Opportunities abound in teaching second languages. If you are teaching or want to teach second languages in Canada or abroad, our flexible certificate programs are ideal for you. These programs offer an innovative curriculum delivered by university-calibre experts. If you are a new or aspiring teacher looking for immediate classroom application, here or abroad, start with a Level 1 certificate. It will give you the fundamentals of teaching second languages, classroom basics and knowledge of teaching skills and systems to work in the field with confidence.
If you want to gain a more in-depth understanding of language theory and expand upon practical classroom skills, you can take the four required courses from TSL Level 1 plus four additional intermediate courses. This will provide 250 hours of comprehensive study for those wanting to proceed to the next level of competencies in the TSL field.
The Teaching Second Language Certificate – Level 1 – specializing in Teaching English as a Second Language meets the needs of aspiring ESL teachers looking for teaching fundamentals.
This program is perfect if you...
- Teach – or aspire to teach – ESL in Canada or abroad
- Are pursuing TESL Canada Standard 1 or 2 Certification
- Enjoy online learning
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate.
Suspension of Level 2 certificate
Please note that the Teaching Second Language Certificate - Level 2 has been suspended and is no longer accepting new applicants. However, Level 2 courses are open to everyone, and will be offered throughout 2023.
Program details
Online and In Class
Courses in this program are delivered online and in class. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.
You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course.
Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.
Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online
130 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Teaching Second Language Certificate – Level 1 – specializing in Teaching English as a Second Language is a 130-hour program with an optional 20-hour Teaching Practicum.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program between one and two years. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term. An accelerated one-month, full-time face-to-face option is available in August.
$2,400
The approximate cost to complete the Teaching Second Language Certificate – Level 1 – specializing in Teaching English as a Second Language is $2,400 (not including practicum).
This includes the $105 admission fee.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. A Canadian-recognized degree (with any major) is required for TESL Canada professional certification. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.
The admission fee is $105.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- Relevant work experience (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.
Apply for AdmissionPrior learning from other post-secondary institutions
Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 40 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTransferring credit from other Continuing Education programs
If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 60 hours for this program.
The Teaching Second Language Certificates specializing in English as a Second Language, Levels 1 and 2, can be applied toward TESL Canada Professional Certificate Standards 1 and 2, providing students have passed the ESL teaching practicum. It is important to note that TESL Canada certification requires candidates have a university degree with any major recognized in Canada. Please check the TESL Canada website for accreditation applications.
Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.
To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:
It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
See Graduation for details.
This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.
International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.
Get a 5% discount
Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering for three or more courses at the same time.
Register online or by calling 403-220-2866 or 1-866-220-4992. Some restrictions may apply (i.e., all courses must take place within the current academic year).