English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – PGASE
Formerly known as English Language Studies (ESL)
Sheridan offers full-time, intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes for students who want to improve their English skills for personal, professional or academic reasons.
The highest level, Level 5, can provide students with a conditional acceptance into a diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate at Sheridan.
5 levels of instruction
- Level 1 (formerly Foundations): 14 weeks; 25 hours/week
- Level 2 (formerly Pre-Intermediate): 14 weeks; 25 hours/week
- Level 3 (formerly Intermediate): 14 weeks; 25 hours/week
- Level 4 (formerly Advanced): 14 weeks; 25 hours/week
- Level 5 (formerly EAP): 14 weeks; 22 hours/week
Level placement
- You will be placed in an EAP level based on your current language proficiency level. You can either submit a valid test score (see chart below) or write the Sheridan EAP Placement test (Spotlight).
- The Sheridan EAP Placement test (Spotlight) is valid for 18 months from the test date to the start of the class. All other tests are valid for two years from the test date to the start of the class.
- Registration in the intended level and preferred campus are given out on a first‑come, first‑served basis to students who have paid fees, finalized their level placement, and submitted required study permit documents (if applicable). Students may be subject to campus or intake transfers due to seat availability.
This chart is effective January 2026
| Level | Sheridan Placement Test (Spotlight) | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
20–25 (lowest skill at 20) |
2.5–3 (lowest skill at 2) |
1.5–2 (lowest skill at 1) |
10–25 (lowest skill at 10) |
|
2 |
25–35 (lowest skill at 25) |
3–4 (lowest skill at 3.0) |
2–2.5 (lowest skill at 1.5) |
30–50 (lowest skill at 30) |
|
3 |
35–45 (lowest skill at 30) |
4–5 (lowest skill at 3.5) |
2.5–3 (lowest skill at 2) |
55–70 (lowest skill at 55) |
|
4 |
45–50 (lowest skill at 40) |
5–5.5 (lowest skill at 4.0) |
3–3.5 (lowest skill at 2.5) |
75–80 (lowest skill at 75) |
|
5 |
50–60 (lowest skill at 45) |
5.5–6 (lowest skill at 4.5) |
3.5–4 (lowest skill at 3) |
85–100 (lowest skill at 85) |
- Please note that final placement with the Sheridan EAP Placement Test (Spotlight) may not always match the chart above. Final placement is dependent on how students perform in their individual skills scores on the test.
- Students are placed in an EAP level according to their lowest individual skills score as listed in the above chart. For example:
- If an applicant has an IELTS Academic 5.0 for Speaking and Listening, an IELTS Academic 4.5 for Reading and an IELTS Academic 4.0 for Writing, the student will be placed in Level 3.
- If an applicant has an overall Sheridan EAP Placement Test (Spotlight) below 25, they will be placed in Level 1.
- If an applicant has an overall Sheridan EAP Placement Test (Spotlight) score between 25 and 35, they will still be placed in Level 1 if any of their individual scores are 20.
Courses include:
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Writing, Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Pronunciation
- Business Communication
- Skills for Success
Program fees
Refer to the "Fees & Financial Aid" tab on the EAP program page.
For international students:
The Fee Estimate enclosed in your Letter of Acceptance will include the fee and payment details for the intake you will be attending.
Start dates
You may apply to start the EAP program in September, January or May.
Location
The EAP program is offered at the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville and the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga. It is also offered virtually (online).
Credential
Upon successful completion of all the courses in the Level 5 program (including a General Education course), students will receive a General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate. Successful graduates can apply to other programs at Sheridan with no further testing required if their overall GPA is 70% (for certificate and diploma programs excluding Pharmacy Technician) and 75% (for all degrees and post-graduate certificates).