Teacher Training: TESL Programs

Teach Abroad or Teach Locally, Your Teaching Career Starts Here

Next Start Dates: October 27, 2025 / July 6, 2026

TESL Certificate Admission Requirements

International Student:

Complete high school or be a mature student of 18 years and older
Pass an admissions interview

Domestic Student:

Complete high school
Pass an admissions interview

All students (International and Domestic) must meet the following language requirements:

A minimum of 3 years completed between grades 8-12, including English 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, OR
Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution (not including language development courses) where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is one of the principal languages, OR
Successful completion of VGC’s Intermediate Preparation Program at VGC OR
reach an IELTS 5.5 (academic) or TOEFL iBT 46. We also accept a number of other tests, including Duolingo. Please see the website for a detailed list of all accepted tests and scores at VGC.ca/policies

TESL Diploma Admission Requirements

International Student

Complete high school or be a mature student of 18 years and older
Pass an admissions interview

Domestic Student

Complete high school
Pass an admissions interview

All students (International and Domestic) must meet the following language requirements:

A minimum of 3 years completed between grades 8-12, including English 11 with a grade of ‘B’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, OR
Completion of 4 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution (not including language development courses) where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is one of the principal languages, OR
Successful completion of VGC’s Advanced University Preparation Program at VGC OR
reach an IELTS 7.0 (academic) or TOEFL iBT 100. We also accept a number of other tests, including Duolingo. Please see the website for a detailed list of all accepted tests and scores at VGC.ca/policies

Get your TESL Certificate in Vancouver at VGC! This accredited program provides pedagogical theory, teaching methodology, strategies and practical approaches to developing the skills and knowledge base you require to become an effective English language teacher. You will be given the opportunity to show application of methodology and skills in a real teaching and learning environment.

This program includes the following areas:

Learning and teaching: background and theory
Practical methodology: teaching skills and systems
Language awareness
Observations
Practicum

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program you will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

plan a series of ESL lessons that cover different skills and systems for learners at different levels.
competently deliver the lessons you have planned to a class of ESL learners. (For diploma students only)
provide and receive meaningful feedback to and from peers.
reflect on your own learning and teaching, act on feedback, and demonstrate improvement.

What’s the Difference: Certificate vs Diploma?

Diploma: If you want to have the option of teaching both here in Canada and abroad, then the diploma program is for you. As well as providing you with a solid background in theory and methodology, this 5 week program incudes a 1 week practicum where you will have the opportunity to teach real classes of our students taking ESL courses at VGC.

This experience is invaluable preparation which equips you well to find a job anywhere. This program meets the minimum requirements necessary to teach ESL both domestically and abroad.

Certificate: Are you interested in learning more about the theory and approaches behind ESL teaching? Are you interested in teaching abroad? The certificate program gives you the same in-depth background in theory and methodology but without the week practicum portion.

Which one to take: TESOL, TESL, TEFL?

Confused? These programs are essentially the same – you will receive the same set of instructions and learn the same skills. The difference in the names relate to where you’re taking the program:

TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is the general name for the field of teaching the English language
TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language, teaching programs that run in English-speaking countries
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language, teaching programs that run in countries where English is not the primary language

INTERESTED IN TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD?

Launch your international adventure of teaching English overseas with our TESL program’s RO Working Holiday opportunity! Eligible Canadian citizens aged 18-35 who successfully complete our TESL Diploma Program can embark on a journey to teach English abroad, with assistance in finding work and securing the necessary visa through VGC. This program is available in countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada, offering a seamless way to gain international experience. For more information and to start your global teaching journey, contact us today!

Watch our Student’s Experience

Program Information

Monday to Friday – 8:45am to 3:25pm (PST)

Class start and end times may vary as schedules will be modified to accommodate Canadian holidays.

PTIRU Approved Program
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
Post Program Career Occupations

Students graduating from this program can work as ESL teachers or ESL tutors (NOC LIST 4021, 4031)
Duration
- Certificate: 4 weeks in length, 105 hours in total
- Diploma: 5 weeks in length with final week as in-class Practicum, 130 hours in total
Fees
TESL Certificate:
- Domestic Students
  Tuition: $1,300
  Application Fee: $200
  Administration Fee: $75
  Text Books: $85
  Course Materials: $30
- Other (if applicable): $494
- International Students
  Tuition: $1,300
  Application Fee: $200
  Administration Fee: $75
  Text Books: $85
  Course Materials: $30
- Other (if applicable): $494
TESL Diploma:
- Domestic Students
  Tuition: $1,625
  Application Fee: $200
  Administration Fee: $75
  Text Books: $85
  Course Materials: $515
- Other (if applicable): $515
- International Students
  Tuition: $1,625
  Application Fee: $200
  Administration Fee: $75
  Text Books: $85
  Course Materials: $30
- Other (if applicable): $515
Please visit our Fees page or contact marketing@vgc.ca to learn about our special price promotions.
VGC Working Holiday Visa (RO)

Eligible Canadian graduates from VGC’s TESL program may be eligible to participate in the Working Holiday Program. Contact marketing@vgc.ca to learn more this opportunity and get your visa to teach English abroad in select countries with VGC!