ELLA Program Requirements

Program Requirements:

You have completed Canadian secondary school graduation or equivalent in an international school system or are at least 19 years old, and have the following English scores: 

Minimum scores to join ELLA:

• Completed LINC 5 course  

• CLB 6                                                                • Duolingo 75 

• Completed Foundations Level 7                • CELPIP 6 

• IELTS Academic 4.5                                        • CEFR B1 

• IELTS General Training 5.0                            • TOEFL iBT 32 or Band 1.5-2 after Jan 2026 

• Douglas College ELLA Placement Test (offered to all eligible potential students living in the Vancouver area. For details, contact ella@douglascollege.ca or Douglas College International.) 

• An official post-secondary transcript showing successful completion of English for Academic Purposes courses as outlined in the Articulation Handbook for ESL Programs in the British Columbia Post-Secondary Transfer System (transcript must show four skill areas: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.) 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee registration in ELLA courses. Please fill out the eligibility form or email ella@douglascollege.ca to start the process.  

  • Check your email to see if you have been approved to apply. 

  • Apply to EducationPlanner BC.  Search for Proficiency in Academic College English at Douglas College. 

  • In 2-4 days, Admissions will send you a letter of Acceptance. 

  • Take the assessment test in person at the New Westminster Campus and receive your placement test results. 

  • Get a registration email and follow the instructions to register. 

  • Pay your fees. 

No. All ELLA courses are offered in person only at the New Westminster Campus. 

All ELLA courses are offered in person at the New Westminster Campus. 

No. The ELLA program does not offer beginner‑level courses. 

There is no tuition for ELLA courses; however, students are required to pay student fees based on the number of credits they register in. 

Yes. Financial aid may be available through Enrolment Services. Students should contact Enrolment Services directly for more information. 

No. The ELLA program does not offer evening or weekend classes. 

Classes are scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. The latest possible class start time is 4:30 p.m., though this option is not available at every level. 

You may apply for a certificate after successfully completing all four 300‑level ELLA courses. 

Check your eligibility

ELLA program eligibility form