Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

This enriching program will prepare you to become a specialist educator of English as a Second Language (ESL) at both the elementary school level (including regular and intensive ESL) and the secondary school level (including regular ESL and EESL – Enriched English as a Second Language).

A program that fosters the ideals of mentorship, this B.Ed. consists of both academic and student-teaching field experience components. The academic coursework provides you with opportunities to develop a broad liberal education and to study language and language learning from linguistic, social, cultural and psychological perspectives. The professional internship involves guided field experiences which are enhanced by studies in pedagogy and educational foundation. You will graduate with both the theoretical and practical experience necessary to thrive in your future career.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

Once you complete this undergraduate degree, you will be qualified to teach in English as a Second Language (ESL) in elementary and secondary schools. ESL teachers are in demand in Quebec, across Canada, and internationally. Many graduates choose to work in occupations that focus on education, community programming, educational technology, curriculum development, and administration. You can work at public and private schools, community organizations, recreation centres, educational technology start-ups, and government.

You could become a professional:

• English as a Second Language Teacher, Elementary or Secondary School
• Adult Literacy Instructor
• Educational Technology Developer
• Curriculum Specialist

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades