English for Academic Purposes

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program will prepare you for university or college studies in English and introduce you to the Canadian post-secondary environment. It is a full-time program designed to improve your English language skills and provide the academic skills needed for success in your chosen field of study.

Who should take the EAP program

  • International students who have been conditionally accepted to undergraduate or graduate programs at UNB Saint John — or who plan to apply — but who need to improve their English as a condition of their acceptance
  • Students who have been conditionally accepted to the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) but who need to provide proof of English proficiency before beginning their studies at NBCC.

Program duration

Most students in the EAP program complete their English language studies in 4 to 8 months. The EAP program has 3 levels*:

  • Level 3 (High-Beginner)
  • Level 4 (Intermediate I)
  • Level 5 (Intermediate II)

Each level of the EAP program is four months long (one semester) and includes 24 hours of class time per week.

* levels of the program are run based on minimum enrolment levels being met

Start dates

Students can enter the EAP program in September, January and May* of each year.

*Program start dates are subject to change without notice

Determining your level of study

All new EAP students write the Accuplacer (English placement test) when they first arrive. Your score on the Accuplacer test decides at which level of the EAP program you will begin your studies.

Saint John College also accepts the IELTS and Duolingo tests for entrance to the EAP program. Here are the test score requirements for each level of the EAP program:

  • Level 3 (High Beginner): IELTS 3.0 – 4.0 |Duolingo 55-65
  • Level 4 (Intermediate I): IELTS 4.5 – 5.0 | Duolingo 70-80
  • Level 5 (Intermediate II): IELTS 5.5 | Duolingo 85-90

English language requirements

Bachelor's programs at UNB Saint John: IELTS 6.5 (except for Health Science programs), CAEL 60, Duolingo of 115 (or equivalent English test score)

Master's programs at UNB Saint John or UNB Fredericton: IELTS 7.0 (or higher), CAEL 60/70 (depending on program), Duolingo of 120 (for UNB Saint John MBA Program only)

NBCC: Final grade of 75% (or higher) in Level 5 of Saint John College's EAP program.

Program fees

One semester of the EAP Program is $7500.00 CAD

International students are also required to purchase International Student Health Insurance at a cost of $200.00 per semester. Permanent residents of Canada are not required to purchase health insurance if they have proof of NB Medicare.

*Program start dates are subject to change without notice

Accommodations and student services

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

How to apply

The Canadian government has implemented new rules for international students wishing to study in Canada. Please read the following information carefully and determine which situation applies to you:

  1. If you plan on studying only English as a second language with Saint John College, for a period of more than 6 months, you will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the Province of New Brunswick in order to apply for a Canadian study permit. UNB will request a PAL for you once you have submitted your application to the EAP Program and paid your $8000.00 CAD deposit.
  2. If you plan to study English as a second language with Saint John College for a period of 6 months or less, you will need a travel visa (depending on your home country) rather than a study permit to enter Canada.

See Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for more detailed information on whether you need a study permit or a travel visa to enter Canada to pursue English language studies.

There are two ways to apply to the EAP program: