ESL Global Voices - English as a Second Language 

All ESL levels 1- 6 may be offered both online and face-to-face. Availability of each delivery method is subject to enrolment numbers. 

Learn English online or in-person with NAIT

Our ESL program offers flexibility and helps you learn English in different learning styles. Study from wherever you are!

Our program helps you succeed by:

  • keeping class sizes small
  • offering you individual support
  • having materials easily accessible on your course site
  • employing teachers who are friendly and approachable
  • recording your lessons so you can watch them again
  • allowing time to practice with your classmates
Learn more and apply to the ESL program

ESL Global Voices Packages

Own your voice. Own your future

Fast-Track Package

For domestic & international
self-paying students

  • Choose between standard 15-week courses or the 7.5 week intensive ESL courses (only available for Levels 5 and 6 and exclusive to this package)
  • Free & fun extra-curricular activities every week
  • Free job readiness and resume workshops
  • Priority access to work experience opportunities
  • Free tutoring services
  • Optional French language workshops
  • Pathway to NAIT credit programs

FROM $2685 / FULL TERM

  • Self-paying domestic: $2685
  • International students studying from abroad: $4632. Special Price: $2685!
  • International students studying from in Canada: $4632

Foundations Package

For FLAP-funded students

  • Full tuition coverage (upon acceptance)
  • Standard-paced ESL courses
  • Full academic and employment supports
  • Students not accepted into FLAP may enroll through the Fast-Track Package and payment plan
  • Access to work experience activities
  • Pathway to NAIT credit programs

FREE

  • For a limited number of eligible domestic students
  • Valued at $2685 – Covered by FLAP

Access Package

Online domestic learners outside Edmonton

  • Fully online, standard-paced ESL courses
  • ~40% tuition discount through Access Support (bursary-style grant)
  • Free virtual tutoring
  • Free job readiness workshops
  • Pathway to NAIT credit programs
  • First come, first served
  • Limited spots available

$2685 $1685 / FULL TERM

Why study English at NAIT?

NAIT ESL classes offer a flexible and a life-changing learning environment to make your future academic and professional success a reality. 

Focus on Personal Goals

Longer courses mean that we can help you with your career goals while learning English.

ESL Support and Services

A team dedicated to support you and explore your future academic plans at NAIT.

Interactive and Connected

Our classes use the newest technology so you can be confident in your digital skills.

Contact

General program information, including information about Placement Tests

Where do I start?

NAIT is able to customize your starting level in the program by having you take an ESL level placement test. Depending on your familiarity with English, you will be placed in a level to start at. Each level takes 4-months to complete. If you have to start at level 1, the ESL program would take 6 terms to complete for a total of 2 years if taken continuously.


Those who qualify may take our new Intensive Program. Meet your ELP requirements with our 7.5 week Level 5 and Level 6 courses!
 

English program journey at NAIT

 

Learn more about the ESL program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many levels are there in the ESL program at NAIT?

NAIT offers six levels of ESL instruction. Level 6 fulfills the English Language Proficiency requirement for NAIT credit programs.

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When can I start the ESL program?

ESL offers three terms per year:

Spring 2025

  • May 5 - August 14, 2025 (online application closes Friday, May 23, 2025)

Fall 2025

  • September 2 - December 11, 2025 (online application closes Friday, September 19, 2025)

Winter 2026

  • January 8 - April 23, 2026 (online application closes Friday, January 23, 2026)
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What is the ESL class schedule?

Schedule A: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Listening & Speaking 9:00 - 10:50 AM 9:00 - 9:50 AM 9:00 - 9:50 AM 9:00 - 9:50 AM 9:00 - 10:50 AM
Reading & Vocabulary 11:00 - 11:50 AM 10:00 - 10:50 AM 10:00 - 11:50 AM 10:00 - 10:50 AM 11:00 - 11:50 AM
Grammar & Writing 12:00 - 12:50 PM 11:00 - 12:50 PM 12:00 - 12:50 PM 11:00 - 12:50 PM 12:00 - 12:50 PM
 
Schedule B: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Listening & Speaking 6:00 - 7:50 PM 6:00 - 6:50 PM 6:00 - 6:50 PM 6:00 - 6:50 PM 6:00 - 7:50 PM
Reading & Vocabulary 8:00 - 8:50 PM 7:00 - 7:50 PM 7:00 - 8:50 PM 7:00 - 7:50 PM 8:00 - 8:50 PM
Grammar & Writing 9:00 - 9:50 PM 8:00 - 9:50 PM 9:00 - 9:50 PM 8:00 - 9:50 PM 9:00 - 9:50 PM
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How long is the ESL program?

Each term is 4 months except for the Intensive Level 5 IESL and Intensive Level 6 IEAP which are 7.5 weeks.

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Can I study ESL part-time?

Upon approval of the ESL Department, part-time study may be considered on a case by case basis if this allows a student to achieve their learning goals.

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Can I study ESL in spring or summer?

Yes, our program runs year-round. 15-week terms start in Fall, Winter, and Spring. For best results, we recommend continuous enrolment until you have successfully completed the program.

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Can I be accepted into other NAIT programs while taking ESL?

You meet the English language proficiency requirement to enter into NAIT programs upon completing all level 6 courses.

You may also be granted conditional or provisional acceptance into some NAIT programs while taking level 6 courses. This allows you to reserve a spot in your program well in advance.

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How do I know which ESL level I will start in?

New students will have to write a NAIT ESL placement test. This test will tell you which ESL level you will begin at. Placements tests are now done online and in-person.
You can also enroll in the NAIT ESL program without taking a NAIT ESL placement test if you have one of the following tests outlined here.
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Can I work while studying ESL?

Our classes are morning half-day studies Monday through Friday. It is important you devote as much time as possible to studying.

If you are in Canada on a study permit, there may be rules about where and how much you can work. Learn more about working with a study permit. 

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Where can I find my Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

  1. Sign in to MyNAIT Portal 
  2.  Select Open Self-Service button 
  3. Select the Admissions tile 
  4. Select ESL program 
  5. Select Submission of Documents on the left-hand menu 
  6. Select View (next to the Provincial Attestation Letter file)
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ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding

The Foundational Learning Assistance program provides funding for Albertans in designated Full-Time and Part-Time programs.

Additional English Courses

Looking for a short course that will help you improve a specific part of English learning? These workshop-style courses are meant for those who need extra help in just one area or would like practice before an English exam.

NESL704 - Academic Grammar and Writing

 
Delivery Options: Evening, Online Hours: 20 Fees: $225

Enhance your academic writing skills. Begin with sentence structure and paragraphs and advance to essays and graph analysis.

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NESL705 - Pronunciation Listening & Speaking

 
Delivery Options: Evening, Online Hours: 20 Fees: $225

Gain confidence in speaking English as a second language and improve your fluency and pronunciation. It is essential to gain practical experience speaking and listening while learning a new language.

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NESL710 - ESL Language and Culture Activities Course

 
Hours: 25 Fees: $TBD

This experiential ESL program immerses learners in real-world English practice through cultural exploration in and around Edmonton.

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NESL716 - ELP Intensive Preparation Course

 
Delivery Options: Evening, Online Hours: 20 Fees: $225

If you are interested in completing NAIT’s English Language Proficiency examination and would like to familiarize yourself with the format and question types, this course is tailored for you.

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NESL717 - IELTS Preparation Course - Writing Focus

 
Delivery Options: Evening, Online Hours: 18 Fees: $295

Take the IELTS Academic English Language Test with confidence! Master tips and techniques that can help you improve your score, especially in the writing component, which tends to be the most...

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NESL718 - CELPIP Preparation Course

 
Delivery Options: Day, Online Hours: 18 Fees: $295

This comprehensive 18-hour preparatory course is designed to familiarize participants with the CELPIP test, a requirement for obtaining Permanent Resident status and Canadian Citizenship in Canada.

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NESL818 - Workplace Communication and Safety Strategies (ESL) 1

 
Delivery Options: Evening, Online Hours: 40 Fees: $650

Knowing how to communicate effectively in the workplace is essential to becoming an active and contributing member of an organizational team and promoting increased levels of safety in the workplace.

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NESL900 - English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exam

 
Delivery Options: Day, Online Hours: 0 Fees: $175

The NAIT English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exam is for students applying to a NAIT credit program and need to submit proof of ELP as part of their application.

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English Summer Language Program

Tour Edmonton while learning the basics of the English language. Explore the River Valley, visit West Edmonton Mall, enjoy the summer festivals and get a chance to venture out to the Rocky Mountains.

English Requirements and Testing

English Language Proficiency Exam

The English Language Proficiency exam will evaluate your ability to read, write and speak in the English. This exam is required if you apply to a credit program and English is not your first language.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System is trusted by post-secondary institutions, governments, private corporations and accreditation bodies around the world.

International Students

International

Learn about the benefits of studying at NAIT as an international student! We take pride in creating opportunities for students across the world.

NAIT International Brand Video

Discover what its like to attend NAIT in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Tips for prospective international students

Our NAIT international students talk about studying in Canada and share some tips for prospective students.

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