English Foundation Program

The English Foundation Program (EFP) is your pathway to university success. The program combines English for academic purposes (EAP) classes, labs, tutorials, and other supports with a wide range of first-year course options. Now is the time to develop your advanced English language skills and bring your educational goals within reach.

Program Highlights

  • Earn a degree from one of the top 40 research universities in the world.
  • Enrol in first-year university courses and immediately start your degree.
  • Receive credit for studying English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
  • Fulfil UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
  • Engage in academic, campus, and community life.

What you need to know

Depending on your English language proficiency scores, you’ll benefit from either one or two terms in the EFP. Students studying one term in the program will complete EAP 104. Students studying two terms in the program will complete EAP 103 and EAP 104.

Each term consists of programming designed to maximize your English language skills and foster academic success.  A typical week includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking classes, campus, community, and culture lessons, language labs and field trips, and tutorial support. You can also take one or two additional undergraduate courses to get a head start on your degree program. EAP courses are worth three credits each, and those credits count towards your undergraduate degree as electives.

Students entering most undergraduate programs through the EFP are able to complete their undergraduate degrees within four years, including some summer terms of study. An academic advisor will be happy to help you to determine the timeline and requirements for your degree.

We are here to support you and keep your university studies on track.

The goal of the EFP is to live well in a new place. You will develop your English language skills, critical thinking ability, general knowledge, learning strategies, and intercultural competence.  You will develop your English language skills, critical thinking ability, general knowledge, learning strategies, and intercultural competence.  Student wellbeing, community engagement, and local First Peoples knowledge are also important parts of the program.  You will experience an active educational environment, with instructors using a variety of teaching methods. You will also enjoy learning activities that incorporate a range of individual tasks, peer collaboration, and group work. The program creates a safe and cooperative learning environment that encourages questions and helps you find answers.

During the week, you will attend reading, writing, listening, and speaking classes, campus, community, and culture lessons, language learning labs and field trips, and tutorial sessions.  You can also take one or two other additional first year courses from a list of approved choices.

Outside of class, you will have many opportunities as a UBC student to get involved in campus life.  These opportunities include sports, art and culture exhibits, guest speakers, student clubs, volunteering, and much more.  Additionally, you can take part in social activities and cultural celebrations.  Participating in these types of events will help you improve your English skills, make new friends, and feel connected to the campus and local community.

International Student Tuition and Program Fees*

EAP 103 or EAP 104 (3 credits):  $4,681.29
EFP Program Fee:  $6,039.75

Domestic Student Tuition and Program Fees*

EAP 103 or EAP 104 (3 credits):  $584.34
EFP Program Fee:  $6,039.75

*Amounts are based on 2023/2024 tuition and program fees for students in an Arts program.  Tuition fees may vary, depending on your program of study.  Applicable student fees and tuition for one or two additional courses are not included.

Please refer to the UBC Okanagan Calendar for detailed information about tuition, program, and student fees.

In case of discrepancy, the UBC Okanagan Calendar is held to be correct.

The EFP welcomes students who still need to achieve UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS).

If you apply to study in an undergraduate program* on UBC’s Okanagan campus, and you haven’t met the ELAS, you’ll be evaluated to see if the EFP is the best option for you.

You also have the option of studying as a non-degree student.  Please see the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar for the minimum English language proficiency test scores to enter the EFP.

*Eligible undergraduate programs include Applied Science, Arts, Fine Arts, Health and Exercise Sciences, Management, Media Studies, Science, and Sustainability.

For assistance with the application process, please contact:

International Student Advising

Learn more

For course planning and selection, please contact:

Please visit Academic Advising for assistance. They offer express drop-in and pre-scheduled appointments.

Please visit the School of Engineering advising webpage to connect with Engineering Advisors.

For questions about the English Foundation Program, please contact:

Amber McLeod
EAL Programs Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250-807-9901

Student Life

There are so many opportunities to connect and discover new experiences on campus. Learn more about Student Life.

Student Resources

For current students, the EFP Student Resource webpage has important information and resources to set you up for success in your university studies.

Additional Course Options

The Resources page has the full list of additional course options you can take while pursuing your degree.

Student Resources

Contact

Amber McLeod
English Foundation Program, Coordinator
amber.mcleod@ubc.ca
250 807 9323

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Welcome To UBC’S Okanagan Campus

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the English Foundation Program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 
  • Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.
  • Navigate your studies with the help of an academic and career advisor.
  • Use the library which offers print, audiovisual and electronic research materials, a leisure-reading collection and loaner laptops. It also offers research consultations, instruction and workshops.
  • The Student Learning Hub can help you articulate your ideas. Pursue your research in a range of subject areas and scholarly genres, including essay writing, grammar, presentation skills, punctuation, thesis development, and coursework.
  • Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.

UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Find out more about living in residence at you.ubc.ca.

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.