- Take the mandatory placement test to determine your proficiency level.
- Review the courses available at your level.
- Complete the registration form.
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for staff
uOttawa personnel have the opportunity to enrol in free second-language courses. Our courses are tailored to various proficiency levels ensuring that learners of all abilities can find the right fit. Certain courses may also be open to family members.
Course description by level
Timetable
Summer 2025
Please note that all courses will be held virtually for the Summer 2025 term. Course registration ends two weeks prior to the start of the course.
Beginner
Course code | Course title | Hours | Total duration | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|---|
ESL 1210 – A | Beginner: Reading and Listening Skills | 30hrs | June 3 to August 12, 2025 (10 weeks) | Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am to 1:00pm |
Elementary
Course code | Course title | Hours | Total duration | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|---|
ESL 1212 – A | Elementary: Speaking and Writing Skills | 30hrs | June 3 to August 12, 2025 (10 weeks) | Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am to 1:00pm |
Intermediate
Course code | Course title | Hours | Total duration | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|---|
ESL 2222 – A | Intermediate: Listening & Speaking | 15hrs | June 2 to July 2, 2025 (5 weeks) | Monday and Wednesday 12:00pm to 1:30pm |
ESL 2201 - A | Oral Communication Workshop (intensive) | 12hrs | May 27 to May 30, 2025 (4 mornings) | Tuesday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm |
ESL 2201 - B | Oral Communication Workshop (intensive) | 12hrs | July 8 to July 11, 2025 (4 mornings) | Tuesday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm |
Intermediate / Advanced
Course code | Course title | Hours | Total duration | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|---|
ESL 4011 - A | Academic Writing for Publication in English: 3 Workshop series open to all (+ optional individual sessions for APUO members only) | 3hrs+ | June 5, July 3 and August 7, 2025 (10 weeks) | Workshop dates: June 5, July 3 and August 7, 2025 - 4:00pm-5:00pm |
Advanced
Course code | Course title | Hours | Total duration | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|---|
ESL 3431 – A | Advanced: Listening & Speaking | 15hrs | July 8 to August 7, 2025 (5 weeks) | Tuesday and Thursday 12:00pm to 1:30pm |
Registration
For all questions related to language courses for University of Ottawa staff, please contact [email protected].
Additional language learning resources

Julien Couture Resource Centre (JCRC)
The Julien Couture Resource Centre (JCRC) hosts a specialized collection of educational tools and activities for language learners of French and English. All members of the uOttawa community are welcome to the JCRC to take advantage of the many resources available to them to help improve their language skills.

ILOBify
ILOBify is a comprehensive web application that centralizes a diverse array of linguistic tools, designed to enhance language skills. This app assists users in finding resources, services, and information, ultimately helping them become confident French and English speakers.

Linguistic Risk-Taking Passport
The Linguistic Risk-Taking Passport is a tool that encourages uOttawa community members to take various linguistic risks that will boost their confidence in a second or additional language. By integrating these risks into your daily life, you can fully leverage your experience on our unique bilingual campus and in other multilingual settings.

The Mauril app, a fun way to learn French and English
Mauril is a language learning application designed to help you learn English and French with the help of a wide variety of content provided by CBC and Radio Canada. The app features an array of interactive quizzes and activities to test your knowledge, further your language skills, and enrich your vocabulary.