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.
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.
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:
The English Foundation Program offers admission to high school graduates and to those students who have previously attended any post-secondary institution.
Eligibility
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:
*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.
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.
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.
*EAP 104 students only
** Math 125 cannot be taken as credit toward Bachelor of Media Studies or B.Sc. degree
*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
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FACULTY OF CREATIVE AND CRITICAL STUDIES
* EAP 104 students only
Human Kinetics: HES 100, 190
| 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 |
*Please check recommended course loads for your program of studies with an Academic & Career Advisor.
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 |
Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program, Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250 807 9323
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.
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