English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Overview

This program helps you prepare for a college or university program by providing academic writing, reading, listening and speaking skills to Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) level 8, in all skill areas.

Through English for Academic Purposes (EAP), you improve your English vocabulary and grammar. You also develop your research skills and readiness for post-secondary academic study.  Small class sizes ensure you get one-on-one support and many opportunities for collaboration. You also get free access to many supports and services, such as advising and counselling.

You work on college and university-level assignments, including:

• Research essays
• Oral presentations
• Literature reviews
• Annotated bibliographies using APA or MLA citation styles
• Reflective journals
• Project reports
• Research projects
• Novel studies
• Academic discussions
• Oral presentations
• Academic essays
• Paraphrasing and research skills
• APA referencing standards
• Note-taking skills

Other info

• Subject to seat availability, you may be able to start the program in September, January or March.
• The length of the program varies, depending on your pace. Most students spend at least 3 to 4 terms in the program.
• Students who wish to attend other institutions must comply with the language requirements of those individual schools, as each university or college may have different English language requirements.
• Financial support for EAP is provided by Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and federal grant options.
• EAL programs: Students who do not meet the English language proficiency required for this program should consider alternate English programs offered by Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).

January 2027

Admission requirements

• The program is available to immigrant students with the following statuses: permanent resident, refugee with protected person status, Canadian citizen born outside Canada or individuals with a Canadian work permit who have applied for permanent residency. You must have:
  • Proof of immigration status (copy of permanent resident/refugee/citizenship status)
  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent
  • Proof of current English language proficiency, either by means of:
    • TOEFL (CBT) score 173 or above or (iBT) score 65 or above CanTEST 3.5-4.0
    • IELTS Academic 5.5-6.0
    • CLBA 6/6/6/6 (i.e., completed LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers 6)

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

This program is not eligible for a Nova Scotia Student Loan.

For eligible students, there is no tuition cost or College services fee for this program.

Fees

• A fee for Student Health and Dental Benefits is required for full-time students.
• Students can opt-out of the Student Health and Dental Plan if they already have equivalent coverage.
• A fee for a virtual health care service is required for full and part time students. Students can opt out of virtual health care by completing an opt out form by the deadline.
• Metro campuses only - Students are required to purchase a Halifax Transit U-Pass 

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)