English Language Proficiency Requirements

Requirements for most programs

The English language requirements apply to all programs, except all programs within the School of Health and Wellness and the Machine Learning Analyst Diploma program. Please see the requirements for those specific programs below.

OR  Successful completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course (or equivalent from education in Canada) that is consistent with the specified academic admission requirements for the career program.

‍OR Transcripts showing three (3) years of full-time high school where English was the language of instruction (view for more information)‍

‍OR Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of one (1) year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction

‍SAIT English Language Foundations (ELF) Level 5 to Bow Valley College Admission:
ELF Level 5 (Communications 5 - COMN155 & Speech - SPCH155) with a minimum grade of 75% (B).  

Global Village Global Village Pathway Program:
Level 6 (GV6) with a minimum grade of 80%

Health Care Aide Certifcate

Candidates for the Health Care Aide Certificate must meet the English language proficiency requirement in addition to the academic requirements. The following equivalencies apply:

OR Three (3) years of full-time secondary education at a Canadian high school where English was the language of instruction.‍

OR Two (2) years full-time study at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada where English was the language of instruction.‍

OR By presenting a Canadian high school equivalency diploma (e.g., General Education Development test or GED).

These regulations are adapted from the Government of Alberta "HCA Curriculum (2019) Road Map" dated July 2022 and are not set by Bow Valley College.

Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma

The English proficiency requirements for the Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma are:

OR Successful completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course (or equivalent from education in Canada) that is consistent with the specified academic admission requirements for the career program.‍

OR Transcripts showing successful completion of three (3) years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.‍

OR Transcripts showing successful completion of one (1) year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.

SAIT English Language Foundations (ELF) Level 5 to Bow Valley College Admission:
ELF Level 5 (Communications 5 - COMN155 & Speech - SPCH155) with a minimum grade of 75% (B).

Global Village Global Village Pathway Program:
Level 6 (GV6) with a minimum grade of 80%

Machine Learning Analyst Diploma

The English proficiency requirements for the Machine Learning Analyst Diploma are:

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency before admission. These scores must be no more than two years old when you start your program.

Pharmacy Technician Diploma

The English proficiency requirements for the Pharmacy Technician are:

OR Graduation from a Canadian high school with three (3) years of study including three English language arts courses. ‍

OR Graduation from a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP with three (3) years of study including three English language arts courses.

Practical Nurse Diploma

The English proficiency requirements listed in this section apply to the Practical Nurse Diploma program only.

OR Successful completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course (or equivalent from education in Canada) that is consistent with the specified academic admission requirements for the career program.‍

OR Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of three (3) years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.‍

OR Transcripts showing successful completion of one (1) year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.

SAIT English Language Foundations (ELF) Level 5 to Bow Valley College Admission:
ELF Level 5 (Communications 5 - COMN155 & Speech - SPCH155) with a minimum grade of 75% (B).

Global Village Global Village Pathway Program:
Level 6 (GV6) with a minimum grade of 80%

Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate

The English proficiency requirements for Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate are:

OR  Successful completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course (or equivalent from education in Canada) that is consistent with the specified academic admission requirements for the career program.‍

OR Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of three (3) years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.‍

OR Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of one (1) year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction.

SAIT English Language Foundations (ELF) Level 5 to Bow Valley College Admission:
ELF Level 5 (Communications 5 - COMN155 & Speech - SPCH155) with a minimum grade of 75% (B).

Global Village Global Village Pathway Program:
Level 6 (GV6) with a minimum grade of 80%

Registered Nurse Pathway to Canada Practice

The English proficiency requirements for Registered Nurse Pathway to Canada Practice are: