The General Arts – English for Academic Purposes (GEA) certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic helps students strengthen their English language proficiency and academic skills required for success in post-secondary education and professional environments.
Students develop advanced reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while building confidence in academic communication, critical thinking, problem solving and technology-supported learning. The program also focuses on self-awareness, social responsibility and foundational vocational skills that support future academic and career success.
Upon successful completion, graduates are better prepared to enter diploma, degree, graduate certificate or master's programs and pursue employment opportunities with improved communication and academic readiness.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. • Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent. • International applicants must provide academic transcripts and graduation documents. • Intended for students who wish to improve English language proficiency and academic skills before entering post-secondary programs.
- ELP Requirement: • No specific IELTS requirement for admission. • Students are admitted to improve English language proficiency and academic readiness. • Placement may be based on English language assessment or previous academic background.
- Special Requirement: • Academic English preparation program. • Focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. • Designed to prepare students for diploma, degree, graduate certificate and master's programs. • Available through Online and Hybrid delivery formats. • Strong emphasis on academic communication, critical thinking and study skills. • Ideal pathway program for students needing additional English preparation.
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $15,500
- Total Tuition Fee: $15,500
- Course Duration: 8 Months
- Credentials: Certificate
- Intake: September 2026 January 2027 May 2027
• Completed application form
• CAD $90 application fee
• Passport copy
• Academic transcripts
• Graduation certificate (if applicable)
• English language assessment documents (if requested)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Additional documents requested by Seneca Polytechnic
• Monitor application status through Seneca Student Home