ESL Support

The ESL Support Program is a one-semester (14 weeks), full-time program for students who have a good understanding of the English language but still require some additional training in specific areas of academic English in order to make the transition into full-time academic study.

This program combines advanced ESL courses with academic courses that students take for credit towards their degree programs at UNB Saint John. 

The program is designed for international students who have been accepted to undergraduate degree programs at UNB Saint John and who:

• have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0;
• have successfully completed Level 5 (Intermediate II) of the college's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program.

English language requirements

To begin a bachelor program at UNB Saint John, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher (or an equivalent test-of-English score). Masters programs generally require a higher English test score for admittance.

Once you've successfully completed Saint John College's ESL Support Program, you'll move directly into your undergraduate program without needing to provide additional test-of-English scores.

Course requirements

You'll be required to take four courses while in the ESL Support Program. Three will be advanced ESL courses which focus on specific areas of academic English, including listening/speaking, reading, and writing and one sheltered academic course called UNIV 1003: Everything I Need to Know in First Year.

UNIV 1003 is a credit course taught by a UNB professor and will transfer to most degree programs at UNB Saint John.  

You can also register for a fifth academic credit course but should be aware that taking five courses while in the ESL Support Program is often challenging. 

Start dates

The ESL Support Program is offered three times per year. Semesters begin in September, January and May.

Program fees

ESL Support Program students are considered full-time academic students at UNB Saint John and as a result, pay the same program fees as international academic students.

Accommodations and student services

Residence accommodation is available to international students who study at Saint John College. 

How to apply

To join the ESL Support Program, students must have an acceptance to an undergraduate degree program at UNB Saint John. Apply now.