Downtown Vancouver is where VanWest College runs its English language school for adults who want better English for work, exams or further study. Classes are small, with IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation alongside general English. A pathway option helps students meet the English requirement at partner colleges and universities. Short courses under six months can often be taken without a study permit; longer study needs one.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Official website: vanwest.com
Private English language school
Downtown Vancouver
General English, exam preparation and pathways
CA$12,000 – CA$18,000
Full-time English study, approximate yearly cost
CA$16,000 – CA$22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on vanwest.com before you apply.
General English
English LanguageDuration
4 to 48 Weeks
Intake
Year-round
Exam Score
Placement test
IELTS Preparation
English LanguageDuration
4 to 12 Weeks
Intake
Year-round
Exam Score
Placement test
Cambridge Exam Preparation
English LanguageDuration
10 to 12 Weeks
Intake
Year-round
Exam Score
Placement test
University Pathway Program
English LanguageDuration
12 to 36 Weeks
Intake
Year-round
Exam Score
Placement test
Small English classes in downtown Vancouver.
IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation.
Pathway routes into partner colleges and universities.
Students use their improved English to enter Canadian colleges, universities or jobs.
Pathway students can avoid a separate English test at some partner institutions.
Language study on its own does not lead to a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Not applicable
Classes are in downtown Vancouver, close to shops, SkyTrain and the seawall. Homestay with a local family is a common choice for language students.
Vancouver is mild and wet in winter and busy with outdoor life in summer. Rent is high, so homestay or shared flats keep costs down.
Letter of acceptance from VanWest College
BC provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
VanWest accepts enrolments year-round. Book at least two months ahead for short courses, and four to six months ahead if you need a study permit.
English courses start frequently through the year, and start dates differ by course. Check the calendar for your course.
You'll need a study permit. VanWest College sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
General English, IELTS preparation, Cambridge exam preparation and the university pathway are the main courses. There are no academic entry requirements; you take a placement test to find your level.
Scholarships are rare at language schools, but VanWest sometimes runs seasonal discounts. Ask admissions for current offers.
