How to Choose an English School in Vancouver: 7 Things to Check

Sep 17

2 min read

Updated: Oct 23

Vancouver has dozens of English language schools, and their websites all look similar. This checklist shows what to compare before you pay a deposit. After each point you can see how St. George International College (SGIC) answers it, so you can use the same questions with any school.

››› 1. Is the school accredited and a Designated Learning Institution?

Accreditation by Languages Canada means the school is inspected for teaching quality and student protection. A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number means you can apply for a study permit. SGIC: accredited by Languages Canada. DLI numbers: Vancouver O19352161652, Toronto O212206178197.

››› 2. How long has the school been open?

A long track record lowers the risk of closures and refund problems. SGIC: open since 1994, with more than 135,000 graduates from over 70 countries. The Vancouver campus is the second SGIC campus after Toronto.

››› 3. What do real students say?

Look at Google reviews, not only the testimonials on the school's own site. Check both the rating and the number of reviews. SGIC: the Vancouver campus is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google from more than 200 reviews, as of September 2026.

››› 4. Where is the campus?

A downtown campus near the SkyTrain saves time and money every day. SGIC: 605 Robson St., Suite 200, in downtown Vancouver, a few minutes on foot from Granville and Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain stations. See the Vancouver campus.

››› 6. How are levels and progress handled?

Ask how you are placed and how you move up. SGIC: new students take an oral and written placement test. General English runs from Starter to Advanced. Each level lasts 8 weeks, and a grade of B (70%) or higher moves you to the next level. New students can start every Monday.

››› 7. What comes after General English?

If you want to study at a Canadian college or university, check the school's pathway agreements. SGIC: students who complete the University and College Pathway Program (UCPP) can enter partner institutions without an IELTS or TOEFL score. Partners include Humber College, Conestoga College, Trent University and Acadia University. SGIC also offers IELTS and TOEFL preparation, Business English, English for Medicine and TESOL.

››› Quick comparison table you can copy

Question	SGIC Vancouver
Languages Canada accredited	Yes
Designated Learning Institution	Yes, O19352161652
Founded	1994
Google rating	4.9 from 200+ reviews
Location	605 Robson St., downtown, near Granville SkyTrain
Start dates	Every Monday
University pathway without IELTS	Yes, with partner institutions