The English as a Second Language (ESL) programme at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) helps students improve their English language skills for academic success and workplace readiness. This student-centred programme offers hands-on learning across six progressive levels. It prepares learners for post-secondary education at NAIT and meets the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for all NAIT certificate, diploma, and degree programmes once students complete Level 6.
This program helps students for International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Graduating students will be able to pass the global test used to check how well a person speaks, reads, listens to, and writes in English. As an international student planning to travel abroad, you will take this test to study, work, or move to countries where English is spoken.
Programme Overview and Quick Facts
- Credential: Certificate of Achievement
- Campus: Main Campus
- Delivery Modes: Varies by class. Students can check course scheduling details for specific options.
- Delivery Times: Varies by class. Both daytime and evening schedules are available.
The programme provides several key advantages:
- It delivers student-centred, hands-on learning.
- It exposes students to a variety of instructors with different teaching styles.
- It prepares learners for post-secondary education and the workplace.
- Completing Level 6 satisfies the English Language Proficiency requirement for all NAIT programmes.
Programme Structure and Courses
Students progress through Levels 1 to 6. Each level includes three core courses:
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Vocabulary
- Grammar and Writing
Schedule Options
Schedule A – Daytime (Online and On-Campus)
| Day | Listening & Speaking | Reading & Vocabulary | Grammar & Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 – 10:50 a.m. | 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. | 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. | 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | 11:00 – 12:50 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. | 10:00 – 11:50 a.m. | 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. | 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | 11:00 – 12:50 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 – 10:50 a.m. | 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. | 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. |
Schedule B – Evening (Online, Mountain Standard Time)
| Day | Listening & Speaking | Reading & Vocabulary | Grammar & Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 – 7:50 p.m. | 8:00 – 8:50 p.m. | 9:00 – 9:50 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 6:00 – 6:50 p.m. | 7:00 – 7:50 p.m. | 8:00 – 9:50 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 6:00 – 6:50 p.m. | 7:00 – 8:50 p.m. | 9:00 – 9:50 p.m. |
| Thursday | 6:00 – 6:50 p.m. | 7:00 – 7:50 p.m. | 8:00 – 9:50 p.m. |
| Friday | 6:00 – 7:50 p.m. | 8:00 – 8:50 p.m. | 9:00 – 9:50 p.m. |
Open sections remain subject to change based on enrolment numbers.
Upcoming Intakes
- Fall Term 2026: 1 September – 10 December 2026
- Winter Term 2027: 7 January – 22 April 2027
- Spring Term 2027: 3 May – 18 August 2027
Tuition and Additional Costs
Tuition fees vary according to student status:
Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Refugees, and Protected Persons
- Full-time (1 term): $2,685.00
- Per course: $895.00
International Students Outside Canada (Online Study Only – No Study Permit or PAL Required)
- Full-time (1 term): $2,685.00
- Per course: $895.00
International Students Inside Canada, Visitors, and Temporary Workers
- Full-time (1 term): $4,631.64
- Per course: $1,543.88
Textbooks cost approximately $300 per term.
Entrance Requirements
The ESL programme has no formal academic entrance requirements.
All students must complete these steps:
- Apply online for the NAIT ESL programme.
- Pay the required non-refundable deposit.
- Take the NAIT ESL Placement Test or submit an accepted English proficiency test score.
During the application, students choose from available dates to write the placement test either online or on campus. After testing, level results appear in the MyNAIT Student Portal.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step by Student Category
International Students
(Applies to visitors, students, workers, or those without a permit/status in Canada)
What you need:
- A valid credit card ($1,000 CAD non-refundable deposit)
- A NAIT ID number (you can create one during the application)
- Passport or government identification
- English proficiency test results (or you can take the placement test)
Application Steps:
- Email your test results to esl@nait.ca. Include your full name and NAIT student ID number.
- Complete the online application and enrol in a placement test.
Once you finish the application, your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will become available in your student portal.
Domestic Students
(Applies to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Refugees)
What you need:
- A valid credit card ($100 non-refundable deposit)
- A NAIT ID number
Application Steps:
- If you plan to apply for funding, check Alberta Works Funding application deadlines before selecting a start term.
- Complete the application and enrol in a placement test.
Protected Persons
(Applies to protected persons or those applying for refugee protection status while in Canada)
Application Steps:
- Create a NAIT account.
- Complete the required form and upload it to NAIT’s secure upload site.
- Upload a copy of the IRCC decision letter to your student portal.
- Complete the application and enrol in a placement test.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Information
NAIT ESL can now issue Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students. A PAL is a required document when applying for an initial study permit from outside Canada.
How to locate your PAL:
- Sign in to the MyNAIT Portal.
- Select the Open Self-Service button.
- Choose the Admissions tile.
- Select the ESL programme.
- Click Submission of Documents on the left-hand menu.
- Select View next to the Provincial Attestation Letter file.
Foreign nationals in Canada with a visitor visa may take one level of ESL without a study permit, provided they can complete that level during their initial period of authorised stay (normally within six months).
English Proficiency Tests That Can Waive the Placement Test
Students who already hold valid scores from recognised tests may enrol without taking the NAIT Placement Test. After applying and paying the deposit, email your results to esl@nait.ca with your full name and NAIT student ID. You will receive a response with next steps within 10 business days.
| Level | IELTS (Academic) | TOEFL (before 21 Jan 2026) | TOEFL (on/after 21 Jan 2026) | Duolingo English Test | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 | 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) | 56–69 (min. 14 in each section) | 3.5 overall (min. 3.5 in each section) | 100 overall (min. 100 in Production) | 2 years |
| Level 5 | 5.0 overall (no band below 5.0) | 46–55 (min. 12 in each section) | 3.0 overall (min. 3.0 in each section) | 90–95 (min. 95 in Production) | 2 years |
| Level 4 | 5.0 overall (no band below 4.5) | 35–45 | 2.5 overall | 80–85 (min. 85 in Production) | 2 years |
| Level 3 | 4.5 overall (no band below 4.0) | 32–34 | 2.0 overall | 65–75 (min. 75 in Production) | 2 years |
| Level 2 | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | 9 months* |
| Level 1 | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | Placement Test required | 9 months* |
*NAIT Placement Test results remain valid for 9 months.
Important notes:
- This table serves as an approximate guideline only.
- NAIT conducts additional diagnostic tests to confirm correct placement.
- NAIT reserves the right to place students at the level that best matches their skills.
- Students may submit only one equivalency test for assessment per application.
- If a valid NAIT Placement Test exists on file, it takes priority.
Pathway to NAIT Credit Programmes
After successfully completing ESL Level 6, students meet the English Language Proficiency requirement for all NAIT certificate, diploma, and degree programmes.
Conditional Admission
Students currently enrolled in ESL Level 6 may apply to a credit programme and receive a conditional offer of admission if they meet the programme’s academic requirements. To convert this to a full offer, students must complete Level 6 before the credit programme begins. Students who do not complete Level 6 may request a deferral (maximum one deferral per academic year and two deferrals in total).
Provisional Admission (Business Administration Programme)
Students enrolled in ESL Level 5 who meet the academic requirements for the Business Administration programme may receive provisional admission. This allows them to begin business courses while completing ESL Level 6 at the same time. Students must finish Level 6 within the first 12 months of starting the programme.
Application Dates and Deadlines
- Enrolment deadline: The third Friday after the term starts
- Placement Testing deadline: Students may take the placement test up until one day before the enrolment deadline
- Deferral deadline: The Friday before the first day of classes
- Cancellation deadline: The Friday before the first day of classes
Programme Expectations
NAIT’s ESL programme encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Success depends on strong motivation, active participation, consistent attendance, and sustained effort. Students should carefully review the full programme expectations for both on-campus and online courses.
Frequently Asked Questions – NAIT English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
How many levels are there in the ESL program at NAIT?
NAIT offers six levels of ESL instruction. Completing Level 6 fulfills the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for NAIT credit programmes.
When can I start the ESL program?
The ESL programme runs three terms per year:
- Spring 2026: 5 May – 14 August 2026 (online application closes Friday, 23 May 2026)
- Fall 2026: 2 September – 11 December 2026 (online application closes Friday, 19 September 2026)
- Winter 2026: 8 January – 23 April 2026 (online application closes Friday, 23 January 2026)
How long is the ESL program?
Each regular term lasts 4 months. Intensive Level 5 (IESL) and Intensive Level 6 (IEAP) each last 7.5 weeks.
Can I study ESL part-time?
The ESL Department may approve part-time study on a case-by-case basis if it helps a student achieve their learning goals.
Can I study ESL in Spring or Summer?
Yes. The programme runs year-round with 15-week terms starting in Fall, Winter, and Spring. For best results, continuous enrolment until programme completion is recommended.
Can I get acceptance into other NAIT programs while taking ESL?
You meet the English Language Proficiency requirement for NAIT programmes once you complete all Level 6 courses.
You may also receive conditional or provisional acceptance into some NAIT programmes while still taking Level 6 courses. This allows you to reserve a place in advance.
Can I work while studying ESL?
Classes run as morning half-day studies from Monday to Friday. Students should devote as much time as possible to studying.
If you hold a study permit, specific rules apply regarding where and how much you can work. Check the official guidelines on working with a study permit.
Do you offer PALs?
Yes. NAIT issues Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students. Your PAL becomes available in your portal once you complete the application.
Will I receive emails if funding becomes available?
No. NAIT ESL does not send emails about funding availability. Students must check the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding pages regularly for updates.
When is the deadline to enrol?
Students should enrol as early as possible because many classes fill quickly. The enrolment deadline is the third Friday after classes start.
What are the entrance requirements?
There are no entrance requirements. All students must apply online, pay a deposit, and take the NAIT ESL Level Placement Test (online or on campus).
I have an IELTS or Duolingo score. What should I do?
International students should complete the application and email their recent test results to esl@nait.ca.
Domestic students should proceed with booking a placement test.
How long is my placement test valid?
Placement test results remain valid for 9 months.
Is there any difference between online and on-campus ESL?
No. Both options follow the same schedule and exam dates.
Can I transfer between online and on-campus ESL?
Yes. You can transfer between online and on-campus ESL until Week 10.
What is the refund policy?
Please review the full details on NAIT’s official refund policy page.
Where will I find my Letter of Acceptance (LOA)?
- Sign in to the MyNAIT Portal
- Select the Open Self-Service button
- Select the E-letters tile
Where can I find my Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
- Sign in to the MyNAIT Portal
- Select the Open Self-Service button
- Select the Admissions tile
- Select the ESL programme
- Select Submission of Documents on the left-hand menu
- Select View next to the Provincial Attestation Letter file
Support and Contact Information
Students who need help with registration, funding applications, or general questions can contact the ESL team in the following ways:
In-person
Welcome Centre, Building L, Room L-159
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Email
esl@nait.ca
Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or convention refugees can also explore ESL funding options through Alberta Works. For questions about study permits, visit nait.ca/help. The team will connect you with a licensed advisor.
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Closing Remarks
The NAIT English as a Second Language programme offers a structured and supportive pathway for students who need to strengthen their English skills. With flexible daytime and evening schedules, multiple delivery options, and a clear progression through six levels, the programme prepares learners for both academic study and professional opportunities.
Students interested in the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, or Spring 2027 intakes should begin the application process early, complete the placement requirements, and prepare the necessary documents.