Language courses in Toronto, Ontario 2025

Toronto boasts a rich array of language courses, overseen by Languages Canada, ensuring high standards across the board. GEOS Languages Plus, Embassy English, and the European Centre are among those accredited by this respected body. The ILAC International English Language Academy, renowned for its excellence, goes beyond this accreditation, holding recognition from ALTO and British Columbia EQA, and earning several accolades including the Excellence Award 2016 and Top Language School 2016. ILAC is also an esteemed center for IELTS and TOEFL exams, adding to its credibility.

Laura Galindo

Marketing Director

At what age do foreign students usually enter English schools?

Our programs are for ages 16+. Nonetheless, the average age of our student population is between the ages of 18-35. 

Toronto's language schools cater to diverse needs, offering a range of programs:

• General Courses: Available in standard (20 lessons/week) and intensive (28 lessons/week) formats, these courses cover all proficiency levels from A1 to C2, with each class lasting 45-50 minutes.
• Mini Courses: Consisting of 10 lessons per week (7.5 hours total), perfect for those with time constraints.
• Individual Lessons: Tailored sessions ranging from 5 to 10 classes, with 2-6 daily lessons for all levels.
• Spoken English: Offered in standard (20 classes/week) and intensive (20+8 elective classes/week) for B1 level students.
• Long-term Programs: Ideal for those eyeing university enrollment or cultural immersion, these programs start from 20 classes per week and can last from 11 weeks to a year.
• Business English: Designed to boost business communication skills, with courses ranging from 20 to 38 lessons per week, and also available as long-term programs.
• Exam Preparation: For IELTS, TOEFL (20-30 lessons/week), and Cambridge exams like ESOL, FCE&CAE (20-38 lessons), ranging from 2 to 12 weeks.
• Pre-University Preparation: A comprehensive course without TOEFL/IELTS requirements, offering 30 or 38 lessons for a minimum of 8 weeks, starting from the Pre-Advanced level.

• Host Families: Immerse in Canadian culture with either single or double rooms, typically with full-board meals and essential amenities.
• Student Apartments: Single or double occupancy, self-catered with nearby cafes, equipped with TV, fridge, kitchen, and internet access.
• Residences: Offering essential amenities, laundry facilities, common relaxation areas, telephone, and internet access.

Fees vary based on course duration, type, and accommodation. Starting from 275 CAD per week for tuition alone, additional costs include registration fees (150 CAD), transfers, and medical insurance.

The cost of language courses in Toronto can vary widely based on factors like the type of course (intensive or part-time), the duration, the institution, and additional expenses such as housing, health insurance, and books. Here are some estimated costs for language courses in Toronto:

General Cost Estimates:

• Part-time courses generally cost between $100 and $300.

• Full-time programs can range from $300 to $500.

• High school programs are more expensive, with prices varying from $3,000 to $20,000​​.

• Specific Course Prices at ILSC Language Schools (2023-2024):

  • Full-Time Programs:

    • Intensive (30 lessons/week): $450 per week for 1-11 weeks, decreasing to $410 for 36+ weeks.

    • Morning (24 lessons/week): $400 per week for 1-11 weeks, decreasing to $360 for 36+ weeks.

    • Afternoon (24 lessons/week): $335 per week for 1-11 weeks, remaining at $305 for 24+ weeks​​​​.

  • Part-Time Programs:

    • Morning (17 lessons/week): $295 per week, consistent across all durations.

    • Afternoon (15 lessons/week): $180 per week, consistent across all durations​​​​.

• Additional Costs and Considerations:

  • English program costs depend on the chosen center and program specifics.

  • Health insurance may start at $30 CAD per week.

  • Book and supply costs vary by center and program.

  • Housing options include on-campus residences, homestays, or private apartments, with prices starting at $400 CAD for residences, $120 CAD per week for homestays, and $1,200 CAD per month for private apartments.

  • Food costs vary according to accommodation and meal plan choices.

  • Visa costs depend on the program's duration and the student's nationality, with student permits costing $150 CAD for 6+ month programs and visitor visas costing $100 CAD for shorter programs​.

Vast Selection of Courses and Programs
The city is home to several dozen universities and colleges, as well as language schools; many of them are part of large international networks. This makes it easy for applicants to choose a school, whether in the heart of the metropolis or in a quiet suburb surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.

Excellent Value for Money
90% of language courses in Toronto are accredited and meet the highest international standards. At the same time, studying here is 20-30% cheaper than in the USA, UK, and Australia.

Multiculturalism Policy 
All residents of Canada are either migrants or descendants of migrants. The country has a welcoming attitude toward expats, and newcomers are referred to as "new Canadians." At least 40% of students who come to study in the country intend to obtain permanent residency.

Opportunity to Study and Work
Adult students enrolled in both long-term and short-term programs can combine study and work (allowed to work up to 20 hours per week).

Small Group Sizes 
Local language schools and camps are known for their small group sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio, allowing for the individual needs of most students to be met.

Bilingual Country
This is a drawback that can turn into an advantage. On the one hand, Canada's official bilingualism allows you to improve two languages instead of one. On the other hand, linguistic communities are unevenly distributed: from fully Francophone Quebec to mixed Ontario or radically Anglophone British Columbia and Yukon. Therefore, when choosing a program and a course, it's important to pay close attention to the details.

Climate Conditions  
On average, summer temperatures range between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. Similar temperatures are seen in winter—but below zero. This is accompanied by snowstorms, winds, blizzards, high humidity, and noticeable solar activity.

Visa Difficulties 
In theory, obtaining a Canadian visa is not difficult, but due to non-functioning consular and visa services and a series of sanctions and counter-sanctions, the once simple process can turn into a challenge.

Toronto offers a wide range of English language learning programs. The most common are General English, Semi-Intensive English, and Intensive English—basic courses with varying levels of intensity, designed to teach speaking, reading, and writing. The difference lies in the price and the number of hours per week: from 20 hours for the standard course, to 24-26 hours for the semi-intensive course, and up to 30-36 hours for intensive programs. Prices range from CAD 250 to 450 per week, with children's language courses in Toronto offering similarly favorable conditions as adult courses.

Another popular option is one-on-one lessons. These are effective and flexible but come at a higher cost: adaptability and flexibility have their price. A key advantage is that the student doesn't need to adjust to the general level of the group. As for the cost, it averages CAD 100-200 per academic hour.

Preparatory programs help students prepare for international standard language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams. These courses require a certain level of language proficiency (at least B1, preferably B2) and help improve scores by 5-10 points, which can be crucial for applicants. Group classes with 10-20 students cost from CAD 380-550 per week.

Academic English programs have a different focus; they help students master terminology and academic writing. Schools and universities often enter into partnership agreements, allowing students to attend regular university lectures. Group sizes are usually 25-30 students, with weekly tuition costs ranging from CAD 350-580.

Business or work-oriented courses are aimed at those who plan to work or invest in English-speaking countries. The focus is on practical aspects: professional vocabulary, specialized courses on CV writing, and business correspondence. In addition to general courses, there are specialized classes for medical, legal, IT professionals, and more. The average cost is CAD 400-600 per week.

Short-term summer, spring, or winter programs, lasting from 3 weeks to a couple of months, are in demand as a way to organize leisure and educational activities for children and teenagers aged 10 to 18. There are various types of camps, schools, and courses—historical, religious, sports-focused (popular sports include hockey, cross-country running, lacrosse, football, rugby, and water sports), and scouting programs. Some language schools in Ontario offer affordable joint learning and vacation programs for children and their parents, where students participate in excursions and visit attractions together as a family. While children are busy studying, adults can shop or find other leisure options. The cost of these programs varies based on their intensity, duration, and format, ranging from CAD 1500 to 4000-5000 for a 3-week vacation.

It’s worth considering preparatory program options designed to help applicants gain admission to their chosen university or other higher education institutions.

Pathway is somewhat similar to English for Academic Purposes (EAP): in addition to studying grammar and vocabulary, students in these courses prepare for entrance exams and may attend lectures in their field. A significant advantage of the program is that students can be admitted to partner universities of the language schools without the need to provide a language certificate.

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is offered at a minimum of 10 universities in Toronto. It is similar to the Pathway program but more flexible and adaptable: even students with a beginner level of preparation can enroll. The programs are divided into several levels of varying duration. At higher levels, students also attend university lectures, which helps them adapt more easily to the new environment. Upon completing the program, students can also enroll without a certificate, but only at the university where they attended the course. The cost is CAD 3000-4500 per semester.

Foundation is the basic scenario for applicants whose grades or language proficiency do not meet the required level. These fixed one-year programs are aimed at preparing students for university education. They teach not only language but also soft skills and subjects related to the chosen field of study. Typically, applicants are required to have a language level of at least B1. The cost of one year of study ranges from CAD 7900 to 13,000.

Additionally, universities offer regular language programs (which are usually more expensive than similar programs in language schools and less flexible with stricter requirements). Universities often also prepare students for standardized tests.

When choosing a language school, the first step is to check for accreditation: without it, you won’t be able to obtain a visa. Additionally, accreditation is a key indicator of the high quality of the program.

To apply to a school, you will need to prepare a minimal set of documents, including an application form, a passport with a copy, and documents confirming payment of tuition and the registration fee. Some schools also require a refundable deposit.

In general, documents can be submitted through a special form, via email, or by traditional mail. Once the school makes an admission decision, it will send the student an invitation, which is necessary for the visa application process.

The admission process for university language courses is similar to that of a school; however, preparatory programs and academic English courses require the additional submission of a language certificate.

The majority of language courses and school programs use the communicative method in teaching: students learn through real-life situations. The vocabulary and topics depend on the group’s level of preparation or the content of the study program.

Classes are conducted in English, regardless of the students' proficiency level, allowing them to learn the course as effectively as possible.

Universities and some schools divide students into groups based on their level of proficiency, so it is advisable to take entrance exams in advance or determine your level using other tools. Preparatory programs often conduct interviews and assessments with applicants in English.

Those wishing to study at Toronto language schools and camps must obtain one of two documents (the best one depends on the length of the study program):

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It is intended for programs shorter than six months, a kind of analogous visa for tourists. The application takes 15 to 30 days to process, and there is a $73 application fee;
• Long-term study permit. If the application is approved in a single application package, the applicant receives a visitor's visa for the duration of study. These applications take 4-5 weeks to process and the application fee is slightly higher at $117.

Before applying to the visa center, it is necessary to enroll in a school or course and pay the full tuition fee. After that, the educational organization will send the applicant an invitation, which should be taken to the visa center or sent through a special form on the website of the migration service, attaching it to the general package of documents.

In any case, the applicant must provide biometrics and consent to the processing of personal data, and then undergo a medical examination after the application is submitted.
To apply for a visa, you need to provide the following documents:

• A receipt confirming the fact of payment of the consular fee;
• Original and certified copy of the general civil passport;
• Two photos 4,5*3,5 on a white background;
• A receipt confirming the fact of payment of the full tuition fee;
• Invitation letter from the school or course operator;
• Documents confirming financial solvency.

Consulate representatives may invite the applicant to an interview. As a rule, the list of questions includes information about the purpose of the visit, the reasons that motivate the student to return home after graduation: family ties, property, a certificate from the place of work with a list of income, although in most cases it will be enough to verbally declare the intention to return and the lack of desire to move to Canada for permanent residence.