English Foundation Program

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
  • OR prospective students can apply under Unclassified Studies, if you already have a completed Bachelor degree from a recognized institution
  • OR prospective students can apply under Access Studies
  • OR prospective students can apply under Visiting Students
• 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:
   • undergraduate application
   • unclassified Studies, if you already have a completed Bachelor degree from a recognized institution
   • Access Studies, if you are not currently attending a recognized post-secondary institution and have not completed a Bachelor degree from a recognized institution
   • Visiting Students, if you a student at a recognized post-secondary institution
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

• 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
• 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

* 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.

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

Academic course options: ECON 101, 102; MATH 100, 116; MGMT 100; PSYO 111; STAT 121, 124

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

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

• 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.