International Master of Teaching English (IMTE)

The British Council forecasts that over two billion people are currently speaking or learning English. However, many sources, including the Modern Language Association (MLA), highlight a growing disparity between the rising demand for language educators and the lack of skilled professionals to meet this increasing need. 

As a result, the global language learning market is experiencing a robust growth trajectory, resulting in an increased demand for highly qualified English/EAL/ESL teachers around the world.

The Saint Mary’s International Master of Teaching English program (IMTE) prepares graduates for international English language teaching careers. Completed in 16 months, the IMTE earns you the sought-after Master of Education degree in Teaching English as an International Language.

Key Benefits of the IMTE

• Our students pursue their Master of Education degree in an intercultural context, connecting with fellow educators from around the world; our 2024 and 2025 cohorts feature students from over twenty five countries.

• Saint Mary’s University is a Cambridge University Press & Assessment Authorised Teacher Training Centre (CA-355), part of the UK’s world-famous Cambridge University. IMTE includes opportunities to achieve internationally recognized credentials from Cambridge

• Saint Mary’s is the only university in Canada where students can complete a master’s degree and CELTA designation simultaneously.

         

• IMTE offers extensive practicum opportunities within public schools and community partner locations. Students can also complete an international teaching practicum at partner institutions. Recent graduates completed practicums in Colombia, Thailand, Hong Kong, UAE, and Germany.

• IMTE provides in-program performance scholarships to help students achieve additional professional credentials, including CELTA or DELTA

• IMTE includes extensive professional development opportunities, including membership in TESOL International Association, TESL Nova Scotia, TESL Canada, and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL).

• Many IMTE alumni have gone on to pursue PhD studies both here in Canada and abroad.

Innovative Curriculum

• Build a strong theoretical foundation in key areas of teaching English, while also honing real-world teaching skills through extensive practicum experiences.

• Acquire skills teaching in multilingual settings, using plurilingual methods, and using evidence-based classroom approaches such as translanguaging.

• Through a focus on educational and learning technologies, learn to successfully integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality into pedagogy and curriculum.

• Improve Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) and learn to conduct Needs Assessment.

In addition to an enriching curriculum delivered through a blend of theoretical studies and hands-on experiences, students in IMTE can achieve additional microcredentials while simultaneously earning their master’s degree.  Through IMTE professional development grants, our students have successfully completed the following courses during their IMTE residency:

Teaching English Online	Cambridge University
Volunteering with Refugees	Cambridge University
Blended and Hybrid Learning Design in Higher Education	University of Nottingham
Instructional Design: Course Development	University of California
Exploring Gender Equality in Education	British Council
Exploring Inclusive Pedagogies	British Council
Applying Research to Your Teaching Practice	University of Birmingham

 

To help student familiarize themselves with Canadian national standards, IMTE also includes CLB Bootcamp training through the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks

Admission Requirements

Our next available cohort is September 2026.  Applications open September 1, 2025

IMTE is designed for international students. Canadian citizens are not eligible for admission into this graduate program. Normally, a bachelor’s degree related to language studies (especially English language), or Education is expected, combined with relevant teaching experience. However, an academic background in other areas may be acceptable. The IMTE admissions committee assesses each application on an individual basis to determine applicants’ suitability.

Students applying for the IMTE program at Saint Mary’s University must submit the following:

• An online application form plus the $125 processing fee (non-refundable)

• Transcripts for all universities and colleges attended

• Please check with IMTE for country specific GPA requirements

• If transcripts are in a language other than English, a notarized translation is required.  

• Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application phase for evaluation.

• Three recommendation forms; at least one should be from an academic referee
• Recommendation Forms MUST be submitted via professional email addresses (i.e. NOT Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, 163, qq, etc). 

• Letter of Intent: how IMTE builds upon your previous experiences and will contribute to your career aspirations

• A current CV/resumé

• Official proof of English language proficiency (applicants whose first language is not English)
• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0

• TOEFL iBT minimum 83 with no band below 20
• other minimum proficiency test scores accepted
• The IMTE Admissions Committee may seek additional communication with students regarding their academic English skills.

 

The deadline to file your online application and pay the application fee is May 1, 2026. All required documents must be received by the university by May 31, 2026.

We encourage students to apply early as we issue admissions to qualified candidates on a first come – first served basis.

 

Estimated tuition fees

International Students: $26,000 (approximately $6,500/term)

Fees are paid in four installments at the beginning of each term. For miscellaneous fees and international health insurance charged by the university, please visit Graduate Tuition and Fees.

All applicants are automatically considered for entrance scholarships, valued up to $5,000. These are competitively awarded to top-ranked applicants following a review by our admissions committee. No additional scholarship application is required.

 

Apply Now

Apply online

Contact Information

Email IMTE@smu.ca