CAPILANO University began offering tuitionfree English as a second language courses to Canadian residents on April 1.
"I think what it really opens up is the potential for people who may have been delaying going back to school because of their English language levels," said Jean Bennett, dean of the faculty of health and education at Capilano University.
The courses are open to Canadian citizens including refugees and live-in caregivers with work permits but exclude international students. ESL students do not need to be enrolled in other classes at Capilano University.
The university plans to offer the courses each semester, but the early response has been modest, according to Bennett.
"I think because it's so new, we haven't actually seen a lot of impact on that yet," she said.
The school is planning to host information sessions in May or June to inform the public about the program, according to Bennett.
"I think that's when we'll start to have a better sense of the reception," Bennett said.
Capilano is one of 17 post-secondary schools in B.C. offering the tuition-free courses.
Once students are admitted to Capilano, they will still be responsible for application and admission fees, student union dues and purchasing course textbooks.
Adults who are short of money can apply for financial assistance from the Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program.
The program is intended to ensure Canadian citizens have the same opportunities as recent immigrants, according to a release from the province.
The courses are "great encouragement" for ambitious students who feel hamstrung by their lack of English skills, according to Bennett.
"I think it really opens the doors for those individuals, and particularly people who may have been in the country for awhile and developed some language skills but don't have enough, to pursue additional academic studies," Bennett said.
"We want to make sure all British Columbians have the adult education opportunities they need to find jobs," stated Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto in a press release.
