This study investigated the English language needs of 70 Chinese students at a Canadian university. The students (37 graduate students and 32 visiting scholars), were surveyed for background information (position and workplace in China, time in Canada, and major) and the perceived importance for success in Canada of 15 academic skills and 15 social skills. Results suggest that all academic skills are considered very important, except that some skills (e.g., test writing) were less important for visiting scholars. Visiting scholars gave priority to oral communication and obtaining information. Graduate students appeared to be more concerned with overall command of all academic- and research-oriented English, especially for effective writing. Only slight differences in perception were found between academic fields. Language training for social skills appeared to be considered as important as academic English training. Ranking of social skills suggests that understanding the culture and customs of Canada are important in Chinese students' adaptation to social life in Canada. The findings support previous research and suggest re-evaluation of some English course content and activities. (MSE)