Language Courses Schools and Programs in Canada

Language Courses Studies in Canada

Canada has two official languages, English and French, and language courses for international students are taught in both. Most schools teach English as a second language (ESL); French courses are concentrated in Quebec, although some schools elsewhere teach French too. According to Languages Canada, the association of the sector, programmes are offered for stays as short as two weeks, while other students stay for a year or more.

SpainExchange lists 31 schools in Canada with language courses. Vancouver has the most (8), followed by Toronto (6) and Montreal (3). The rest are spread over cities such as Kingston, Victoria, Calgary, Halifax and Charlottetown.

How language courses are organised

Language programmes in Canada do not follow the university calendar. Languages Canada describes them as programmes that do not run on traditional semesters and do not lead to a diploma. Students are placed by level, and teachers assess the proficiency a student needs for post-secondary study, for work or for an immigration application.

Two kinds of provider teach these courses:

• Private language schools, for example the Royal Canadian Institute of International Studies (RCIIS) in midtown Toronto, a three-minute walk from Davisville subway station, which lists more than 20 programmes from beginner to advanced
• Language centres of universities and colleges, for example the English Language Centre of the University of Victoria, whose 12-week programmes start in January or April

The course types that Languages Canada lists in its programme search show what is on offer:

• General English and general French
• Academic English or university preparation
• Business English and business French
• Exam preparation: IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge for English; DELF and DALF for French
• Youth and junior programmes, and summer or winter camps

Some schools teach more than one language. ILSC teaches English and French at its Canadian schools, and Montréal Language Studies (MLS) trains students in English, French and other foreign languages. Equilibrium School in Calgary is a non-profit institution that has taught English since 1993.

Pathways to college and university

A language course is often the first step towards a Canadian degree or diploma. Several schools run pathway programmes with partner institutions. The Canadian College of English Language (CCEL) in Vancouver states that its University Pathway gives access to partner colleges and universities without a TOEFL or IELTS test. At the University of the Fraser Valley, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses can show that a student has the English level needed for the university's own courses, without another English test. A pathway is an agreement between specific institutions, so students should confirm with the university they want to attend that it accepts the course.

Quality and accreditation

There is no single national licence for language schools, because education in Canada is a provincial matter. Two checks are useful:

• Languages Canada accreditation. All member schools of Languages Canada must be accredited under one scheme, which examines six areas: student services, teaching staff, curriculum, marketing and promotion, administration and student admissions. The English Language Centre of the University of Victoria, for example, states that it is accredited by Languages Canada.
• Designated learning institution (DLI). A study permit is only issued for study at a DLI. Students who need a permit should check that the school has a DLI number.

Study permit and entry rules

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a study permit is not needed for a programme that lasts 6 months or less. Many language students therefore study without a permit. Depending on nationality, a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation is still needed to enter the country; this should be checked on the IRCC website before booking.

For a longer course, most foreign nationals need a study permit. The main requirements are:

• a letter of acceptance from a DLI
• in most cases a provincial or territorial attestation letter from the school; for Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• proof of funds: for applications from 1 September 2026, a single student outside Quebec must show CAN$23,448 for one year of living expenses, on top of tuition and travel
• the permit fee of CAN$150

Language students should not count on a part-time job. IRCC states that students who are only enrolled in an English or French as a second language programme cannot work off campus without a work permit.

Costs and accommodation

Fees are set by each school and depend on the number of lessons per week and the length of the course; there is no official price list. Schools usually send a personal quote that includes tuition, registration and materials. Accommodation is booked through the school in most cases. Homestay with a local family is the usual option, and some schools also have student residences.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a study permit for a language course in Canada?

Not for a programme that lasts 6 months or less, according to IRCC. For longer courses most foreign nationals need a study permit, which costs CAN$150 and requires acceptance by a designated learning institution.

Can I work while I take an English or French course?

Generally not. IRCC states that students who are only enrolled in an English or French as a second language programme cannot work off campus without a work permit.

Can I learn French in Canada?

Yes. French is one of the two official languages, and schools teach general French, business French and preparation for the DELF and DALF exams. Montreal is the main city for French courses among the schools listed here.

Do language courses in Canada lead to a diploma?

No. According to Languages Canada, language programmes do not lead to a diploma. Schools assess the level reached, and pathway agreements can give access to partner colleges and universities.