English as a Second Language (ESL)

The ESL program application for Spring quarter has now closed, due to a high volume of applications. Please visit this website in April for more information about Summer quarter applications.

    Bellevue College provides English language classes to students with a college or career goal. Students learn reading, writing, speaking, listening and technology skills to develop their communication abilities in preparation for college and work. Classes are hybrid with both in-person and virtual requirements.

    • Immigrants, refugees, or U.S. Citizens over 18 years of age whose first language is not English.
    • We do not serve tourists or people with Foreign Student Visas ( J-1, F-1, M-1, B-1 or B-2). International students should check the English Language Institute: ELI Website

    Tuition is $25 per quarter for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

    • Please pay online with card through the self-service portal on Ctclink. Instructions are online for making a payment.
    • Or you can pay by phone 425-564-2309 with a card over the phone at your convenience. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.

    Tuition Waivers

    Help with payments is available with a: Quest card, unemployed, DSHS, SSI, WIC, HUD, Free or reduced lunch, or have a letter from a community organization. Please complete the tuition waiver form.

    • Tuition waivers are required for each quarter you are enrolled.
    • Tuition waivers require your ctcLink ID and should be completed in the first two weeks of the quarter.
    • Tuition Waivers may take 1-2 weeks to process.

    Workforce Education

    If your income is currently limited or you are currently receiving Basic Food Assistance (SNAP/EBT) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) from DSHS, or you are receiving unemployment insurance benefits (UI), the Bellevue College WorkForce Education office may be able to help you pay for tuition, textbooks, childcare or transportation costs.  To qualify, you can Apply Online, or visit them for more information. They are located in the U Building, 2nd floor, in U 212.

    View our class schedule online. Choose the Term and change the Academic Organization to ESL.

    Our ESL classes can only be accessed with a permission code. This is given to you at the time of registration. Your permission code only works one time and for the class you have been assigned.

    The ESL program offers day and evening courses. You choose the time and we choose the days, based on your level. View your schedule, start your class, and email your instructor on CANVAS once you are registered.

    Our classes are hybrid (some days in person, some days on Zoom). You must be able to attend both in-person and Zoom classes.

    How to Apply

    Please note that Bellevue College cannot guarantee a seat in an ESL class. Registration is on a space available basis for new and returning students and depends on the level of the student after the placement test.

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    Step 1: Application Form

    All new and returning students must complete the Basic & Transitional Studies Quick Admit Application.

    The application for Spring 2025 is now closed. Please visit this website in April for the Summer quarter application.

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    Step 2: Placement Test

    We will process your application in 2-3 weeks. If there is space in our testing sessions, we will invite you to sign up for a placement test (via email).

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    Step 3: Registration Session

    After you finish your placement test, it will take some time to process results. If there is space available in the level you need, we will invite you to receive your student account information and register for class.

    Contact Us

    Email us at esl@bellevuecollege.edu
    Visit our offices in R130 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    3000 Landerholm Circle SE
    Bellevue, WA 98007

    Important Dates and Deadlines

    Information Sessions

    Testing – CASAS Assessment

    All English as a Second Language (ESL) students are required to complete the CASAS Assessment (test). Students will be notified of testing instructions if there is space in testing sessions.

    Taking a placement test does not guarantee a seat in the class. Registration is on a space available basis.

    Website manager: Megumi DeMond

    Last Updated February 10, 2025