Questions & Answers

The ELI at Seneca is one of the few Ontario postsecondary ESL programs designed specifically for international students. Our program can be completed on campus or online. Seneca is also a large postsecondary institution, meaning we can offer more resources, facilities and opportunities for our students.

Tuition for one level of ELI is approximately $3,700, which includes health insurance. Books and supplies are approximately $100 per level. Living costs are approximately $2,500 per level. Read more about ELI fees and expenses.

The cost for the ELI is almost the same as for a professional program. When you are an ELI student, you are a Seneca student, benefiting from the same excellence in academic standards. You will have access to Seneca’s high-quality professors, facilities, resources and services.

Yes, there are scholarships available for ELI students. Learn more.

ELI is offered in person at Seneca’s Newnham Campus, and online through Seneca’s Virtual Campus. The online delivery option includes both synchronous and asynchronous classes.

No, through technology, innovative digital tools, and collaborative platforms, students will have the same learning experience studying inside Canada on campus, or online from abroad.

If you wish to change delivery modes during your program from on campus to online, or vice versa, please contact Seneca International.

If you plan to study in Canada for longer than 6 months, you must apply to IRCC for a study permit. If you plan to study ELI online from outside Canada, a study permit is not required.

To enter and remain in Canada it is required that you have a valid temporary resident status such as a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit. ELI online is not eligible for a study permit.

You will study 20 hours in class per week. You will have a typical postsecondary schedule, which means every day will be different. In-person courses are delivered Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. If you plan to join courses online, we will do our best to accommodate your time zone.

You can work on campus while you are in the ELI. When you are in your professional program, you can start working off campus for up to 20 hours per week.

Yes, the ELI will prepare you for academic studies in English at the university and college level. Keep in mind that each institution has its own English requirements.

It all depends on your starting level. There are eight levels in the ELI. Each level takes seven weeks to complete. Read more about ELI levels.

You will receive a Certificate of Standing from the ELI and you will be automatically registered in your program at Seneca. You will not have to take another English test.

If you receive a TOEFL or IELTS test score for your program, you can start your postsecondary studies before you finish Level 8. Contact Seneca International for more information

No, you can study only in the ELI if you like. You can study for one level only or more.

With conditional acceptance to a postsecondary program, your options are as follows:

• graduate from ELI Level 8 with at least 60 per cent to enter a diploma program
• graduate from ELI Level 8 with at least 70 per cent in ELI804 and at least 60 per cent in ELI950 to enter a degree program
• graduate from ELI Level 8 with at least 80 per cent in ELI804 and at least 60 per cent in ELI950 to enter a post-graduate program

If you are a current ELI student, you can change your professional program. Please complete the Postsecondary Program Request form online and follow the instructions to submit it. 

If you are a current ELI student, you can add a professional program. Please complete the Postsecondary Program Request form online and follow the instructions to submit it.