English Language Centre

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Our EAP program will improve your academic English skills and prepare you for university study at Acadia University or in Canada. You will learn in a supportive environment with small class sizes and experienced English instructors.

Who is the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program for?

  • Students who have conditional acceptance to an Acadia University degree program but do not yet meet the language requirements
  • English Language learners who want to improve their academic language skills in an intensive program

What does the EAP program include?

Each EAP term consists of 23 hours of study per week. Class sizes are small (typically 10-15 students) and you will receive individual attention and support from your instructors. Your classes will include:

  • Intensive instruction in Listening and Speaking including presentation, discussion, lecture and note-taking skills.
  • Intensive instruction in Reading and Writing including essay and report writing, reading strategies, critical thinking, and research skills.
  • Concentrated study in specific areas including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, communication skills, and technical English.

What EAP level will I be placed in?

You will write the Acadia placement test on the first day of term to determine your EAP level. If you have recently taken a TOEFL, IELTS, or DET test, you do not have to take our placement test. You can go directly into your appropriate level based on your score. If you do not meet the minimum proficiency required for our EAP program, you will be refered to one of our partner institutions for a general English program.

EAP 500 EAP 1000 EAP 2000 Bridging University
CEFR B1 CEFR B1+ CEFR B2 CEFR B2+ CEFR C1
iBT 49-58 iBT 59-68 iBT 69-78 iBT 79-89 iBT 90
IELTS 4.5 IELTS 5.0 IELTS 5.5 IELTS 6.0 IELTS 6.5

 

 

University Bridging Program

In the final level of EAP, you will enter the Bridging program. The Bridging Program helps you prepare for university by combining full-time EAP study with study in a 3 credit-hour academic credit course. This credit course can be used towards completion of any undergraduate degree.

After completing the Bridging Program, you will be allowed to begin full-time study in your academic program without the need to write an official language proficiency test. Tuition for the Bridging Program includes both the EAP support courses and the academic credit course.

Culture Class

In Culture Class, you'll enjoy the experience of being a Canadian on the East Coast. A Culture Class group activity could be a long walk to the ocean, a visit to a museum, a barbecue on the beach, picking apples on a farm, and much more.

There's no better way to improve your English than by using your skills in the real world, and Culture Class will help you have fun and practice English outside the classroom. Culture Class sessions are held most Fridays during each EAP term.

Online Option

In the Acadia University Virtual-EAP (V-EAP) program, you can begin your studies from home. You do not need a study permit, you can save on the costs of travel and accommodations, and you can complete the classes from the comfort of your own home!

Accommodations

Residence

The Acadia University campus features several modernized, comfortable residences. Living in residence is a great way for you to meet Canadian students and to become involved in campus activities. You will live within walking distance of your classrooms, campus facilities, and downtown Wolfville.

All residence rooms have high-speed internet access and telephones, and residence lounges have kitchen facilities. All students who live in residence between September and April will also have a meal plan. You will be able to eat all your meals at the Wheelock Dining Hall on campus.

For more information on Acadia’s residences, please visit the Residence Life website. All applications are submitted online. If you live in residence, you must stay for a term or pay a penalty fee for leaving before the end of the term.

If you have any questions, please contact Residence Life at residencelife@acadiau.ca

Homestay

In our Homestay program, you will practice speaking English and experience Canadian culture by living with a local family. Our Homestay families are carefully chosen from you, and you will live in Wolfville or a town nearby. Your Homestay family will offer you a safe and supportive environment as you adjust to living in Canada. You will have your own room with internet access, and your Homestay family will provide all of your meals.

Students stay in their Homestay for a minimum of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, you may continue to stay with your Homestay family or you may find your own accommodations.

Please note that spaces in our Homestay program are limited. Please complete our online form and await further instruction.

Off-campus Housing

There are many apartments available close to the Acadia University campus. If you wish to live in an apartment off-campus, you are responsible for finding your own accommodations. You must have a place to live before you arrive at Acadia University.

Please visit our Off-Campus Housing website for more information.

 

Dates

Four EAP terms are available on campus each year. Online V-EAP classes are available in the winter, spring and fall terms only. Please contact us for more information.

Term Dates
Spring 2025 March 20 — May 30
Summer 2025 June 12 — August 22
Fall 2025 October 1 — December 12
Winter 2026 January 6 — March 14
Spring 2026 March 20 — May 30
Summer 2026 June 12 — August 22

Fees

Fees valid from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. All fees are in Canadian funds.

Application

Application fee (non-refundable) $125

 

Fees Per Term

EAP tuition $4230
Undergraduate Credit Course Tuition (for EAP Bridging level students only) $700
Student fees (includes EAP textbooks) $270
Medical insurance $175

 

Other Services

Airport pick-up $225

 

Residence

Residence costs depend on which residence and which kind of room you choose. Residence prices start at $6,080 for the academic year (September to April) or $3,040 for a single term. Most rooms cost between $6,915 and $8,465 for the academic year.

Residence Fees


Homestay

Monthly fee $1100
Placement fee $750

 

Student Handbook (PDF)

Refund Policy

Students qualify for a full refund of pre-paid tuition if they have been denied authorization to study in Canada and provide documentation from the proper Canadian authority stating that their application to study in Canada was denied.

No refunds will be issued after the program start date.

Payment Methods

Fees must be paid in before the first day of classes. Please visit our Financial Services page to learn more about how fees can be paid.

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Acadia

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Program Licensing

The English Language Centre at Acadia University is licensed by the Province of Nova Scotia to provide language training to international students. It is bound by the rules and regulations established by the province of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education. For specific information, please follow the links below:

Contact Us

PO Box 120, 26 Crowell Dr, Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
elcacadia

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