Wilfrid Laurier University

Laurier Scholars Program

Laurier has recently launched the prestigious Laurier Scholars Program, which offers high-achieving students a CAD$40,000 entrance scholarship as well as opportunities to engage in independent and collaborative projects that focus on experiential learning in academic development, career and leadership development, and community engagement. Successful students will also receive faculty mentorship throughout their degree studies, attend the Scholars' Colloquim, showcase their work at the annual Scholars' Conference, and, in their fourth year, provide mentorship to first-year scholars.

The scholarship is renewable for each year of undergraduate studies, provided students meet the renewal requirements.

International academic pathway partnership

The university has recently partnered with Navitas to develop Wilfrid Laurier International College (WLIC), which provides international students with a customized academic pathway into undergraduate studies at Laurier.

WLIC is located in Laurier's Brantford campus and offers pathways into undergraduate programs on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses.

New facilities

The One Market building on Brantford campus is currently being expanded. The new 8,000-square-foot space will include a student lounge, games area, large table games (ping-pong and pool), group workspaces, lockers, and a kitchenette.

New digital media qualification

From September 2021, students who study digital media and journalism will also take additional courses to earn a certificate in digital media production. Studied alongside the degree, this skills-based certificate will compromise of eight courses taken over four years. It will provide practical training that complement the theoretical elements of the course.

Fall Virtual Open House

Discover more about what Laurier has to offer with Virtual Open House events. The Brantford campus is hosting a day of virtual events on Saturday, Nov. 6, starting with an International Student Information Session. Then, on Saturday, Nov. 13, the Waterloo campus is hosting a day of virtual events, starting with an International Student Information Session. Other events on both days will focus on residence, admissions, financial aid and more.

Live and on-demand events will continue throughout November to give students more information on Laurier's programs and campuses. View the full schedule, including how to register.

One of the fastest-growing universities in Canada, and frequently rated one of its best, Laurier teaches a variety of subjects and has a range of learning opportunities.

Its teaching approach blends traditional education with innovative programs, mixing detailed classroom theory and real-world experience. There are also significant opportunities for students to conduct research alongside leading academics.

The university prioritizes student engagement both inside and outside the classroom, and Laurier is consistently highly ranked for student services and instructor quality (Maclean's University Rankings). The faculty are experts in their field, and many have been recognized nationally and internationally for their work and dedication. The expert professors are also incredibly supportive, and with a teacher to student ratio at 1:25, are easy to approach and seek guidance from.

Students can take on paid work during their studies through Laurier's extensive co-operative education program, which includes the largest business co-op program in Canada. Providing work-integrated learning opportunities, the program provides employment-related development opportunities, professional skills, and valuable networking opportunities. During their time in the program, students are further supported by the university's dedicated co-op office, as well as by the employers linked with the program.

The high teaching quality, accessible support and innovative learning all help students launch successful careers and become industry leaders upon graduation.

Further education

Laurier has recently launched a new section of their website that highlights further education through the university. The site allows users to sign up for non-credit courses, workshops and certificates that can be attained through the university.

Laurier's individual undergraduate programs have specific academic entry requirements for its applicants. Prospective students need to check their specific discipline choice on the university's website for further details on how to apply. If international applicants require advice on their application, they can contact Laurier's international admissions office for support. Students can also request a one-on-one appointment with an international recruitment and admissions coordinator, who can answer questions and provide more information on admissions processes and requirements.

As all the courses are taught in English, all applicants must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency to study at Laurier. If English is not a student's first language, they will need to provide sufficient evidence of their English language proficiency to the university's Recruitment and Admission office.

Students who meet the academic requirements for their chosen program but not the English proficiency requirements will receive a conditional offer of admission. One way for students to provide proof of English proficiency and clear this condition on their offer is to study in the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program. To register in the LEAF Program, students must submit their most recent score from an eligible test of English proficiency, which will determine the level they'll start in. In level 5 of the LEAF Program, students will complete a university-level course and receive credits towards their degree when they successfully complete the course.

There are a variety of funding opportunities for both incoming and current students at the university. Further details on scholarships and bursaries including amount, application requirements and other conditions are all available on Laurier's website.

Laurier automatically assesses students for in-course scholarships across the upper years of the program of study. These are academically assessed, with student's grade point average (GPA) being considered. Those who receive this scholarship can be awarded between CAD 500 and CAD 1,500 annually. The university also offers entrance scholarships, which are also based on a student's grades and require no formal application either.

Students can also apply for competitive scholarships or awards at every year of study. To be considered for this type of financial aid, applicants need to complete an online profile which requires information on their academic achievements, financial needs, interests, and involvement in university activities.

There are also several scholarships and awards for international students specifically. This includes the annual Inspiring Lives Scholarship, which is given to international students who have demonstrated leadership and inspiration in their communities.

Students have consistently rated the university highly for the quality of support services, which begins at their initial application and goes right into their careers as Laurier alumni.

Support is provided by a team of staff and student volunteers who been specially trained to support students who are coming into different learning environments than their own.

For international students, Laurier International can help on a variety of issues, including work permits, visas, preparation for arrival, getting used to life in Canada and adapting to the Canadian university experience. Laurier International also matches all first-year students with an upper-year student mentor, called an International Student Leader, who can provide information and advice from a student perspective.

To make things as simple, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible, Laurier's wider student support services also offer advice on health, safety and academic issues. This includes personalized and confidential mental wellness support, and online support in multiple languages. There are also licensed health care professionals on campus, including doctors nurses chiropractors physiotherapists and counsellors. The university also provides specialist programming to help improve aspects of health, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

The Career Centre provides students with expert career consultants who help them get started with their career, develop employable skills, and find tailored work experience. Students can also connect with a career consultant who specializes in supporting international students with their specific work and career development needs.

The university also hosts careers fairs, employer sessions and panel events to help students' network and establish what they want to do upon graduation. Laurier students can also attend for free the Partners 4 Employment career fair, which connects students with dozens of employers and is the largest career fair of its kind in Canada.

Student employment initiatives recognized

In 2021, Laurier was recognized as one of the top employers for young people in the nation (Canada's Top 100 Employers) for a second year in a row. Awarded for its recruitment and retainment success using mentorship and training, as well as flexible working and tuition support, Laurier is only one of two higher education institutions to have received this accolade.

In 2020, 94.9 percent of Laurier's international students were employed or pursuing further education within 12 months of graduation.

To provide beneficial student exchange programs, Laurier is partnered with 70 other institutions around the world. The university also holds over 800 events and workshops every year at its Career Centre to provide work opportunities for students.

Students can take on part-time work during their studies, adding practical experience and maximizing their employability and earning potential. This benefit isn't limited to the duration of study, as Laurier graduates are able to work in Canada for three years following graduation and are eligible to apply for citizenship following that. International Student Advisors can assist students and provide guidance with applying for a post-graduation work permit.

In addition to this, Laurier's International Student Work Experience Program finds and creates opportunities for international students, both on campus and online.

Helping graduates become successful leaders, the university provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and entrepreneurship. This is achieved through ground-breaking courses, outstanding support services, vibrant student societies and high-impact curricular programs delivered through leading industry partners.

The university has a strong reputation for being experts in training future entrepreneurs and change-making professionals and Laurier was named an AshokaU Changemaker Campus in 2016.