English Language Learning

All students need:

• A completed application form
• An email address
• An Alberta Student Number
• Recent Canadian Language Benchmarks results*

LINC applicants also need to submit:

• A LINC referral to Bow Valley College*
• Immigration documents and photo ID (see notes below)

*CLB tests and LINC referrals are available at C-LARC (formerly known as ILVARC).

If you are an Alberta Resident you may be entitled to funding to support your studies.

The Government of Alberta Foundational Learning Assistance (formerly "Alberta Works" or "Learner Income Support") is a financial support program managed by the Government of Alberta to support Alberta residents access adult education to help them towards more sustainable employment.

Check the Foundational Learning Assistance page for more information and to see if you are eligible.

Full-Time English Language Learning (ELL) And English For Academic Purposes (EAP)

Canadian citizens can apply for the English Language Learning (ELL) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs. Funding is subject to eligibility requirements. Please note that there are more options for youth between the ages of 18 and 24: Bridge and Youth in Transition programs.

To apply, you will need to:

• Complete an application through Apply Alberta and pay the non-refundable application fee.
• Email your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test results to registrar@bowvalleycollege.ca. If you don't have CLB results, you will have to complete an English placement test at C-LARC.
• If you're applying to the English for Academic Purposes program, you'll have to write the EAP placement test at Bow Valley College. We will send you information about testing after you apply.
• Check the Foundational Learning Assistance page for more information about the process to apply for Foundational Learning Assistance funding.

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)

Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees/Protected Persons may be eligible to apply for the Full-time LINC or Part-time LINC programs. Please note that there are more options for youth between the ages of 18 and 24: Bridge and Youth in Transition programs.

About The LINC Programs

• A student's class schedule will depend on their English level.
• Part-time LINC includes classes from CLB4 to CLB6 (Reading & Writing) or CLB4 to CLB7 (Listening & Speaking). In order to apply for Part Time LINC, students much have minimum benchmarks of 3,3,3,3 and must have completed 10 or more years of education in their home country.
• Full-time LINC applicants must have minimum benchmarks of 3,3,3,2 .

LINC Application Open And Close Dates

How To Apply For LINC

Submit your application to the Office of the Registrar on or after applications open. You will need to prepare the following documentation for your application:

1. A completed application form
2. Photo ID  -  PR card or driver's license
3. Your immigration papers  -  Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Refugee Decision Letter
4. Your current CLARC referral to Bow Valley College (issued within the past 24 months).

If your current benchmarks are different from your referral, please bring your LINC certificate.

If you do not have a benchmark test or referral, you will need to get one from C-LARC.

Full-Time English Language Learning (ELL)

Permanent residents and refugees  may also be eligible for Full-time English Language Learning (ELL).

Please note that there are more options for youth between the ages of 18 and 24: Bridge and Youth in Transition programs.

Government of Alberta funding is subject to eligibility requirements.  

To apply, you will need to:

• Complete a paper application and pay the non-refundable application fee. You can download the paper application by clicking here or you can visit the Welcome Centre to complete your application in person. Completed applications are submitted to the Office of the Registrar or to registrar@bowvalleycollege.ca. 
• Email your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test results to registrar@bowvalleycollege.ca. If you don't have CLB results, you will have to complete an English placement test at C-LARC.
• If you're applying to the English for Academic Purposes program, you'll have to write the EAP placement test at Bow Valley College. We will send you information about testing after you apply.
• Check the Foundational Learning Assistance page for more information about the process to apply for Foundational Learning Assistance funding.

Have Questions?

If you have questions, contact the Welcome Centre.

You can also find information in Spanish, French, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Persian, Arabic, or Urdu, on our multi-language website.

Are you an international student who wants to study English? Check out our International ELL program.

In the International ELL program, you'll learn listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This program is certified by the Languages Canada Quality Assurance Scheme.

Contact the Welcome Centre at the Calgary South Campus to get started. If you need language help, please have a friend or a family member assist you.

Here are some questions we may ask:

• What is your immigration status?
• Do you want to attend school full-time or part-time?
• How many years did you go to school in your home country?
• What is your work schedule?

Eligibility for programs may depend on your citizenship status.

We can be reached by:

• Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca
• Phone: 403-410-1402 (during regular business hours)

Indigenous students can call 403-476-2256 to speak with the Indigenous Student Recruitment Specialist.

If you require academic accommodations, contact Learner Success Services four months prior to the start of scheduled classes to set-up your academic accommodation plan.

We will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable accommodation, however, there is no guarantee that services will be available and it is possible that your start date may be deferred to provide the accommodation.

While the college attempts to facilitate all accommodation requests, there is a current shortage of sign language interpreters.

If you have questions, check out our frequently asked questions page for more information.