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SM SCS Certificate of Proficiency in English Language and Culture

Please note that admissions to the English Language and Culture (ELC) program will be phased out by 2026. The last session of the program will be offered from October 27th to December 5th, 2025. To explore other courses or options available to you at this time, please contact info.conted [at] mcgill.ca or call 514-398-6200.

Note that all interested students must take a before registering for courses or applying to the program.

The ELC program is designed to enable you to achieve an advanced level of English and a deep understanding of culture in the English-speaking world.

It is a full-time, 6-week course offered 6 times a year over 8 levels leading to the SM Certificate of Proficiency in English, recognized by the University as meeting the English requirements for entryat both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

You will also meet international standards such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

Type: Certificate
Schedule: Full-time
Time: Daytime, Monday-Friday
Delivery: In-person
Domain: Global and Strategic Communication
Questions? language.scs [at] mcgill.ca

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Program Courses and Levels


The intensive Certificate in of Proficiency in English Language and Culture is made up of three main levels (Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced) and comprises eight courses.

Once you complete successfully the Advanced courses with a grade of 65% (B-) or higher, the passing grade for this program, you will qualify for the Certificate of Proficiency in English – Language and Culture. While you must pass both courses to attain the Certificate, you can take them in any order.

Depending on the results of your placement test and which course/level you are placed in, use the graph below to determine which courses you will need to complete to earn your certificate.

Course CEFR CLB IELTS TOEFL
CEGL 213 - Elementary 1 A1-A2 2 < 4 < 30
CEGL 223 - Elementary 2 A2 3 < 4 30-34
CEGL 313 - Intermediate 1 A2-B1 4 4.5-5 35-44
CEGL 323 - Intermediate 2 B1+ 5 5-5.5 45-55
CEGL 355 - Bridge to Proficiency B2+ 7-8 6 66-75
CEGL 413 - Advanced 1* C1 9 6.5 76-90
CEGL 423 - Advanced 2* C1 9 6.5 76-90

*Both levels are neededfor the Certificate of Proficiency
CEFR: Common European Frame of Reference
CLB: Canadian Language Benchmarks


Learning Outcomes


The program is designed to enable you to achieve an advanced level of English and a deep understanding of culture in the English-speaking world. Upon completion, you will be able to:

  • Follow university-level academic courses in English successfully
  • Function comfortably in an English-speaking work environment
  • Write clear and coherent academic and professional texts in English
  • Express yourself confidently and appropriately in any situation

You will also achieve the following objectives :

  • Receive the SM Certificate of Proficiency in English – Language and Culture
  • Be recognized at SM as meeting the English language requirements for entry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Meet international standards such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)

Our approach to Teaching and Learning


In this unique intensive program, you will gain the skills to work, study and live in English or French thanks to our active, practical and individualized approach to teaching and learning. Our unique research-based approach is driven by the 5 following pillars:

1. Authentic

When learning a new language, you need practical knowledge and skills that enable you to communicate in real situations. That’s why our classes focus on using real material on actual topics. Whether you want to work, study or just socialize in English, our classes will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need.

2. Individualized

When learning a new language, you need practical knowledge and skills that enable you to communicate in real situations. That’s why our classes focus on using real material on actual topics. Whether you want to work, study or just socialize in English, our classes will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need.

3. Active

Since learning happens by doing, our classes use a task-based approach. Your class time will be spent speaking and understanding, allowing you to strengthen your language skills with every session.

4. Professional

Our lecturers know a thing or two about teaching English—with an average of 10 years of experience, your instructors are well equipped to provide you with the necessary tools to develop your language skills.

5. Tech-savvy

As language learning becomes increasingly digital, SM uses the latest technology to help students develop their language skills. To access our online resources, students need to bring a laptop or tablet to class every day.


Cultural Discovery Project

Dive into a topic related to Canadian or Montreal life and culture that interests you through a Cultural Discovery Project. Done once per course as part of a group, you will have the chance to explore an aspect of the culture of Montreal or Canada as well as interview an expert. Past topics have included:

  • Montreal Gems – Tourist Attractions
  • Places to Travel in Canada
  • Urban Environmental Sustainability
  • Montreal Food Specialties
  • Religious Diversity in Canada
  • Montreal’s Non-Profit Sector
  • Montreal’s Music Scene
  • Visual Arts in Montreal

Cultural Exchanges

During Cultural Exchanges, you will have the opportunity to connect and exchange with members of the SM Community for Lifelong Learning, an association at SM of retired folks who get together to stay active and keep learning. Cultural Exchanges include activities such as:

  1. SPEAK Conversation Partners
    ELC students and MCLL members are paired for weekly meetings over a longer period. The students and seniors meet via Zoom of by phone to chat and exchange. This is a great way to learn about Canadian culture with a Canadian who has a lot of experience and stories to tell!

  2. Brainy Bar
    You will have the chance to work with MCLL members who would like a little friendly technical help with their phones, tablets, computers, software – anything they want to know about in the world technology.

  3. SHARE Events
    During SHARE Events, MCLL members join classes for a visit and engage in 10-minute conversations with groups of students before moving to the next group. It is like “speed dating” to help you learn English with native speakers, giving you a chance to meet, exchange and make new friends from Canada.


Session Dates and Fees
Each semester contains two 6-week sessions:
Semester Session 1 Session 2
Winter 2025 January 13 – February 21 March 10 – April 18
Summer 2025 May 5 – June 13 June 30 – August 8
Fall 2025 September 8 – October 17 October 27 – December 5
The fee for one 6-week session is $3,033.84 CAD.

Fees are subject to changes and adjustments.

Daily Schedule

Every week, you have 24 hours of class with two SM teachers. At lunch time, conversation partners will visit your classroom to help you practice. And there are fun optional after school activities every week.

Montreal Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:30 AM -
12:00 PM
Morning Class Morning Class Morning Class Morning Class Morning Class
Lunch Break Conversation
Partners
visit classrooms
Conversation
Partners
visit classrooms
1:00 PM -
3:30 PM
Afternoon Class
(finishes at 3:00 PM)
Afternoon Class Afternoon Class Afternoon Class Afternoon Class
(finishes at 3:00 PM)
After school
activity
3:00 to 5:00 PM
(optional)
Explore Montreal
Outing 3:00 PM
to 5:00 PM
(optional)

As language learning becomes increasingly digital, SM uses the latest technology to help students develop their language skills. To access our online resources, students must bring a laptop or tablet to class every day.


How to Apply


Application Details

PDF icon ELC Application Process: Canadian/Permanent Resident Status

PDF icon ELC Application Process: International Students

Find more information about how to apply, including fees, deadlines, processing times and deferrals.

Placement Test

All interested students must take abefore applying to the program.
If you missed the deadline to register for a placement test, please contact us to make an arrangement at language.scs [at] mcgill.ca.

The placement test is done online. To complete the speaking portion of the test, you will need a USB headset with a microphone installed on your computer.

Registration Forms

Registration forms (new students)

Registration forms (returning students)


Why Montreal?

A world-renown city famous for its food, festivals, international events and cultural diversity!

Montreal ranked as according to

Montreal has been ranked among the top 50 best cities in the world, according to.

Why SM?

SM is one of Canada's best-known institutions of higher learning and one of the leading universities in the world. International students from more than 150 countries make up nearly 30% of SM's student body ‒ the highest proportion of any Canadian research university.

SM has been named Canada’s best university, according to the 19th edition of the , released by global higher education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds. The University was ranked 31stuniversity in the world.

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