credits)
Possible 18 credits after Year 1 Possible 30 credits after Year 1

Students entering most undergraduate programs through the EFP pathway are able to complete an undergraduate degree within four years, including some summer terms of study.

Students should consult with an academic and career advisor to determine the timeline and academic requirements for their particular university programs.

Undergraduate Pathway examples

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; PSYO 111; 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; PSYO 111

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; PSYO 111; 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, Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250 807 9323

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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 an academic and career 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 Student Learning Hub 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.