Duration
1 year
Teaching English as a Second Language (Cert)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Experiential learning
Internship
Start term
Fall
This undergraduate program is offered to expert speakers of English who have a completed undergraduate degree and an interest in teaching ESL. The program does not lead to provincial certification but it provides an excellent training in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).
Who should apply?
The TESL Certificate is designed primarily for those who wish to teach overseas or in private language schools. It is also appropriate for certified teachers who would like to know more about the teaching of English as a second language and perhaps teach ESL in addition to another subject such as history or math.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
The TESL certificate is 30 credits. The certificate can be completed within one academic year of full-time study, starting in the fall term. All courses are offered in the evenings so students may pursue their studies on a part-time basis while working during the day.
Program option
- Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (30 credits)
Admission to the certificate is suspended for Fall 2025.
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Admission to the certificate is suspended for Fall 2025.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec Cegep: 25
- High School: B-
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 27
- Baccalauréat français: 12
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CC or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): B-
Additional requirements for admission
- Students must have a first university degree with a good academic record.
- Program-specific application
- Completion of 45-minute English Composition Placement Test (ECPT) with satisfactory grade
- Reference/Assessment forms
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
International applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Admission to this program is available for the Fall Term only.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Application procedure
- Apply for Admissions online. You can also submit your application by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
- External applicants: Fill out the Undergraduate Application online. There is a $100 fee. Then continue with the steps below.
- Internal applicants: Read and follow the instructions for a degree transfer. There is a $46 fee. Then continue with the steps below.
- Fill out the Additional Information form / Renseignements Complémentaires and upload this document online using the document type ‘Teaching English as a Second Language Application’. You can also upload your documents by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
- Obtain 2 referees
- Download Reference form (English) / Téléchargez formulaire de référence (Français)
- References should be one academic and one work or volunteer related
- Referees must email the forms to: application.support@concordia.ca
*Please ensure you allow sufficient time for your referees to send their letter of recommendation and reference form.
Student ID #
The Concordia Student ID is ONLY generated when an admission application is “submitted and finalized”. You will find it on the confirmation email the University sends you acknowledging your application submission.
If you haven't submitted or finalized the application, please use your application number.
Student story
Emmy Fecteau
Specialization Teaching English as a Second Language
Being at Concordia was the best five years of my life. Enjoy your time here because it goes by so fast.
Julie Tran
Specialization Teaching English as a Second Language
From the classroom to the gym, Julie Tran builds community for students to stay active and make new friends on campus.
Other programs of interest
When you study TESL, your mastery in teaching the English language gives your students the skills needed to compete in the global marketplace.
Department
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Department
Faculty
